In this video, Alanda Craft from the YouTube channel @alandacraft demonstrates how to create a beautiful table runner using Christmas-themed fabric. This beginner-friendly sewing project is perfect for the holiday season and uses simple fabric strips to achieve stunning results.
Materials Needed:
To make this table runner, you'll need the following materials:
- Three different fabrics in complementary colors (for example, blue, black, and white as shown in the tutorial)
- A ruler, cutting mat, and rotary cutter
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine
Cutting the Fabric:
The project starts with cutting fabric strips. Alanda uses:
- A 6½" strip of blue fabric
- A 3½" strip of black fabric
- A 1½" strip of white fabric
These strips are then sewn together in layers. First, the white fabric is pinned to the blue strip with the right sides facing each other, followed by a ¼" seam. Then, after pressing the seam toward the darker fabric, the black fabric is sewn in the same manner.
Pro Tips:
Alanda shares a useful tip: when sewing strips together, alternate sewing directions to prevent bowing, a common issue when working with multiple fabric strips. Although this project only uses three strips, it's good practice for larger projects.
Cutting and Assembling the Blocks:
Once the strips are sewn together, the next step is to trim the strip set and cut it into six 6½” blocks. A ruler is key here to ensure straight lines for a polished finish. Alanda also recommends investing in a large ruler, which makes cutting fabric easier and more precise.
To add contrast between the blocks, additional white strips are cut and sub-divided into five 10½” pieces. These are then sewn between the blocks as sashing, creating a structured look for the runner. Be sure to lay out your blocks before sewing to avoid sewing them on the wrong side, a mistake Alanda admits led to a lot of "unpicking"!
Adding Borders:
After sewing the blocks and sashing together, Alanda adds borders using 2½" strips of white fabric. These pieces frame the table runner beautifully and complete the top layer. Alanda’s table runner ends up measuring 41½” in length, but you can adjust the border length based on your table runner size.
Quilting and Finishing:
For quilting, Alanda uses a simple straight-line quilting method, adding diagonal lines in the larger squares and stitching in the ditch along the edges. This provides stability while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
Finally, the edges are trimmed for a clean finish, and the binding is sewn on to complete the runner. Alanda provides a helpful link to her tutorial on sewing binding if you need guidance on that step.
Final Thoughts:
The finished table runner is not only festive but also quick and easy to make. You can create this project using any fabric designs, allowing for customization based on the season or your personal style. Alanda showcases a second runner made with red fabric at the end of the video, demonstrating the versatility of the design.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, this table runner tutorial is a great way to use up fabric scraps and create a beautiful handmade piece for your home.
