Make an Easy Table Runner – “Autumn Glow” quilt pattern
Use this easy table runner quilt pattern to add to your holiday décor or surprise someone special! The muted shades of pine green, plum, deep rose, cranberry and amber subtlety glow!
Learn how to make this easy quilted table runner
Summer flowers deepen into jewel tones and their colors glow warmly through in this cozy table runner, perfect for adding festive cheer to any autumnal table setting. This quick and easy quilt can be made from a 5-inch charm pack or scraps you have on hand in rich reds, golds, greens, blues and purples. A few fat quarters are all you need for the light background fabric and narrow borders.
The pattern is quick and easy to make, even in the midst of back to school and the busy schedules that return in the fall. This cozy table runner lets you spread some handmade joy and it makes a perfect hostess gift. Its warm colors are sure to add a feeling of comfort and good cheer to any table you decorate for such a cozy season.
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The inspiration for this table runner design came from an antique quilt picture on Pinterest years ago. The late Cheri Payne made her own little quilt in red and green. In keeping with the holiday theme, I thought I would try more variety in colors to resemble a tree with multicolored lights. The block is recently known as Hot Cross Buns but it might have other names.
This quilt is perfect for shopping your stash for fabrics. In fact, you can easily make your own little kit by choosing 14 different colors/prints and cutting one 3″ x 5″ rectangle out of each fabric. This is all you need to get one square and the colored pieces for one block. Or, get yourself a 5″ charm pack and pick 14 different pieces from that.
All of the instructions for making the table runner are in this post. As a special gift to you, I am also making the pattern available to deliver to your inbox for free. Just enter your name and email in the contact box above and the pattern will be sent immediately.
The finished table runner measures 14″ x 23-1/2″. The finished blocks are 2-1/2″.
How to make a quilted table runner step by step
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Fabric requirements
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cutting instructions for the Hot Cross Buns blocks
- Using the light colored fat quarter, cut (4) strips 1-1/2″ x width of fabric (WOF). Subcut into (56) squares, 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″.
- From one of the assorted colored prints (fabric C), cut (1) 3″ x 3″ square and then repeat for each of the (14) different colored print fabrics. You should have a total of (14) 3″ squares.
- Also from one of the assorted colored prints, cut (2) 1″ x 3″ rectangles and then repeat for each of the (14) different colored print fabrics.
- Use one of the 1″ x 3″ rectangles you just cut and cut that into (2) 1″ x 1-1/2″ rectangles.
See illustration below for further help with cutting the pieces for the Hot Cross Buns block.
Step 2: Cutting instructions for the border pieces
The borders on the table runner are two different sizes. The sides finish at 2″ and the top and bottom finish at 3″. The pattern quilt uses two different green fabrics.
- Use green #1 for the side borders and cut (2) border strips 2-1/2″ x WOF (fat quarter).
- Use green #2 for the top and bottom borders and cut (2) border strips 3-1/2″ x WOF (fat quarter).
Set these strips aside for now. You have to finish the center of the quilt before you can determine the exact length to cut the green borders.
Step 3: Constructing the Hot Cross Buns block
- For the top row of the block, sew a 1″ x 1-1/2″ rectangle to one of the background squares and press the seam toward the rectangle. Sew the second background square to the other side of the rectangle and press that seam toward the rectangle, too.
- Repeat the same steps for the bottom row of the block. See illustrations below.
- Assemble the block as follows: sew the top row of the block to the long side of the 1″ x 3″ rectangle. Press toward the rectangle.
- Repeat with the bottom row and press toward the rectangle again.
- The unfinished block should measure 3″ and the finished block will measure 2-1/2″.
Step 4: Assembling the quilt top
When you finish making the Hot Cross Buns blocks, you should have (14) blocks and (14) 3″ squares that you cut earlier.
- Lay the blocks and solid squares out in rows of four, alternating a pieced block and a 3″ square. Mix the colors as you like.
- Sew the blocks together to make rows. Press seams open.
- Make seven rows of four blocks each and lay out the rows..
- Sew the rows together. Press seams open.
Step 5: Add the borders
- To add the side borders, measure the quilt center from top to bottom.
- Take the two 2-1/2″ wide Green #1 strips and cut them the length of your top to bottom measurement.
- Attach one to each side of the quilt.
- Press seams toward the borders.
- To add the top and bottom borders, measure the quilt center from side to side including the borders you just added.
- Take the two 3-1/2″ wide Green #2 strips and cut them the length of your side to side measurement.
- Attach one to the top and one to the bottom of the quilt.
- Press seams toward the borders.
Congratulations! Your “Autumn Glow” top is finished. Take a step back and admire your work.
This is a versatile block and you can change up the designs by varying placement and colors. Two examples are shown below. Funny, it seems I like to bring this block out for Christmas projects. How about you? Do you have some ideas for other seasons?
Answers to your questions about making Autumn Glow, an easy holiday table runner pattern
Q: Do I have to hand quilt it?
A: Not at all! Check with your favorite machine quilter and ask for her backing specifications and if she does small quilts. Or, quilt it yourself. It’s an easy project for practicing your own machine quilting.
Q: How much fabric do I need if I do the three color version?
A: One fat quarter for each color should be plenty. A half yard is generous for the back.
Q: How should I hand quilt it?
A: I like to put a lot of quilting into small projects. If you study the picture of the red, green and white version you can see the hand quilting pretty well. One tip I like to do is outline all of the blocks right near the seam line. I feel like this brings the quilting up a level and, since the project is small, it isn’t very time consuming and you can still complete the quilt in a short time.
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