Tricky Tablerunner
November 11th, 2008
A cheerful tablerunner is a simple way to decorate your home and mark the change of the seasons. Have it be the centerpiece of your holiday meal, or liven up the table by the front door (you know the one where you toss your keys!). It feels good to see things you’ve made being used and enjoyed in your daily life. It’s even better when friends and family are truly impressed at your craftiness! I made this table runner using the (not so) tricky “Disappearing Nine Patch”. No, it’s not a mystery novel, it’s a quilt block! This technique is so simple and turns out looking so complex; everyone will think you are a quilting master! Here’s how you do it:
First, make a nine patch!
I love bright colors, so I used my favorite teals and tangerines from Michael Miller and Sandi Henderson. Using 1/2 yard of 3 fabrics, I had plenty to work with. Fat quarters would also work wonderfully for this project. My block size for each fabric was 4″. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, the finished nine patch was 11″. I made 4 nine patches total.
Second, cut the nine patch into quarters. With your trusty rotary cutter and grid ruler this is easy enough, right?
Third, reorder the blocks into four patches. Play around and see what type of design you like best. I liked that my gingham squares met on the diagonal, breaking up the strong pattern a bit!
Then, sew your four patches together in one long row. I added a 2.5″ border (1/4 yd of fabric) all around, and cut backing (1/2 yard) and batting to fit the top. I stitched in the ditch with my machine, and then used my pretty teal gingham to bind the whole thing together. My finished measurement was 14″ x 44″. I had fun making this, and hope you do too!
November 11th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
that’s a cute table runner - so bright and sunny!
November 11th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Cute! I’ve used the disappearing 9 patch before, I love how it looks!
November 11th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Thanks so much for sharing the directions for the darling table runner! I’m going to make one soon!
November 12th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Love the fabric and the great tutorial…now could I make this in time for “Thanksgiving?
November 12th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I love this, so cheerful! I’ll be linking.
November 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Thanks, everyone! And yes, Melanie, you can totally get this done in time for turkey day!
November 12th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Pretty! What a fresh color combination.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Brilliant! I’ve scheduled a link to this post to go live on my blog early tomorrow morning (Central USA time). I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.
Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com
November 13th, 2008 at 8:37 am
[...] What’s tricky about this beautiful table runner by Laura of Spool Sewing? It’s made of simple nine-patch blocks, cut apart and reassembled. Brilliant! See the tute. [...]
November 13th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
This is great, I’m going to post about it on my blog. Thanks.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I adore this tablerunner! I think I have just enough time to make one of these for our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. Then maybe I’ll make another one for our holiday party in December. Great project!
November 13th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Hi again! Thanks so much for the positive response! If anyone does decide to make one for Thanksgiving, please send photos. It’s so fun to see what you come up with!
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
When cutting the nine patch into quarters for restitching, won’t the cut seams unravel if not restitched to secure the ends?
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hi Joann! When you are machine piecing a quilt project, there is no need to back stitch. Your seams are always going to cross another seam, even at the end of a project when all your seams will intersect with your binding. These intersecting seams hold everything together!