How to Make a Quilted Table Runner

This tutorial shows how to assemble a quilted table runner with embroidered blocks. Any size of a square design will work for this project, and you can customize your table runner by using more or fewer embroidered blocks to achieve your desired length. For this tutorial we are using designs that fit within an 8” x 8” hoop.

Cut a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer and a piece of the main fabric that are both larger than the embroidery hoop. Spray the cutaway stabilizer with temporary spray adhesive and smooth it onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together, making sure everything is hooped tightly and there are no wrinkles or puckers in the fabric.

Load the first embroidery file on the machine and attach the hoop. Embroider the entire first design following the color change sheet. Repeat until all blocks are sewn out.

Using a quilter’s ruler, trim all the embroidered blocks to the working size. In this project we are using ¼” seam allowances around all four sides of the embroidered blocks. Cut the embroidered block so it has the ¼” seam allowance on all four sides, making it ½” larger than the finished embroidery dimensions.

In our example, we are using 8” W x 8” H embroidered squares, so the cut size will be 8 1/2” W x 8 1/2” H.

Next, cut out the inner sashing strips that will divide the embroidered blocks. Cut one less strip than the number of embroidered blocks that you have sewn out. For this tutorial we have six embroidered blocks, so we have cut five inner sashing strips.

The width of the sashing will be 1in plus the chosen seam allowance on both sides. The height of each sashing strip should be the same as the height of our embroidered blocks cut in the last step. For example, we cut out strips to 1 1/2” wide (1in with the added 1.4in seam allowance on both sides), and 8 ½” high.

Cut two outer border pieces for each embroidered square being used. Plus cut two additional border pieces for the sides. For our example, we have six embroidered blocks, so we cut fourteen outer border sashing pieces.

The width of the outer border pieces will be the same as the width of the embroidered block, and the height will be 1 ½ inches plus the chosen seam allowance for both sides. For our example, we cut strips to 8 ½” W x 2” H.

Then, cut two accent squares for every inner sashing piece. In our example, we will need ten of them. You can cut all of them out of the same color or use multiple colors for the accent squares like we do here.

The width of the accent squares should be the same as the width of the inner sashing, and the height should be the same as the height of the border pieces. For our example, the finished size of the accent squares is 1” W x 1 1/2” H, so we are cutting pieces that are 1 1/2” W x 2” H.

Next, cut the four corner accent squares. The length and width of the corner square are determined by the short side of the border pieces. For our example, the short side of the border pieces is 2”, so we are cutting pieces that are 2” W x 2” H.

Now that all pieces have been cut, it is time to begin assembling the table runner. To begin, pin or clip two outer border sashing pieces to the top and bottom of the first embroidery block.

Using your chosen seam allowance, sew the outer border sashing to the top and bottom of the first embroidery block.

After sewing, press seams to one side using a pressing cloth. Using a pressing cloth when ironing protects the fabric and stabilizer from the iron. Pressing seams to one side minimizes the visibility of the stitches and edges on the pieced top.

Repeat to sew an outer sashing piece on to the top and bottom edge of every embroidered block. Press each seam to one side as you sew. There will be two outer border sashing pieces remaining to sew on later.

Next, pin or clip two accent squares to the top and bottom of the first inner sashing strip.

Using your chosen seam allowance, sew the accent squares to the top and bottom of the first inner sashing strip.

After sewing, press seams to one side using a pressing cloth.

Repeat to sew two accent squares onto the top and bottom edge of all the inner sashing strips. Then press all the seams to one side using a pressing cloth.

Pin or clip the corner accent squares onto the top and bottom edges of the remaining two outer border sashing strips.

Using your chosen seam allowance, sew the top and bottom corner accent pieces to the outer border sashing strips.

After sewing, press seams to one side using a pressing cloth.

At this point, all embroidered blocks will have outer sashing sewn on the top and bottom edges, and all inner sashing pieces will have the accent squares sewn on as well.

Pin or clip the first inner sashing piece to the right side of the first embroidery block (that will be on the far left of the finished table runner).

Sew the inner sashing to the first assembled embroidery block with your chosen seam allowance.

After sewing, press seams to one side using a pressing cloth.

Then sew all of the embroidered blocks and connected inner sashing into one long row side by side. Press each seam to one side as you sew. Do not sew one onto the right most block.

Pin or clip the two side, outer border pieces onto the left and right edges of the assembled blocks.

Using your chosen seam allowance, sew the outer border pieces onto the sides of the assembled blocks.

With your iron and a pressing cloth, press all remaining seams to one side. This completes the front piece of the quilted table runner.

Now that the front of the table runner has been sewn together, we can cut out the batting and backing. Measure the entire sewn front piece including the seam allowances and then cut a single piece of batting to that same measurement. You can also lay the front piece on the batting, and trace or cut around it like a pattern to cut out the batting piece if preferred.

Then repeat the previous step to cut the cotton backing to the same size of the front piece and batting piece.

Layer your table runner top, batting, and bottom pieces together. Make sure the wrong sides of both the front piece and back piece are against the batting.

Match up the edges and pin or clip them all together.

Baste the three layers of the table runner together across all four sides using your chosen seam allowance.

For a quilted effect, at this point you can secure the layers together using the quilting method of your choice.

For this tutorial we are using the stitch-in-the-ditch technique. Using a slightly longer stitch length and matching thread color to the fabric, stitch through the layers of your table runner in the seam or “ditch” between the quilt pieces. This secures all layers together to prevent shifting when washed, as well as lightly accentuates the embroidered blocks.

At this point, you can finish with storebought bias tape or continue reading to learn how to make your own!

Bias tape is a great way to create a clean finished edge to any quilting project! It is cut at an 45-degree angle on the bias of the fabric, which allows it to bend smoothly around curves and create crisp corners.

The first step to making your own bias tape is to cut your fabric into strips at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the fabric on the bias. We are making ½” double fold bias tape, so our strips are 1 7/8” wide and we are using a 1” bias tape maker.

Next, cut off the diagonal ends of the strips.

Line up the first two pieces of the bias strips at a 90-degree angle with right sides together.

Sew diagonally across the joined strip. Repeat the last two steps, cutting off the diagonal ends and sewing pieces together with the rest of the bias strip pieces until you have a single long strip.

Trim the seams, then use an iron and pressing cloth to press the seams to one side.

Use a pin to secure the completed end of the bias tape to your ironing surface to free up both hands.

With the hand not holding the iron, pull the tape maker along the bias strip, pressing as you go.

To turn it into double fold bias tape, fold the bias tape in half and press again. Double fold bias tape is ideal for quilts or edges of projects that may be seen from both sides. If you want single fold bias tape, you can stop before this step!

Now that you've learned how to make your own quilted table runner, make one for every season, and in every color combination that you can imagine. We offer hundreds of double-run machine embroidery quilting designs that are perfect for this project, making it easy for you to create table runners for summer, fall, Easter, Christmas, and more.