Quilting your Legacy Monthly Challenge - Table Toppers (known as Table Runners): A Straightforward Step-by-Step Sewing Guide

September 01, 2023 5 min read

Hello, Quilting Friend,

 

Today marks the beginning of a new month with another exciting sewing challenge. For September, our Quilting Your Legacy Monthly Challenge focuses on creating Table Toppers. 

 

To help you get started, I've put together an easy-to-follow step-by-step Sewing Guide that will enable you to create a beautiful Table Topper for yourself or gift some to your favorite people in your life.

 

September's Quilting your Legacy Monthly Challenge is Table Toppers

 

🥰Over the years, I have shared numerous Table Topper patterns and fabric Table Topper kits. 😅Some quilting friends might even consider me a bit Table Topper crazed when it comes to relentlessly creating them quickly and economically.  

 

At Norton House Quilting, we even have a monthly Table Topper club, which meets on the first Sunday of every month and is dedicated to enjoying and creating Table Toppers. (click here if you want more info on the Table Topper Club)

 

💕However, despite my excitement with Table Topper, I have never explained the process of making one and its benefits. 

 

In this Sewing Guide, I will provide you with some of my top tips for making a table topper.

 

I'm excited to share some information with you today! Here are links to my all-time favorite runners and class information for us to sew a table topper together this month, but first read below for the Table Topper Sewing Guide.

 

Why Table Toppers

💕Table runners or Table Topper are one of my favorite items to create as gifts. They are simple to sew and quilt and don't require a lot of time or money to make. 

 

💕Almost everyone appreciates this type of gift and can find a use for it in their home, making it a versatile option. 

 

💕Another benefit is that I can prepare table runners in advance for seasonal or year-round use and have them ready to gift at any time.

 

👆I want to sew this - click

How to Ensure the Table Topper isn't too Big or too Small  

💠It is crucial to measure your Table or the space where you plan to place it. This step will help ensure that the Table fits correctly and meets your requirements. 

 

💠Table runners are versatile and can be used on various furniture pieces, such as dresser toppers, placed on a side table, or as a wall hanging. 

 

💠When it comes to making a table runner for a specific space, there are some suggestions that you can follow.

 

1️⃣ Firstly, a mid-sized to narrow runner is ideal as it allows you to have room for placemats on either side or at least one side of the runner. For instance, if your dining table is about 40" wide, a runner ranging in width from 16" to 18" would be perfect.

 

2️⃣ Secondly, the length of the runner can be more variable. Ideally, the runner should take up at least 50-80% of the length of the Table, but there can be more variety in the length depending on what type of centerpiece, if any, is placed on the Table.

 

3️⃣ Lastly, when using a runner on a non-dining surface such as a dresser or console, it is essential to ensure that some of the furniture's surface shows around all the edges of the runner. In this case, the size of the runner doesn't matter as much.

 

👆I want to sew this - click

Best Method to Choosing Fabrics 

💕I love selecting the fabrics for my table runners. It's my favorite part of the process. I usually have some fabrics in mind for creating runners for different seasons or everyday use in our home. I tend to change out runners frequently to prevent the fabrics from being damaged by sunlight shining through the windows.

 

💕When creating a table topper for someone special, I consider their favorite season and color during fabric selection. 

 

💕Table runners are great for using up scraps or leftovers from other projects. I enjoy mixing fabrics from various projects to create fun and scrappy runners. And, of course, holiday-themed fabrics are always perfect for creating festive table runners!

 

Bonus challenge: Can you name three people you promised to make something for but still need to? I'll help you create a Table Topper for them - they're going to be over the moon with excitement this winter holiday season. You don't have to quilt alone because we'll do it together when you sign up for a class. 

 

 

👆I want to sew this - click

 

Best Method to Choosing Patterns  

💠When it comes to choosing a pattern, the most crucial factor to consider is the time you have to complete the project and the fabrics you have at hand. 

 

💠I have a few favorite patterns and I'll share them at the bottom of this post. 

 

💠Taking a sewing class is always beneficial because it offers the opportunity to work with others and learn from an expert instead of sewing alone. The classes are usually inexpensive and will provide valuable tips and tricks that can help make your project successful. Plus, sewing together with a live instructor is always better than sewing alone. 

 

The best part? You'll walk away with a fantastic table topper to place on your Table or give to one of your favorite people. 

 

No matter what pattern you choose, read all the instructions thoroughly to understand the steps needed to ensure no confusion and frustration. 

 

 

😄Let's Sew Together - click✂️

One Final Thought:  

💕Table toppers are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create a quick gift for their favorite people while showcasing their unique style in their home.

💕They are easy to work with and perfect for those who are new to quilting. Thank you for reading my post on how to make a table runner. I hope you have fun creating many table runners in the future.

 

💕Table runners are a wonderful option for individuals looking to craft a thoughtful present for their loved ones, all while adding a touch of personal flair to their living space. 

 

💕These projects are simple to undertake and ideal for beginners in quilting.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my guide on creating table runners. I wish you many enjoyable experiences crafting these delightful pieces in the days ahead. 

 

✂️September's Quilting Class Calendar - click here

💠Join the *new* V.I.P (Very Important Patchwork) Club

💠Join the Quilting your Legacy Table Topper Club by clicking here. 


✂️What are your thoughts?