Playing with Juniper (a table runner tutorial)

So this is a bit exciting – my first tutorial for 2019. I have an extremely long list of makes/ patterns/tutorials planned for this year including a couple of super special makes I am dying to share but sadly cant just yet. Totally worth the wait though I promise. But for today lets talk about table runners!

If you follow my social media you would know I am terrible at waking up one day and suddenly painting a room in my house, deciding all the furniture no longer suits, crying for 3 days and then getting all crafty to make it work. So this is how in January this year I ended up with my dining table having black legs and a grey top. My husband thought I was crazy to paint the timber and I silently agreed but, you know, did it anyway. It took a good few weeks to get used to although I am still reserving judgement as to whether it will stay this way or not.

A new table top though meant a new runner for the middle of it so it was absolutely perfect timing when Juniper by Jen Allyson for Riley Blake Designs arrived. My original plans for the fabric flew out the window and I immediately knew this was the perfect fabric range to create with. The prints have lovely detail and are striking in black and white and worked perfectly with the modern neutrality I have created in my decor.

I decided to use the black toned prints for the front mixed with a plain white quilting cotton. I have wanted to do a tutorial for a disappearing 9 patch quilt for a while so it seemed the perfect time to combine the two – sometimes the stars really do align.

Because I had a 1/4 yard bundle of fabric to play with I thought I would go a step further and create a double sided table runner tutorial – one side the disappearing 9 patch and the other a series of simple strips – it is amazing the different look given just by flipping the runner over. I honestly cant decide which one I like better.

There is a lot of color in my family room with soft furnishings which is why I decided to keep all my furniture simple. It is still very much a work in progress though – as you can even see in the differences in the pictures. I am constantly moving and tweaking things as I walk past. One thing is for sure though – the quilt ladder is staying!

So if you would like a quick project that can be completed in a matter of hours then look no further. This pattern is so simple I actually struggled to write many instructions for it and it can be as scrappy or as planned as you like. I have included a few different options for laying out the quilt top too – it is simply a matter of flipping your blocks to get an entirely different look each time.

Double Sided Table Runner Tutorial
(featuring the disappearing 9 patch block)

Finished size 51” x 13” (130 x 35cm)

Before you begin:

A ¼” seam allowance is included throughout this pattern. A piecing foot is recommended but not necessary.

This pattern is a great scrap buster and is charm square friendly. Fabric requirements are a guide only to show how the pictured runner was created.

Fabric requirements

¼ yard x 6 patterned fabrics

¼ yard white quilting cotton

Piece of batting measuring 53” x 15”

Cutting Instructions

Select one fabric for binding and cut 4 x 2 ¾” strips. Set aside

From your patterned fabrics cut 20 x 5” squares (a charm pack can also be used)

From your white quilting cotton cut 16 x 5” squares

From your remaining 1/4 yard pieces cut 6 x 5” strips. Cut each strip in half to get 12 x 5” strips

Piecing your quilt top.

Take 5 of your patterned fabrics, and 4 of the white. Lay it out as below. Sew each row together using a ¼” seam, press your seams open and then attach the rows together to get a 9 patch block. Press well from front using starch if preferred.

Repeat with your remaining fabrics until you have 4 x 9 patch blocks.

Take your first block and cut in half in both directions – this will leave you with 4 x 7” blocks

Repeat with your remaining 3 blocks.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to laying out your quilt top. The pictured design uses the last layout but here are some other striking designs that can be made by simply rotating your blocks.

 

 

Once you have decided on a layout you are happy with then take your first row and sew the blocks together using a ¼” seam. Press your seams open and repeat with your second row. Sew your two rows together, again pressing your seams open. Press well from the front, starching if desired.

Piecing your quilt back

Take your 12 x 5” strips and lay them out in an order you are happy with. Once happy, piece them using a ¼” seam, pressing seams open once finished.

Finishing your table runner

Place your QUILT BACK on a large flat surface, wrong side up.

Place BATTING on top of backing and smooth with your hands.

Place QUILT TOP on top of the batting with right side facing up. Use your hands to smooth away wrinkles.

Using quilting pins (I like curved the best) pin the 3 layers together. For the best possible outcome ensure that your pins are no less than 5” apart. For this quilt I pinned in the centre of every blocks and at the corner seams. It is a bit more work but gives you more stability in the end.

Quilt as desired, removing pins as you go.

Once completed quilting, trim the quilt and square as you go, preparing for binding.

Bind using your preferred method.

Stand back and admire your handiwork – you are finished!

I hope you will give the disappearing 9 patch block a try. I have to admit even I was shocked and just how easy it was to come together. And if you do please show me – I love seeing your makes!

Sarah x