Creating a quilted table runner can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. Not only will you be able to customize and create something unique, but you can make a beautiful piece that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewer, it is easy to just follow the steps below to quilt your own table runner.
Before beginning, you will need to decide on the supplies you need. You will need a sewing machine, fabric, thread, batting, and basic quilting supplies. Additionally, choose thread that is lightweight and is a similar color to the fabrics being used. An intermediate or advanced level sewing machine that is capable of free arm quilting is ideal.
Next, measure and cut your fabrics. Measure the width of the table runner and then add at least four inches of fabric to each side to give room for a seam allowance and pleating of the fabric. Take the fabrics and cut them to the size of the table runner plus four inches. Create an extra four-inch square of fabric for each end of the table runner. When finished, the table runner should look like a rectangular bean bag with one side having four extra inches.
Afterwards, it is time to start cutting the batting and laying out the fabrics. Lay the batting on the table and add the fabrics on top. The fabrics should be facing up and the table runner should be laying in the center. Baste the batting to the fabrics using a tacking stitch. This will help keep the fabrics and batting together while they are being quilted.
The quilting can now begin. Move your sewing machine to the free arm position and start in the center of the table runner. The top two layers should be quilted together, the batting and fabric. Sew along the lines created by the basting stitches, quilting the entire table runner until it is populated with small quilting stitches. When finished, you can then carefully and gently remove all the basting stitches by hand.
Lastly, it is time to pleat the sides and sew them together. To create the pleats, fold the edges in the desired shape, the pleats should look the same on both sides and should be about the same size. To sew them together, place the pleats on top of each other, and line up the edges. Then sew them together using a zigzag stitch. Once finished, the quilting process is complete.
Piecing The Fabric Together
The first step to piecing the foreign fabric together is to join the fabrics on the right side. Lay the fabric wrong side to wrong side, matching up all the edges. Pin in place and then sew along the fabric standing one-quarter inch away from all the edges. Trim away the extra fabric around all the edges and then press flat.
Next, assemble the quilt top by piecing the squares together. Lay the fabric alternating wrong side together, matching up all the edges and getting the fabrics to fit together in the desired pattern. Make sure to pin the fabrics in place. Sew along the edges, using a one-quarter inch seam allowance. Trim away extra fabric, and press the seams with an iron.
Take all the completed squares, pin them right side together, and then join them together with one-quarter inch seams. Press the seams flat with an iron, and then square up the quilt. Line up the edges and make sure there are no bumps, wrinkles, or uneven edges. Once the quilt is squared up and all the edges are even, it is ready to be quilted.
Adding Finishing Touches
The last step to creating a beautiful quilted table runner is adding the finishing touches. Take the excess fabric from the end of the table runner and turn it inward to make double sided hems. Sew the hems together with a zigzag stitch, and press with an iron. Then repeat the process on the other end of the table runner.
Afterwards, it is time to bind off the table runner. To do this, turn the side allowance to the wrong side and pin in place. Sew the binding together using a zigzag stitch, and then neatly fold in the corners. Pin in place, and repeat the steps on the other side.
Finally, press the bindings with an iron, and then clip away any excess fabric. The table runner is now complete and ready to be enjoyed. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can easily create your own quilted table runner.
Caring For Your Table Runner
To ensure your quilted table runner stays beautiful and lasts for years, it is important to care for it properly. Spot clean the runner with a damp cloth or rag, and avoid submerging it in water. When finished, press the table runner with a cool iron. For an extra special touch, use a quilting board to square up the runner.
The table runner can also benefit from having a layer of quilting spray basting. After the table runner is quilted, use a quilting spray to baste the layers together, which will help keep the quilted stitches in place and will help prevent the fabrics from stretching. Periodically check the seams for any loose threads or fraying fabrics, and remove them with a seam ripper.
By taking the time and effort to properly care for the quilted table runner, you will ensure it is in sparkling condition for many years. With a little bit of love and care, your quilted table runner will make a beautiful addition to your home.
Quilting Techniques
When quilting the table runner, there are a few techniques that you can use to ensure it looks its best. Start at the center of the table runner, and sew outwards in a circular motion, working around the quilt. It is also beneficial to add in different quilting designs when quilting the table runner. These quilting designs will help to both enhance the look of the runner and will also help secure the batting and fabrics together.
In addition to general quilting, you can also use a variety of straight-line quilting techniques. A walking foot attachment on the sewing machine is ideal, as it will move the top and bottom fabrics together. This will help create straight and even lines when quilting and will add visual interest to the completed table runner.
For an extra touch, add in some hand-quilting around the edges of the runner. Create a simple pattern and sew it to the edges of the quilt. This will add a crafty, personal touch to the table runner and will also help to secure the edges.
Creating a Truly Unique Table Runner
When creating a quilted table runner, it is fun to create something one-of-a-kind. Add in some personalized touches such as embroidery, fabric appliques, or creative quilting designs. To add texture to the table runner, you can incorporate different fabrics such as velvet, suede, or chenille. Also, consider using mitered corners when creating the runner, as this will give the edges a professional look.
For more advanced quilters, consider creating a quilted table runner with complex quilting and patchwork designs. This can include creating quilts with stars, diamonds, hexagons, or other intricate designs. Use a variety of colors to create visual interest and to personalize the table runner. To make the finished product extra special, you can add in hand-embroidered details or personalized names.
Creating a personalized and unique quilted table runner is a fun and enjoyable project and is perfect for beginner and advanced quilters alike. With just a few simple steps and the right supplies, you can easily create a one-of-a-kind quilted table runner to enjoy for years to come.
Materials On The Market
Finding the materials you need to create your own quilted table runner does not have to be difficult. From basic quilting supplies to specific quilting tools, shoppers can find it all in both physical and online stores. Additionally, there are numerous companies that specialize in providing quilting fabrics, batting, and other materials.
When choosing batting, it is important to consider the types of projects you are working on. For a quilted table runner, it is ideal to use a batting material that is lightweight. A cotton or cotton-polyester blended batting is best for a quilted table runner, as it will be easy to quilt and will also lie flat. Additionally, consider the texture and feel of the batting that you choose – it should be of good quality and feel soft to the touch.
When shopping for fabric, there is no lack of options. Consider choosing fabrics that are complementary in both color and pattern to make the table runner look beautiful. Choose fabrics that are the same weight and have the same texture for the most even quilting. Additionally, there are numerous quilting tools available on the market that come with a variety of features and are designed for specific quilting tasks.
Conclusion
Creating a quilted table runner can be a very rewarding experience and is can also be a lot of fun. With the right supplies, it is easy to quilt your own table runner by following the steps outlined above. Additionally, there are numerous materials and tools available on the market to help create a truly unique and personalized table runner. If you follow the guidelines and steps carefully, you can create an amazing quilted table runner that will be sure to be admired by family and friends.
