This strippy table runner shows off the modern palette of Field Cloth, a lovely collection by Sew Kind of Wonderful for Free Spirit. The warm colors will brighten up any chilly day. This runner would also look lovely in holiday fabric!
This runner was constructed using a foundation, a stabilizing layer that the fabric pieces are sewn on to. Some quilts, especially strip quilts, are sewn to cloth foundations. The foundation helps stabilize long strips and keep them from distorting. Other quilts are sewn to paper foundations as in foundation paper piecing. You could even construct a piece like this using the Quilt as you Go technique, sewing the strips directly to batting and backing.
Fabric Requirements
This runner will measure 14" x 54" finished. To make this runner you will need:
- Top: (6) fat quarters.
- For this quilt I used seven fat quarters and had enough fabric left over to do a pieced binding.
- You could also use a combination of jelly roll strips (about 20 strips, cut in half) and (2) charm squares, or pull out a bunch of scraps!
- Foundation will not be visible but should be white or another color that won't show through the top. Very dark fabrics would look nice on a black or navy foundation.
- Batting: 19" x 59"
- Backing: 1.75 yds or (1) 22" x 62" piece
Cutting and preparation
Cut (1) 4.5" square from each of (2) fabrics for a total of (2) squares.
From these fabrics and all remaining top fabric, cut 2.5" strips for a total of about 40, 2.5" x 20" strips.
Cut foundation fabric into (2) 15" x 28" pieces.
Draw a line lengthwise down the middle of each foundation fabric piece. I also drew 45 degree lines on the pieces but didn't end up using them much.
Starting the quilt top
Pin a 4.5" square to the middle of the short end of a foundation piece. Ensure the tip of the square aligns with the line you drew down the middle of the foundation fabric. The corners of the square should align with the edge of the foundation.
Select a contrasting fabric strip. Align this strip right side up along the right hand edge of the square. Ensure the strip completely overhangs the edge of the foundation fabric. It's tempting to snip off the extra fabric now, but it's safer to snip it off after sewing to make sure you don't cut it a bit short.
Lay this strip right sides together with the square. Ensure the top and right edges are aligned. Pin and sew together along the right edge with a 1/4" seam. Flip the strip open and iron flat. Snip off the extra part of the strip overhanging the foundation and use it for the next step.
Take a second strip of the same fabric (likely the strip you just snipped off). Lay it out right side up beside the left hand edge of the square. Ensure the top of the strip forms a continuous line with the right edge of the strip you just sewed on, and the bottom of the strip completely overhangs the edge of the fabric foundation.
Flip the strip right sides together with the square. Ensure the top and left edges are aligned.
Sew together with a 1/4" seam. Press the strip open.
Continue adding strips
Continue to add strips in the same fashion on the right hand side, then the left. Align the top corners of the strips, when wrong side down, with the line you drew down the middle of the foundation. This will keep the strips lined up neatly.
For any strip that covers the corners of the runner, take extra care that the strip covers the corner of the foundation and to either side. Don't snip it too short.
Keep adding strips until the foundation piece is fully covered. You can reuse some of the shorter pieces toward the end of the foundation, or keep them for the other side.
Repeat all steps above for the other foundation piece.
Finish the top
Square up both pieces by trimming any overhanging fabric flush with the foundation.
Sew the two foundation pieces together. You may wish to pin at the intersections so the chevron strips line up as well as possible. Note how lovely and heavy the top feels with the extra layer of fabric! I like the weight it adds to decorative pieces like runners and wall hangings.
Finish the runner
Sandwich the backing (right side down), batting (fuzzier side down) and top (right side up). Baste with your preferred method (I use Odif 505 basting spray).
Quilt to your taste. I used free form wavy lines down the length of the piece. Trim and square up the runner in preparation for binding.
Cut binding fabric into 2.5" strips (I used scraps from the runner to make a scrappy pieced binding) . Sew the strips end to end to make a 146" long piece of binding. Press seams open. Fold and iron the binding strip lengthwise, wrong sides together.
Attach binding per your preference: I machine sew to the back, flip over, and machine sew to the front using a zipper foot to achieve a stitch line very close to the edge of the binding.
Enjoy your beautiful new runner! Instant coziness for any table, or it could even become a modern wall hanging if you prefer.
Hope you enjoyed this month's tutorial! Please show off your beautiful work, we'd
love to see it! Bring it into the store or tag us on instagram!
@sewwithvision @sundewquilts_ns
Seasons Greetings!
Sarah
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