Hey everyone. Today we're making a statement bed runner, and you're going to learn how one bold print can change a whole bedroom without remaking the bed.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Alloy Luxe Cuddle Wild Jag from Shannon Fabrics. It's a Luxe Cuddle minky plush. And yes, folks, that print is exactly what it sounds like. A jaguar print. Big-cat energy, in a really fun way.
Here's what I love about it. It's flat. No embossing. No tipping. So the print itself does all the talking. You get those classic black and brown jaguar colors laid out clean and smooth. No extra texture fighting with the pattern.
Alloy gives it a cool, grounded base. It reads modern and a little wild. And it's surprisingly versatile, y'all. The same fabric Shannon suggests for scarves, throw blankets, and accent pillows works beautifully across a bed.
Now the numbers. It's 100% polyester. It comes 58 to 60 inches wide. That width matters for this project.
The project: a statement bed runner
A bed runner is a long, narrow panel that lays across the foot of the bed. Think of it like a table runner, just for your bed. It adds color and pattern without covering up your whole quilt or comforter.
For a queen bed, a finished runner around 24 by 90 inches is a nice size. It drapes a little over each side. For a twin, go shorter, around 24 by 70 inches. Completely up to you. Measure your bed first.
Why does this fabric suit it? Three good reasons. One, that 58 to 60 inch width means you can get good length with very little piecing. Two, a flat print lays smooth across the bed. Three, minky is soft right where your feet land at night. Really really nice, folks.
You can back it with the same Wild Jag for a reversible runner. Or back it with a solid for a calmer flip side. I like back-to-back. But it's completely up to you.
Materials list
- Alloy Luxe Cuddle Wild Jag — about 2 1/2 yards total for a 24 x 90 inch queen runner, 1 1/4 yards for the top and 1 1/4 yards for the back
- Thin batting, about 26 x 92 inches, if you want extra body — optional
- All-purpose polyester thread to match
- Walking foot for your machine
- Size 90/14 ballpoint or universal needle
- Lots of pins or clips, and a long ruler
Those yardages give you a little extra to square up. Measure twice before you cut.
Brief steps
Step one. Lay the fabric flat and let it relax. Cut two panels, each about 25 by 91 inches. That gives you seam room for a finished 24 by 90 inch runner. Keep the print running the same direction on both pieces.
Step two. If you're using batting, lay it between the panels. Put the pretty sides facing out. Smooth from the center out with your hands.
Step three. Pin or clip every 2 to 3 inches around all sides. Minky likes to travel. Plenty of pins slows that down.
Step four. Sew around all sides with a 1/2-inch seam. Leave an 8-inch opening on one long side for turning. Use a longer stitch, about 3.0 to 3.5 millimeters, roughly 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Here we go, nice and steady.
Step five. Turn it right side out. Push the corners out gently. Close the opening by hand or machine, close to the edge. Just like that, you're almost done.
Step six. Add a few quilting lines if you like. Try straight lines lengthwise, spaced wide, or a gentle meander. Keep it simple. That print is busy already, so quilting just holds the layers together.
Practical tips before you sew
Slow down at the machine. Long seams love to wander if you rush. At the corners, slow down or the needle snaps, and nobody needs that.
Cut over a trash can if you can. Plush fabric sheds a little fluff at the edges. And never press that pile with a hot iron. Finger press only.
Watch your print direction. I have sewn one side upside down before. Check before you sew.
And here's your permission beat. Your lines don't have to be perfect. You're your own worst critic — nobody walking into that bedroom will ever know. They'll just see a super duper fun runner. Take your time. It's not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Thanks for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Alloy Luxe Cuddle Wild Jag 58"/60" Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
