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How to hand quilt an embellished table runner

How to hand quilt an embellished table runner

by Jackie White

Yesterday we put together the primary elements to our hand quilted table runner using zippers and wool felt to create fun flowers. Today, it’s time to hand quilt our beautiful wool felt embroidered table runner. Keeping with the theme of the table runner, we’re going to do a running stitch with DMC embroidery threads.

Layer backing and batting to top and pin. Instead of using machine quilting because I did all hand work in the center, I decided to hand quilt using embroidery thread into the grey background. I used two strands and used a light gray. I put a piece of tape down the length of the table runner and stitched beside it to help me keep a straight line. In a couple of places I used bright pink embroidery threads to give a pop to the background.

Put a piece of painters tape down quilt sandwich to help keep embroidery stitches straight.

Put a piece of painters tape down quilt sandwich to help keep embroidery stitches straight.

Starting at one end, stitch small running stitches through all the layers. When you hit a flower, go to the backside and come up on the other side of the flower and continue quilting through the layers.

Use an embroidery running stitch to quilt vertical lines through the table runner.

Use an embroidery running stitch to quilt vertical lines through the table runner.

To make the grass, loop pieces of rick rack into different spots along the bottom and pin in place. Take a couple of stitches along the very end of the rick rack to hold in place, and when you sew on the binding, it will get stitched securely down. Tack down the top of the loops.

Loop rick rack at bottom of quilt to create grass. Pin and then tack down.

Loop rick rack at bottom of quilt to create grass. Pin and then tack down.

For my binding, I used a bright green fabric to tie in with the stems (zippers) and grass (rick rack) on the table runner. I cut 2½ʺ strips and sewed them together, then folded in half and pressed.

Fold binding in half wrong sides together and press.

Fold binding in half wrong sides together and press.

Sew the binding onto your quilt. I use Clover Wonder Clips to fold the binding over and love how they hold it in place.

Use Clover Wonder Clips to hold down binding for hand stitching.

Use Clover Wonder Clips to hold down binding for hand stitching.

Once the binding is on your table runner, you’re ready to display it! The great thing about this hand quilted table runner is that it can also be put on a dresser, coffee table or even throw a sleeve on it and use it as a wall hanging.

I loved doing it because I could take it on the go with me, due to all the fun handwork!

Rick Rack, zipper and wool felt table runner

Rick Rack, zipper and wool felt table runner

This is part 5 of 5 in this series.
Go back to part 4:  Create a hand quilted table runner using wool felt and embroidery

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5 comments

Hueisei September 5, 2016 - 9:55 pm

Thanks for the Tips. Never though zipper can have such a beautiful outcome.

Reply
Jenna Hudson August 20, 2016 - 11:29 pm

I love how your flowers have some dimension to them. Also love the colors together. It makes me happy just looking at it!

Reply
Kitty August 20, 2016 - 10:31 am

This is a lovely project and makes such a cheerful gift! I am so grateful to have found this site. I am learning so many valuable skills. Thank you Quiltsocial!

Reply
Belen Saavedra August 20, 2016 - 1:35 am

I love the 5 essential tips on free motion quilting! Must try them all!

Reply
Sarah J August 19, 2016 - 9:16 am

Such a cute runner– love the idea of using painter’s tape!

Reply

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