I was inspired by a piece of fabric I came across recently. I thought it would be the perfect way to show how quick and easy the quilt-as-you-go method is!
It’s candy cane season, after all :) What about a candy cane table runner? If you’ve never done quilt-as-you-go, this will be an easy enough project for a beginner to tackle.
I started with a piece of batting cut about 38” x 15”. Then, I used the large 60 Degree Diamond Ruler to trim the ends off into a shallow point.
I pieced some scraps together for the backing, then spray basted the batting to it, and trimmed the excess backing away.
I drew a diagonal line at a 60 degree angle, across the middle about halfway down (I eyeballed this).
Cut a series of red, green, and white strips. I cut (1) strip 2 ½” wide x 42” long from both the red and green, and (2) from the white. I, also, cut (2) strips 1 ½” wide x 42” long from both the red and green, and (4) from the white.
Starting at the marked line, place one 2 ½” strip down, right along the marked line, then place a matching red one alongside. Trim the excess off to be used in another area.
Place the red strip, right side down, on top of the white strip and pin in place. Make sure the pins go through all the layers including the backing.
Sew a ¼” seam allowance down the pinned edge of the two strips. If you have a walking foot, this would be a good time to use it!
Once sewn, this first seam secures all the layers together, and the stitch line will show up on the backing.
Press the red strip out. Line up a white 1 ½” strip right next to it, in the same way as before, trimming off the excess to be used in another area.
Continue adding strips, sewing them in place through all the layers, and pressing them out before adding the next one.
You will be building the right end of the table runner from the middle out. The pattern is 2½” of white, then 2½” of red, then narrow red and white, alternating for a set of four, then back to 2½” of white before switching to the green section.
Now that the right end of the table runner is covered, turn the whole thing around and work the pattern backwards across the other half.
Here it's getting a final press before trimming. I used steam and spray starch to really flatten it out.
This is the view from the back, you can see the stitch lines in white thread.
I trimmed everything even with the batting down the two sides, and used the ruler to trim the ends again. Now, it’s ready to bind!
I cut my binding super narrow (2”), because I wanted it to be more of a sideshow and not the main event.
Well, there you go! A quick and cute candy cane table runner. And the best part is, it’s all done at once!
Happy Sunday everyone,
Krista