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| Easy Christmas Table Runner |
The
following is a photo tutorial for my Easy Christmas Table Runner pattern. This is not
intended as a stand-alone tutorial. Instead, it works as an additional
reference to the pattern, which is available for free (Click the image below to download your own copy).
The
purpose of this tutorial is to give a few little tips that couldn't be included
in the pattern, unless I wanted to make it hundreds of pages long...which I didn't. I also find
that some people follow photos better than diagrams.
The
table runner uses simple strip piecing to create a great effect. If you’re
interested in changing things up, here’s a quick rundown of where the strips
fall in the table runner.
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| Placement of strips |
Piecing Instructions
Note: I
highly recommend decreasing your stitch length when sewing your strips
together. This will help prevent the threads from coming loose when you cut through them.
Sew
the strips together in the order detailed in the pattern.
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| Sew the strips in order |
Press
all the seams in the same direction. This will help the seams nest together
nicely later in the process.
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| Seams pressed |
Sub-cut your sewn piece into 2 ½’’ strips. Make sure of the seams are as straight as
possible. To do this, I use the horizontal markings on my ruler to make sure
the seams are running parallel to each other. You will need to make sure your
edges are straight too. It can feel a bit ‘octopus arms’ but it’s worth the
extra effort.
Quite often, I square things up every few strips, on account
of my ruler having a huge bend in it (ask me how much fun that is to work with). The more accurate you are here, the
easier it will be for your pieces to fit when you sew them back together.
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| Sub-cut 2 1/2'' strips |
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Use your ruler markings to ensure the horizontal seams are straight.
E.g. the red seam against the 18.5'' mark above. |
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| Strips are cut and ready to sew |
Create End Units
There
are two end units for this table runner...on account of it having two ends (I'm so funny). You can either complete the steps separately, as written in the pattern, or production line them (i.e. do all the unpicking and
then all the sewing, for both units at the same time). It is quicker to production line but, this may lead to additional unpicking
if you get a bit turned around. I tend to tackle them exactly as written in the
pattern, so I’m focussing on only one step at a time. I believe that ‘quick
and easy’ doesn't necessarily mean ‘the best for everyone’. Do what works for you.
Note: Remember
to rotate every odd strip throughout construction. You should never have the same colour touching
(except for white).
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| Unpick the first strip |
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| Unpick the second strip |
Sew these two strips together as per the pattern.
The
seams should neatly lock together, making it easier to sew.
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| The seams lock neatly together |
The
pattern says to press to the left, but it really doesn't make a difference. I
usually leave my pressing until right before I attach my borders. I simply
included that as it can throw people if there aren’t clear
pressing instructions.
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| First two strips sewn |
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| Unpick the third strip |
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| Three strips sewn |
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Unpick the fourth strip
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Make
sure you have made two end units. You should have used four strips per unit,
leaving you with eight strips remaining to be sewn. If not, you may need to go
back and check each step.
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| Two end units complete |
Create the body of
the table runner
Take
one end unit and continue adding to it, one strip at a time, until you have
used your remaining eight strips. Remember to rotate every odd strip.
Pay
special attention to where you are joining the strips. The first one aligns
directly with the top of the end unit. After this, each strip is sewn one square down from the strip before. It is important that this staggering is correct in order to get the diamond effect of the table runner.
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| Pay attention to both the direction and the positioning of each strip |
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| The remaining eight strip are attached |
Attach the right end unit
Now
all you need to do is attach your right end unit and you have the main part of
the table runner complete.
Make sure the right end is
rotated and aligned as per the pattern instructions.
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| Attach the final end unit |
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| Main part of the table runner complete |
Borders
Trim
the white points off of the edges.
NOTE: Take your time here and really make
sure that you’re cutting at least ¼’’
above the coloured diamonds. If you don’t, you may find your diamonds all
lose their pointy little heads when you attach the borders.
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| Cut 1/4'' above the coloured points - see the ruler positioning? |
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| Table runner trimmed |
You
will notice in the pattern that I don't use specific measurements for the
borders. I find it easier to just sew the strips on and then trim back, reusing the excess where possible.
Start by attaching the top and bottom strips. It's best to sew with the table runner on top so you can see the seams and make sure you're not cutting off your points.
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| Sew with the table runner on top and pay close attention to the coloured points |
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| Top and bottom borders attached |
Carefully line up the ruler with the edges of the table runner to make sure your borders will take the correct shape.
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| Line up the ruler with the table runner edges |
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| Top and bottom borders trimmed |
Repeat
this process for each edge around the table runner. When sewing the pointed end border strips, start sewing near the end of the strip so you can use the excess
for another border.
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| Sew the border to the pointed edges, staying close to one end of the border strip |
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| Trim in line with the table runner |
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| Pointed edge trimmed |
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| Continue until all borders are added |
Seriously,
how awesome does this look???
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| Table runner top complete |
Quilting and Binding
I was a bit lazy with my quilting on this one. I had grand plans of fancy free-motion quilting, but decided to just follow the diagonals and stitch in the ditch. To be honest, I can’t think of many designs that wouldn’t look great here, so go nuts.
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| Quilted diagonals |
Finally, a moment of honesty…I stuffed up the binding. I used too small a seam allowance and, instead of unpicking it and starting again, I simply sewed again with a bigger allowance. Ordinarily this would work, but it threw my mitred corners out. I’m cool with it though. Next time I’ll remember not to sew with my ego and simply unpick and start again.
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| My original table runner - GORGEOUS!!! |
I’d love to see your creations so please share in either of the following (or both if you’re extra proud):
- Instagram: Use the hashtag #sewtodaypattern and check out everyone else's while you're there. You may also like to tag me @sewtodaycleantomorrow.
