How To Quilt A Table Runner On Sewing Machine?

Making a pretty quilted table runner is a fun sewing project. It can add charm to your table or another spot in your home. Even if you’re new to sewing, don’t worry. You can quilt a table runner with a sewing machine and some basic skills.

In this guide, we’ll show you the easy steps to quilt a table runner. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, our clear instructions will help you create a lovely table runner you can proudly display. Let’s begin!

How To Quilt A Table Runner On Sewing Machine? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Certainly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to quilt a table runner using a sewing machine:

Gathering Materials and Preparing Your Workspace 

Quilting a table runner can be a rewarding and creative project. Before you begin, gathering the essential materials and setting up your workspace correctly is important. This guide will walk you through the necessary materials and offer tips on fabric selection, prewashing, and organizing your workspace.

Essential Materials

To quilt a table runner, you will need the following materials:

Fabric: 

Choose a fabric that suits your design and style preferences. Consider using cotton or cotton blends, as they are commonly used in quilting. Ensure you have enough fabric for the table runner’s top, backing, and binding. The amount of fabric required will depend on the size of your desired table runner.

Batting:

Batting is the material that goes between the top and backing layers to provide insulation and thickness. Look for batting designed explicitly for quilting, such as cotton or polyester batting. The size of the batting should match the dimensions of your table runner.

Thread: 

Select high-quality cotton or polyester thread in a color that complements your fabric choices. Using a neutral color that blends well with various fabrics is recommended.

Notions:

Notions refer to the smaller tools and accessories you’ll need. This includes sewing pins, quilting needles, scissors, rotary cutter and mat, ruler, marking tools (such as fabric pencils or washable markers), and a seam ripper.

Choosing Fabrics

When selecting fabrics for your table runner, consider the following tips:

Color Schemes:

Decide on the color scheme you want for your table runner. Consider the room’s decor or the occasion for which you’re creating the runner. Choose fabrics that complement each other and create a cohesive look.

Patterns: 

Mix and match fabrics with different patterns to add visual interest. Use a combination of large-scale prints, small-scale prints, and solids to create balance and variety.

Textures: 

Incorporate fabrics with different textures to add depth and dimension to your table runner. Consider using fabrics with subtle textures like linen or burlap or fabrics with more pronounced textures like velvet or corduroy.

Prewashing and Ironing

Before starting your project, it’s essential to prewash and iron your fabric:

Prewashing:

Launder your fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step removes any sizing or chemicals from the fabric and helps prevent shrinkage after completing the table runner. It also ensures that your fabrics have similar shrinkage rates.

Ironing: 

Once your fabric is washed, press it using an iron to remove any wrinkles. Ironing will make the fabric easier to work with and provide accurate measurements during cutting and sewing.

Organizing Your Workspace:

To set up your workspace efficiently, follow these steps:

Sewing Machine: 

Ensure your sewing machine is in good working order. Clean and oil it if necessary. Set up your machine on a sturdy table or desk with adequate lighting. Thread your machine with the appropriate thread and insert a new needle suitable for quilting.

Cutting Area: 

Designate a clean and clear space for cutting your fabric. Use a self-healing cutting mat and a rotary cutter for precise cuts. Keep your ruler and marking tools handy for measuring and marking fabric accurately.

Organize Notions: 

Keep your sewing pins, needles, scissors, and other notions within reach. Consider using a pincushion or magnetic dish to keep your pins secure. Use containers or drawer dividers to organize smaller items like marking tools, seam rippers, and extra bobbins.

Gathering the necessary materials, selecting suitable fabrics, prewashing and ironing, and organizing your workspace will prepare you to start quilting your table runner. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and functional piece for your home or as a thoughtful gift.

Designing and Cutting the Table Runner

Designing the table runner involves determining the desired dimensions, choosing a pattern or creating a unique design, and accurately measuring and cutting the fabric pieces. 

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the table size and desired drop length, work with different fabric types, and ensure precise cutting techniques. Follow the steps below to create your table runner.

Determine the desired dimensions:

Start by measuring the width and length of your table. To calculate the width of the table runner, add the desired drop length on both sides of the table. 

For example, if you want a 6-inch drop on each side, and the table is 30 inches wide, the total width of the table runner would be 42 inches (30 + 6 + 6). Similarly, determine the length of the table runner based on the desired drop length at each end.

Choose a pattern or create a unique design:

Decide on the style and pattern you want for your table runner. You can either choose a pre-existing pattern or create your design. 

Consider the theme and decor of the room where the table runner will be used. Sketch your design on paper or use design software to visualize the layout and placement of motifs, borders, or other elements.

Measure and cut the fabric pieces accurately:

Top Layer:

Cut a fabric piece according to the determined dimensions, accounting for seam allowances. If the fabric has a pattern, ensure it aligns properly with the design.

Batting Layer:

Cut a piece of batting that matches the size of the top layer. The batting adds thickness and provides a cushioned effect to the table runner.

Backing Layer:

Cut a piece of fabric for the backing layer, using the same dimensions as the top layer. If you want a reversible table runner, cut two pieces of fabric for the backing layer, ensuring they are the same size.

Working With Different Fabric Types

Each fabric type has unique characteristics, so consider the drape, weight, and texture when selecting your fabric. For example, opt for a medium-weight fabric like cotton or linen if you want a more structured table runner. 

Choose lightweight fabrics such as silk or chiffon if you prefer a flowing and elegant look. Remember that different fabrics may require specific cutting techniques, so consult sewing references or online tutorials for guidance.

Ensuring Precise Cutting Techniques

Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors, a rotary cutter, and a cutting mat to achieve accurate cuts. Measure and mark your fabric carefully before cutting, ensuring straight lines and precise angles. Take your time to ensure accuracy, as precise cutting will contribute to the overall quality of the finished table runner.

