Reversible Patriotic Table Runner

Reversible Patriotic Table Runner

I found the cutest patriotic donut fabric fat quarter at Walmart. When I bought it, I didn’t know I was going to make a Reversible Patriotic Table Runner with it. In fact, I had no idea how I was going to use that whimsical, gorgeous fabric. Crafters frequently buy things we don’t need yet. Sometimes we buy things for one project, but use them for another. Before I begin a project, I usually look to see what I already have before I run off to the store. When I decided to make a patriotic runner for my coffee table, I knew the red, white, and blue donut fabric in my craft stash would be perfect.

Materials:

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• basic sewing supplies- scissors, sewing machine, thread, etc.
• embroidery needle
• red embroidery thread
• needle threader
• felt- used for batting in between the quilt/runner layers-you could use fleece as well
• 2 different types of (cotton) patriotic fabric
• iron
• fabric protector

Instructions:

This Reversible Patriotic Fabric Runner is like a miniature quilt. It has 2 fabric layers and a layer of batting (I used felt) in between. It is tacked, rather than quilted. When the layers of a blanket are “quilted,” they are sewn together using needle or machine stitches. If they are “tacked,” the layers are bound together with yarn or embroidery thread in various places. I like the homespun look of tacking.

What is a “fat quarter” anyway? A fat quarter is a piece of fabric (usually 100% cotton) that measures 18” by 22”. You can buy them or order them in any color or pattern imaginable for around $1 each. I buy mine at Walmart because there is no fabric store nearby. They have plenty of seasonal solids and patterns year-round. Since your fat quarter fabric is already measured, pin it to your other fabrics and cut them the same size as your fat quarter. Iron the cotton fabrics.

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Place the top and bottom fabrics with the right sides (the part you will see when the runner is completed) together. Lay the felt layer on top of that. Pin everything together. When you sew the layers together and “turn it out,” the felt layer will be on the inside.

Next, sew the layers together with a straight stitch. I used #7 on my Brother machine. Leave a 4” gap, so you can turn the Runner right side out when you finish sewing. After sewing, trim your edges.

Turn the project right side out. Hand sew the 4” gap closed. You may need to iron your runner again after this step to smooth everything out before tacking.

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You’ll need a needle with a big eye for tacking. I used an embroidery needle, and three strands of embroidery thread. Thread the needle using the needle threader- do not tie a knot in the end. Decide where you’re going to place the tacking. I decided to place a tacking thread in the center of every navy blue donut. This gave me around 20 tacking threads for this 18” by 22” project. The purpose of the tack is to keep the layers from bunching up inside during daily use, or in the washing machine. If your project has squares, tacks can be placed in the corners where the squares meet.

Take the needle through all three layers, then bring it out fairly close to where you began. Tie the two sides of your thread in a knot, then trim to the desired length. I usually tie two knots, for security. I cut my threads about 1” long.

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Spray the finished project with fabric protector. You’ll be glad you did the first time someone spills their hot chocolate all over your handmade table runner.

You’re finished! Wasn’t that easy? I tied a red Dollar Tree ribbon around a Mason jar filled with buttons and flags. Now the remote controls have a soft place to rest. When it gets closer to fall, and I’m tired of our national colors, I will turn the runner over to its smart, navy checked side.

Happy Summer,

Kristie

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Read America Mantel Pinterest Challenge or How To Make A Patriotic Potting Table

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