After making several quilts using polka dot fabrics, my Mom had some great scraps.  So we got together yesterday to “Use Them Up.”  The fabrics were mostly small pieces, so we had to be creative.  The end result was this wonderful table runner just in time for Easter.

You can make your own Runner using up scrap fabric or buy new.  Either way it’s a fun, easy and inexpensive project.  It took us about three hours to complete the Runner.  I was so happy to use the large rickrack.  I’m not sure what it is about rickrack, but I really love it.  The great part is this project can be adapted to any holiday or season.  To make this project you will need

• Strips of fabric 1 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches wide and 18 inches wide.  We used 18 strips but you can customize to the size of your table. (Don’t worry if you need to piece some of the strips, we did on this project)
• Fabric back
• Thin cotton or cotton blend quilt batting
• We used 4 yards of rickrack (but it depends on how long your runner will be.)

Here’s how to make it: 1.  Start by cutting your fabric into strips of varying widths.

2. Arrange the strips until you are happy with their order.  Make sure to vary the widths and size of the pattern.

3. Using a 1/4 inch seam sew the strips together.  Don’t worry if the ends aren’t perfectly lined up.  As you sew each strip together press all the seams in one direction.  (Make sure to press each time you add a strip.)

4. Using a ruler and an Olfa cutter, straighten the ends.

5. Working one side at a time pin the rickrack to the edges leaving it an inch longer on each end.  Crisscross ends and pin the next side until rick rack goes all the way around.

6. Sew rickrack to runner with 1/4 inch seam.  Make sure to use the middle of rickrack as your guide.

7. Cut the back and the batting 1 inch bigger all the way around.

8.  Layer first the batting to wrong side of back, then right side of pieced top to the right side of back.  Pin together.

9. Following the sewing line of the rickrack, sew all the way around, leaving a 6 inch opening on one of the sides.

Don't panic (like I did!) she is not cutting off the trim. The rickrack trim is on the inside of the seam. It will show when you turn and press.

10.  Trim sides to 1/4 inch from seam and clip corners.

11. Turn and press.

12. Stitch opening shut by hand.

13. Machine quilt (or hand quilt if have nothing but time on your hands) in the ditch.  (For the non-quilters, the ditch is the strip seams.)

I am so happy with our finished project, and it looks really great on my table.  But, if you are feeling even more creative you could iron-on a bunny or flowers and finish with a blanket stitch.  What about adding buttons or trims?  Use your imagination.  Don’t be afraid, perfection is over-rated anyway.  I saw this quote on a notebook in my Mom’s sewing room and wanted to pass it along.

Many thanks to Nadine from Material Girls Quilts for the great supply of polka dot fabrics. http://www.thematerialgirlsquilting.com/ Check out her store for lots of wonderful fabrics and creative ideas.  (Most of my apron fabrics come from Material Girls too.)

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