Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to make a bold table runner that brightens a plain table fast.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric first
This is Basics Large Dots Lipstick Red from Santee Printworks.
It is a 100% cotton quilting fabric.
It measures 44"/45" wide.
It is sold by the yard.
The brand is Santee Printworks, from TC Studio.
The collection is called Basics.
The color is Lipstick Red.
The pattern is large dots on that red ground.
The product notes call it a bold dot basic.
It suits bindings, borders, and playful quilts.
I would add table runners to that list.
Large dots have real presence, y'all.
They do not get lost from across the room.
On a table, that is exactly what you want.
A runner is a small project with a big job.
It has to carry the whole table setting.
This red does that without breaking a sweat.
And because it is a basic, it plays well with others.
Pair it with a solid, a stripe, or a small print.
Completely up to you.
Why it suits a table runner
We are making a simple strip runner.
Finished size is about 14" by 42".
That fits most dining and kitchen tables nicely.
Leave about 6" of drop, or none at all.
Measure your table before you cut.
Your table, your runner, your rules.
The large dots become the center strip here.
One wide strip shows the pattern off best.
No tiny cutting.
No dots chopped into confetti.
Just clean fabric, framed by two narrow borders.
Super duper easy, and really really fun.
Materials list
- 1/2 yard of Basics Large Dots Lipstick Red for the center strip
- 1/4 yard of a coordinating solid or small print for the side borders
- 1/2 yard of fabric for the backing
- Batting at least 16" by 44"
- 1/4 yard for binding, cut into 2 1/2" strips
- Thread to blend with the red
- Rotary cutter, mat, and a clear ruler
- Pins or clips, and your sewing machine
That is a short list, folks.
You probably have most of it already.
Brief steps
First, press all your fabric well.
Take your time here.
Wrinkles will lie to your ruler.
Cut the red center strip 10 1/2" by 42 1/2".
Cut two border strips 2 1/2" by 42 1/2".
Sew one border to each long side.
Use a steady 1/4" seam allowance.
Press seams away from the center.
Your top should measure about 14 1/2" by 42 1/2".
If it is a touch off, do not panic.
I have trimmed many a runner straight.
The fix is simple.
Square the ends with your ruler and trim even.
Next, layer backing, batting, and top.
Smooth from the center out.
Pin or baste every 4" to 6".
Now quilt it.
You can stitch in the ditch along both border seams.
You can echo that ditch about 1/4" over.
You can meander gently, and travel around the dots.
My preference here is stitch in the ditch, then one echo line.
It frames the dots and keeps things flat.
Flat matters on a table.
Nobody wants a wobbly runner under the gravy boat.
Go slow where seams get thick.
Slow down or the needle can deflect and snap.
Trim the edges even all around.
Join your 2 1/2" binding strips.
Sew binding to the front.
Miter the corners as best you can.
Fold it to the back and finish it down.
Just like that, you have a table runner.
Practical tips from my table
Press from the back first, then the front.
That keeps your dots crisp and smooth.
Check your seam allowance as you go.
A true 1/4" keeps those long borders from waving.
If a border waves a little, ease it in.
Sew with the wavy side down.
The feed dogs will help you.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
For quilting, keep your stitches even and relaxed.
About 8 to 10 stitches per inch looks tidy here.
And here is your permission beat, folks.
It does not have to be perfect.
Your corners do not have to be textbook sharp.
You are your own worst critic.
Your guests will see a cheerful red runner.
They will not bring a ruler to dinner.
Take your time.
It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Set it on the table and enjoy it.
Thanks for spending a little time with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Basics Large Dots Lipstick Red Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
