Hey everyone. Today we're making a table runner for the weekend, and you'll learn how a free charm pattern can dress up a table in just a couple of sittings.
Let's Talk About the Pattern First
Here we go. The star today is Charm Friday (Digital Download).
This one is a little different, folks. It is not a cut of fabric. It is a free digital download pattern from Linda's Electric Quilters. You download it, print what you need, and you are ready to sew.
The listing tells us exactly what you get. Step-by-step instructions. Fabric requirements. And cutting guides. All in one place, y'all.
It is beginner-friendly too. The listing says it is perfect for quilters of all levels. No guesswork. Just follow along, one step at a time.
And that name tells you the plan. Charm Friday. A charm project. Those 5-inch charm squares are super duper fun, and they let the fabric do the talking.
We're not reinventing the wheel here. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
The Project: A Weekend Table Runner
A table runner is my favorite fast finish. It is small enough to complete. It is useful the minute it is done. And it makes an everyday table look like you tried, even on a Tuesday.
Why does this pattern suit it? A runner is really just a short, narrow quilt top. You lay charm squares out in a couple of long rows, and the patchwork shows beautifully down the center of a table.
Our plan makes a runner about 14 inches wide by 42 inches long. That sits nicely on most dining tables. Want it longer? Just add more squares. Completely up to you.
Materials List
- Charm Friday (Digital Download) — download and print the instructions, fabric requirements, and cutting guides first
- 1 charm pack, about 42 squares at 5 inches square, or the same amount cut from your stash per the pattern's fabric requirements
- Backing fabric, about 18 inches by 46 inches
- Batting, about 18 inches by 46 inches — a low-loft cotton or cotton-blend keeps a runner lying flat
- Binding fabric — 4 strips cut 2.5 inches wide, joined end to end
- All-purpose thread to blend with your fabrics
- Sewing machine with a size 80/12 universal needle
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler; pins or clips; iron
Brief Steps
- Download the pattern and read it through once. Check the fabric requirements and cutting guides before you cut a thing. Ask me how I learned that one.
- Lay your charm squares out in long rows to reach about 14 by 42 inches. Put your favorites where eyes will land first. Spread the busy prints out so no two shout side by side.
- Sew each row with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Chain piece where you can. It saves thread, and it saves time.
- Press as you go. Press, do not scrub. Lift the iron and set it down. Press seams one way on the first row, the other way on the next, so the rows nest flat.
- Join the rows and give the whole top a good final press. Just like that, your top is done.
- Layer it up. Backing face down, batting on top, runner top face up. Pin well, about every 4 inches.
- Quilt it simply. Stitch in the ditch along the seams works. A soft echo down each row works too. Simple is plenty here.
- Trim the edges even, then bind with your 2.5-inch strips. Fold, stitch, and take your corners slow.
Practical Tips From My Table
Tip one: use real numbers. I piece at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. That seam holds through a lot of washing, but it still rips out clean if you need a do-over.
Tip two: keep the quilting low and flat. A runner has plates and glasses sitting on it. Lines about 2 to 4 inches apart, or a gentle meander, give you texture without the wobble under a coffee mug.
Tip three: slow down where seams meet. Where rows join, layers stack up. Slow down or the needle snaps. Ease over those bumps, folks.
And here is the permission part. It does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic. If one square sits a hair off, nobody at dinner will ever notice. They will just see the pretty runner you made. Take your time. It is not a race.
Oh my goodness, the best part? This pattern is free, and a runner this size really really flies together. Start Friday, use it Sunday.
Thank you so much for sewing along with me today. I hope this runner gets years of good meals on it.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Charm Friday (Digital Download) at Linda's Electric Quilters.
