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Christmas Stars Table Runner

This Christmas table runner features one of the most classic of quilting motifs: the 8-pointed star.

We used Christmas-themed designs for the small hoop including Star of Bethlehem, Madonna and Child Candle, Christmas Bells, Poinsettia Lace Corner. Some of these are cutwork designs. However, for this project, we did not make any cut-outs. They are used as one-color designs.

We used 4 star blocks arranged in 1 row. You can easily make your table runner wider, longer or shorter by changing the number of blocks.

The finished size of the runner is about 16" x 52".

You will need

embroidery thread (either polyester or rayon)
medium-weight cut-away stabilizer,
about 1/2 yard of light-colored cotton fabric for the block background and borders,
about 1/4 yard of burgundy or red fabric for the stars,
1 fat quarter of dark blue-green fabric, for the sashing,
about 1/4 yard abstract patterned fabric with colors matching the other fabrics, for the sashing,
batting and backing,
quilting threads to match the fabrics,
quilter's ruler and rotary cutter (or graphic pencil and sharp scissors).

Cutting:

Out of light-colored fabric, cut

16 squares measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2",
16 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 4 1/2",
2 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 48 1/2" and
2 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 16 1/2".

Out of burgundy fabric, cut

4 squares measuring 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" and
32 squares measuring 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".

Out of dark blue-green fabric, cut

4 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" and
4 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 12 1/2".

Out of patterned fabric, cut

4 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 8 1/2",
4 strips measuring 2 1/2" x 12 1/2", and
4 strips measuring 2 1/2" and the length of the width of the fabric for the biding.

Star Block:

For the star, you need to sew four "flying geese" strips. For each strips, take one light 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles and two burgundy 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares.

Position the rectangle on your working table, face up. Position one of the burgundy squares, face down, on the left of the rectangle. Align the sides.

With a thin graphic pencil, draw a diagonal to connect the upper right corner and the lower left corner.

Machine stitch along the diagonal.
Cut the excess fabric, leaving 1/4" seam allowance.
Unfold the burgundy fabric and press.

Repeat for the other side of the strip.
You will need 4 such flying geese parts.

Sew the two "flying geese" to the upper and lower edges of the 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" burgundy square.

Take two "flying geese" strips and four light-colored 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares. Sew a square to each end of the "flying geese".

Sew these strips to the top and bottom edges of the central part.

Assembly of the Top:

Sew the 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" blue-green strips to the upper and lower edges of 2 blocks.

Sew the 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" patterned strips to the upper and lower edges of the remaining 2 blocks.

Sew the 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" patterned strips to the left and right edges of the first 2 blocks (with blue-green upper and lower borders).

Sew the 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" green strips to the left and right edges of the remaining 2 blocks (with patterned upper and lower border).

Sew the 4 blocks together, alternating the borders.

Sew the long light-colored strips to the long sides of the runner.
Sew the short light-colored strips to the short sides of the runner.

Embroidery:

Stabilize the center of the stars with medium-weight cut-away stabilizer for embroidery. Upload the designs into the machine and embroider them one by one with golden-colored polyester thread (not metallic!)

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 with golden metallic thread all over the quilt.

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.