Hi there, this is Marilyn Parker from Lindylou Kidsworld.
This blog is going to be a “how to” for a runner that can be used on a table, bed or chest of drawers. This pretty runner measures 64 x 16 inches finished.
I used Bunnycup Fancy Flowers Applique for the 6 pretty appliqued blocks. The blocks fabrics are from the Michael Miller Fairy Frost range - my favourite background fabric. The applique and some of the patchwork squares are from a lovely charm pack of bright blenders.
The designs were resized to 6.5 inches as required, so that all the blocks had uniform sizing. The blocks were originally cut to 12 inches so that there was good space around the design for the hooping. Once stitched out and pressed the blocks were cut back to 9 ½ inches. (Picture 1)
I then lay them down and decide which order I want to place them in, as all the background blocks are different shades with different coloured applique, and I try to space the colours a bit.
Then I cut 1 inch strips in Michael Miller Fairy Frost snow, and sew them around each finished block. Cut 12 x 9 ½ inches, and 12 x 10 ½ inches. (Picture 2)
You also need to cut 106 x 2 ½ inch squares for the borders.
Take the blocks and sew 5 different coloured squares in rows at the bottom of each square. Try to keep the colours random. (Picture 3)
Then keeping the blocks in the order you decided, alternate each second block and turn it upside down. This way you get the nice steps, and the runner will never be the wrong way around- there is no true top or bottom. (Picture 4)
Once all the seams are pressed, make sure the sizing is ok, and the corners are true. Trim a tiny bit off the edges if needed. Then have fun sewing all the remaining 2 ½ squares together in strips of 60 for each of the long edges and 8 for each of the short ends. Press it all again. (Picture 5)
Top layer done!
Then lay your work face down on the cutting table, and place a piece of wadding and a piece of backing fabric over the top layer and smooth it all out with your hands. Then flip it over and smooth it out again, and pin every 4 to 6 inches so that there is even coverage and no puckering.
Sew all three layers together. I just used a running stich through all the seam lines. (Pictures 6a, b, c) You can of course use some pretty feathered quilting pattern on the areas where there 10 of the 2 ½ squares and in the corners of the runner. That would look fabulous and personalised.
I then cut the work square using my rotary cutter and long straight ruler. The binding is 4 strips of 2 ½ inch fabric, joined together end to end, folded in half and sewn around the raw edges using a ¼ foot or the standard foot following the markings on your machine – whatever works for you to give it a nice straight uniform line. (Pictures 7a & b)
I am in rainbow mode still so most of my work is multi coloured. I would love, love, love to see you try this project and use more muted colours, or different shades of one colour – or your personal favourites. Once you have given it a go, please do “show and tell” for us, so we can all share your work. (Pictures 8a, b, c)
Thank you. Marilyn Lindylou Kidsworld.
