Quilted Table Runner with Butterfly Embroidery

For this summer-themed table runner, we used the embroidery designs from the Butterfly Set for the small hoop, and cotton batiks.

The finished size of the table runner is about 18" x 33".

Besides embroidery thread (either polyester or rayon), you will need

• light-weight cut-away stabilizer,
• a light-colored cotton batik for the central part with embroidery,
• flower patterned batiks for the borders (we used two batiks with flower patterns),
• solid-colored batiks for the sashing to match the colors of the borders ,
• binding,
• batting and backing,
• quilting threads to match the fabrics,
• quilter's ruler and rotary cutter (or graphic pencil and sharp scissors).

Cutting:

Out of the fabric for the central part, cut a rectangle measuring 10 1/2" x 25 1/2".

Out of both solid-colored batiks, cut

• one strip measuring 1 1/2" x 21" and
• one strip 1 1/2" x 36" each.

Out of both patterned batiks, cut

• one strip measuring 3 1/2" x 21" and
• one strip measuring 3 1/2" x 36" each.

Assembly of the Top:

Sew the 1 1/2" x 21" solid and 3 1/2" x 21" patterned strips into 2 strips. Match the lighter solid color with the lighter patterned fabric, and the darker solid with the darker patterned fabric.

Repeat with the 1 1/2" x 36" solid and 3 1/2" x 36" patterned strips.

Fold all strips in half and lightly press to mark the center of each.

Mark the center on each side of the light-colored rectangle.

Place the rectangle on the table, face up. Working with one strip at a time, position each of the shorter strips on each of the shorter edges of the rectangle, face down. Align the edges and the centers. Pin.

Sew the strip and the rectangle together, starting and finishing stitching 1/4" from the top and lower edges. Seam allowance is 1/4".

In the same way, attach the longer strips.

To make mittered corners, fold one of the strips over the other, to make an angle, align the corners.

When the miter looks right to you, press the line.

Neatly unfold the strip and pin the strips together. Please note that the edges of both strips should be aligned.

Top-stitch along the creased line.

Unfold and check that you like the results.

Fold again and trim the seam. Seam allowance at the corner is 1/2"!

Unfold and press the seam first from the back.

Then from the front.

Repeat for all corners.

Embroidery

Stabilize the light-colored central part with light-weight cut-away stabilizer for embroidery. Upload the designs from the Butterfly Set into the machine. It's easy to change the colors of the butterflies. Please feel free to choose threads that match the colors of the fabrics.

Quilting and Finishing:

Now place the backing on a flat surface (table) face down. Cover with batting. Spread your working piece over it.

Pin all three layers together with 1" pins and start quilting. We quilted in a free-motion style all over the table runner.

After the quilting is finished, press the work with heavy steam and square the work -- all corners should be 90 degrees and opposite sides should be of the same length.

Finish the raw edges with the binding.

The table tunner is done.

Here are some close-ups:

Enjoy!

Happy Stitching!

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