How Large Should the Table Runner Be?
Table runner patterns are usually always easy to customize, and this scrappy runner made with Depression quilt blocks is no exception. Ask yourself a few questions before you begin:
- What's the ideal width and length for my table runner?
- Do I want to make a scrap table runner, or do I prefer a more orderly fabric arrangement?
- If made from scraps, should the table runner be made from a mixture of fabric colors, or should it be monochromatic, somewhat like the examples? Examples have a bit of green mixed in, so although they are mostly blue, they are not truly monochromatic layouts.
Quilt blocks finish at 12" x 12"
The extra 1/2" included in final dimensions is due to the 1/4" wide binding on all sides of the table runner.
Alter the Design of Depression Quilt Blocks
Refer to the illustration.
- Depression quilt blocks in the top table runner have dark/light units that are flip=flopped during assembly; blocks are alternated along the length of the runner. Notice that, with 6 blocks, the runner is does not begin and end with the same layout -- you'll need an odd number of blocks for symmetry at the ends.
- The middle table runner is made entirely with Depression quilt blocks sewn with darks at their centers, followed by a light to dark progression.
- The bottom runner is made entirely with blocks that have light centers. A dark to light progression follows the light centers.
Choose the layout you prefer before assembling your quilt blocks.
Change the Table Runner's Dimensions
- Increase or decrease length in 12" increments by adding or subtracting quilt blocks.
- Tweak length by sewing sashing strips (or other patchwork) between blocks. Strips can be any width -- remember to add 1/4" to all sides of a strip's finished dimensions to allow for a seam allowance.
- Double the table runner's height by sewing two rows of quilt blocks.
- Add borders to alter height and length.
- Change the size of the quilt block; cutting instructions for 16" x 16" blocks are included below -- a 6-block table runner would measure 16-1/2" x 96-1/2". Add or subtract blocks to alter length.
Before you begin, read the Depression quilt block pattern for a discussion of the block itself.
Make placemats from groups of two 12" x 12" quilt blocks.
Cutting Instructions
For each 12" square quilt block you will need:
- (8) dark squares, each 3-7/8" x 3-7/8"; 3/4 yard to cut the 48 squares required for 6 quilt blocks
- (8) light squares, each 3-7/8" x 3-7/8"; 3/4 yard to cut the 48 squares required for 6 quilt blocks
Optional 16" x 16" Quilt Block
For each 16" square quilt block you will need:
- (8) dark squares, each 4-7/8" x 4-7/8"; 1 yard to cut the 48 squares required for 6 quilt blocks
- (8) light squares, each 4-7/8" x 4-7/8"; 1 yard to cut the 48 squares required for 6 quilt blocks
Other Materials
A piece of very low-loft quilt batting, or flannel, that's about 4" wider and longer than your table runner.Quilt backing, the same size as the batting.
Continuous binding strips that will finish at 1/4" wide, their length equal to the total perimeter around the quilt plus about 25".
