Creating a Christmas Tree Table Runner is a fun, festive project that adds a seasonal touch to your dining area. This tutorial focuses on how to make a table runner using fabrics in holiday colors, typically with triangles or simple pieced shapes that resemble Christmas trees. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this project is easy to customize and brings holiday cheer to your décor.
Materials Needed
- Fabric in Green, Red, and White: Select holiday-colored fabric or patterns for the trees, background, and border.
- Batting: Thin batting works well for table runners and adds a quilted effect without bulk.
- Backing Fabric: Choose a holiday-themed fabric or a matching color.
- Thread: Matching or contrasting, depending on your style.
- Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Mat: For accurate cutting of the shapes.
Steps to Make a Christmas Tree Table Runner
- Cut the Fabric: Cut triangles for the trees. You can use equilateral triangles or half-square triangles, depending on the look you’re aiming for. For a simple design, cutting out green triangles for the trees and white or red for the background provides a classic, clean look.
- Arrange the Trees: Lay out the triangles in a staggered row down the center of the table runner. This setup is visually appealing and gives a forest-like effect. You can alternate the size of the triangles or keep them uniform for consistency.
- Sew the Tree Blocks: Piece each triangle to its background fabric to form the “tree” blocks. Press the seams to one side for a smooth finish.
- Assemble the Runner Top: Arrange your completed tree blocks in a row. Add any extra fabric for borders, depending on the desired width. Sew each piece together and press the seams flat.
- Add Batting and Backing: Layer the backing, batting, and runner top. Baste them together using pins or adhesive spray to prevent shifting while quilting.
- Quilt the Layers: Quilt around the trees or create a festive design, such as a zig-zag pattern or stitch-in-the-ditch along the seams. Free-motion quilting can add a unique, festive touch if you’re experienced with it.
- Bind the Edges: Use binding to finish the edges of the runner. For a holiday look, a red or patterned binding complements the festive design.
Design Variations
- Use Appliqué: Appliquéing the trees onto a solid background provides a different approach and can be easier than piecing for some quilters.
- Add Embellishments: Small buttons or embroidery can add ornaments to the trees, giving the runner a more decorative look.
- Experiment with Colors: You can go beyond green trees, incorporating fabrics with metallic golds, silvers, or even light blues for a modern holiday twist.
Tips for Success
- Press as You Go: Pressing the seams helps ensure smooth, even layers, especially when quilting.
- Consistent Cutting: Use a rotary cutter for precise triangles, as accurate cuts lead to cleaner piecing and alignment.
- Choose a Fun Backing: Since this runner will be reversible, pick a coordinating fabric for the back so you can use it for multiple occasions.
This Christmas Tree Table Runner tutorial makes a charming, handmade holiday accent that’s both practical and decorative, great for family gatherings or as a thoughtful holiday gift.