Remember to pin or baste the layers together before sewing, and finish the edges using techniques like hemming or binding. With these guidelines, you can create a beautiful and customized table runner that adds a touch of elegance to any table setting.

Piecing and Assembling the Table Runner

Piecing together a quilt top involves arranging and sewing fabric pieces in a desired pattern. To create a beautiful table runner, follow these steps:

Fabric Selection:

Choose fabrics that complement each other and match your table runner’s desired theme or color scheme.

Cutting the Fabric:

Measure and cut the fabric pieces according to the dimensions of your table runner design. Use a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, and cutting mat for precise cuts.

Arranging the Pieces:

Lay out the fabric pieces on a flat surface to experiment with different arrangements. Consider the overall design, color placement, and the visual impact you want to achieve. Once satisfied, take a photo or make a sketch to remember the layout.

Sewing the Pieces:

Start by sewing the fabric pieces together. Place the right sides of the fabric together and align the edges. Use a ¼-inch seam allowance and sew with a straight stitch. Press the seam allowances to one side or open, depending on your preference.

Pressing the Seams:

Pressing the seams is crucial for achieving flat and neat quilt blocks. Set the seam first by pressing it as sewn, then open the seam and press it from the wrong side. Use a dry iron with the appropriate heat setting for your fabric.

Layering the Table Runner:

Layering involves combining the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Lay the quilt top right side up on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Place the batting on top, ensuring it extends beyond the quilt’s top edges. Finally, place the backing fabric right side down over the batting.

Securing the Layers:

There are different methods to secure the layers. You can use safety pins, spacing them out evenly across the table runner. Alternatively, you may choose to spray-baste the layers using a basting spray, following the product instructions.

Attaching the Backing Fabric and Batting:

Trim the batting and backing fabric to match the quilt top’s size. Fold the excess backing fabric to create a double-fold binding around the edges. Secure the layers by stitching a ¼-inch seam along the edge, or use your chosen binding method.

Quilting Designs and Motifs:

Quilting adds both aesthetic and functional value to your table runner. Consider different options, such as straight-line quilting, free-motion quilting, or using quilting stencils to create beautiful designs. Experiment with different thread colors and patterns to enhance the overall appearance.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of piecing and assembling your table runner. With careful attention to detail, pressing, and quilting, you’ll create a stunning and functional piece that will enhance any table setting.

Binding and Finishing Touches

Creating and attaching the binding to a table runner involves several steps to ensure a professional and polished look. Here is a detailed description of the process:

Preparing the Binding Strips:

• Measure the sides of your table runner and add the lengths of all four sides to determine the total length of binding required.
• Cut fabric strips for the binding. The width of the strips should be double the desired finished width of the binding, plus an additional ½ inch for seam allowance.
•  Join the strips together diagonally using a 45-degree angle seam to create a continuous binding strip. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams open.

Attaching the Binding:

• Starting in the middle of one side of the table runner, align the raw edges of the binding strip with the raw edge of the runner’s front side and right sides together.
• Leave a tail of the binding strip (around 6-8 inches) before starting to sew.
• Using a ¼-inch seam allowance, begin sewing the binding to the runner, slowly pivoting at the corners.
• Stop stitching a ¼ inch away from the edge, backstitch, and remove the project from the sewing machine when approaching a corner.   

Mitering Corners and Joining Binding Ends:

• Fold the binding strip away from the table runner, creating a 45-degree angle at the corner.
• Fold the binding strip back down, aligning it with the next side of the table runner, creating a neat mitered corner.
• Secure the mitered corner with a pin and resume stitching from the corner, making sure to backstitch.
• Continue attaching the binding in this manner until you reach the starting point.
• To join the binding ends seamlessly, trim one end of the binding strip so that it overlaps the other end by the width of the binding strip.
• Open up the ends and sew them together along the diagonal fold line. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.

Finishing the Binding:

• After attaching the binding to the front side of the table runner, fold it over to the backside, encasing the raw edges.
• Secure the folded binding to the backside with pins or clips.
• You can choose to finish the binding by hand stitching or machine stitching.
• Hand stitching provides a traditional and invisible finish. Use a slip stitch or blind stitch to secure the folded binding to the backside.
• Machine stitching can be done using a straight stitch close to the folded edge or a decorative stitch for a more embellished look.

Pressing and Blocking:

• To give your table runner a professional and polished look, press the binding and the entire table runner with a steam iron.
• Press the binding towards the backside of the runner, ensuring it lays flat and smooth.
• If necessary, block the table runner by lightly spraying it with water or using a steam iron to shape and smooth any uneven areas.

Additional Embellishments:

• Consider adding embellishments such as appliqué, embroidery, or decorative stitching to enhance your table runner’s aesthetics.
• Appliqué involves attaching fabric shapes or motifs onto the table runner using stitching or fusible web.
• Embroidery can be used to add intricate designs or personalized monograms.
• Decorative stitching, such as zigzag or decorative machine stitches, can be used to embellish the borders or create unique patterns.

By following these steps and incorporating your creativity, you can achieve a beautifully finished table runner with a professional touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to quilt a table runner on sewing machine is an exciting journey that allows individuals to explore their creativity and personalize their designs. The satisfaction and pride of completing a beautiful quilting project are unparalleled. 

Why hesitate? Begin crafting your table runner now. Equipped with the proper tools, materials, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can design a mesmerizing addition that infuses charm and character into your living space.

Savor each step, celebrate your uniqueness, and let your sewing machine open doors to infinite creative prospects. Dive deep and stitch together a table runner that mirrors your distinctive flair. Wishing you joyful quilting.