• mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • 23 identities PDF
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • inspiration
    • our home
    • books
    • lifestyle
    • marriage
    • homeschool
    • simple living
    • we’re debt free!
    • book recommendations
  • homeschool
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
  • new? start here

Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / creativity / craft project / {saturday craft: Blessed Nest table runner}

{saturday craft: Blessed Nest table runner}

August 13, 2011 · 13 Comments
Filed Under: craft project, guest bloggers, tutorial/DIY

Hi there! It’s been a while since I’ve posted a saturday craft, but that’s about to change because I’m here with my sewing friend Trish of Two Peas in a Pod Designs. Trish has put together a super darling sewing tutorial for the Gussy Sews community, yay! Below is a detailed post & tutorial on how to make a pieced table runner with {optional} word applique. This runner can be modified to fit any length of table {simply add extra pieces of fabric to extend the runner}, and it can be customized for any season. To do that, set your fabric color palette based on the season you’re decorating for.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial! xoxo

Here’s Trish ~

♥

You’ve got a sewing machine. Awesome. You’ve learned how to thread it and how to thread the bobbin. You can sew a straight line but that is about the limit of your sewing skills. Or maybe you’ve been sewing for awhile now and doing some opposite edge gathering or edge appliqué is not so frightening. This “Blessed Nest Table Runner” can be as simple or advanced as you’d like.

WE WILL:
> Piece – as is often done in quilting
> Learn how to opposite edge gather – often used in home dec projects, in particular on pillows.
> Learn edge appliqué
> Learn how to use quilt batting

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Using scraps, fat quarters or whatever fabric you have on hand, you will need to cut, from center working out {see below photo as a guide}:

1) Center print (shown in pink) 5” wide x 20” long
2) Yellow dot print 3” x 20”
3) Turquoise linen 2”x 20″
4) Momo bird print 5” x 20”
5) Green lattice print 4” x 20”
6) Purple dots 2.5” x 20”
7) Grey solid 5” x 20” (appliqué background)
8) Ruffle in turquoise linen 3” x 42” long (optional)
9) Cotton quilt batting 46” x 21”
10) Cotton fabric backing 45.5” x 20” ~ cut the batting and cotton backing AFTER you have pieced your top together
11) Buttons and other trims as desired
12) Steam a seam (or stitch witchery –for fusing appliqué){the simple version} Piece all the pieces together. Omit the appliqué and the ruffle.{advanced version} Add the appliqué to your runner.{expert version} Add the appliqué AND the ruffle to your runner. YOU CAN DO IT!

Let’s get started!

This tutorial will give you a table runner approximately 45.5″ x 20″.

STEP ONE: Start with laying out your cut pieces so you can see how the order you want them stitched:

Begin with your center strip and the two strips next to it. With right sides together, line up edges, pin. I pinned both of my yellow dot strips on at the same time. USE 1/4” seams throughout:

TIP: I used a 1/4” quilting foot. I also let my fabric hang down and let it flow between my fingers – not pulling it but gently guiding it. For the piecing part of the project, I use a universal needle BUT when it comes to stitching through the multiple layers and batting, I switch to a JEANS needle. I have broken far too many needles sewing bags and thick layered items – the jeans needle works best for me.

I also set my tension at 4-5 and a stitch length of 2.5 for piecing. The more layers we add, we will increase the stitch length. Why? Because your needle needs enough time to get through all of those layers and come back up before moving forward. Too short a stitch length and your needle won’t be able to keep up and you’ll break a needle:

Press over your stitch lines. Then press your seams to one side:

STEP TWO: Continue piecing all of your strips, pinning both the left and right sides. If you are doing the simple method, you will end with the gray solid 5” strip. IF YOU ARE ADDING THE APPLIQUE – First, appliqué that strip BEFORE piecing it to your top:

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR APPLIQUE:

First, print out the bird outline and free hand cut a little wing for your bird and a limb for him to perch on. On your computer, using the font AMERICAN TYPEWRITER (or font of your choice) at size 350, type the letters N E S T B L D. Print and use these as your pattern for the words “blessed nest”.

Arrange your applique as desired. Using your steam a seam or stitch witchery underneath, press per manufacturers instructions to hold your applique in place. I don’t use a lot. A few pieces here and there just to tack my picture down while I stitch is sufficient.

Next is my favorite part. Using black thread, stitch two times around each letter close to the edge (hence, edge applique) and all other items in your picture. Be messy. This part allows you to add some character by being imperfect in your stitching.

I adore these Blumenthal buttons! I used them along with some trim to futher adorn my applique. Be creative and see what you can come up with or use my idea shown here.

Now that you have finished the applique portion of that strip, attach it to your top as you did the rest of your strips.You can end here with your top OR If you’re feeling adventurous, let’s add a ruffled border!

STEP THREE: Adding the ruffled border. This is called opposite edge gathering and you can do this using a ruffler foot or you can use a gathering stitch. A gathering stitch will be a stitch length as long as you can get – I set my machine to 6.0. And a loose tension. I set mine at 2. Then along both long edges, stitch. Don’t lock in {backstitch} your stitches on either end:

Then, pull one of the threads – I pull the bobbin thread, and start to gather your fabric. Pull it until it becomes 20” – the length of the strips for your top:

Pin to your top as you did your other strips and stitch in place:

After you have stitched it in place, pull out your gathering thread. (Leave in your gathering thread for the other side which is not yet stitched in – it will attach to our backing / batting.)

This is what it looks like once you’ve stitched it in. Pull your gathering thread out after it is stitched in place:

STEP FOUR: The batting and some quilting. I lay my finished top on my batting and cut the batting a little bit bigger than my top. Pin your top to your batting all over the place:

Technically, in quilting, you would use safety pins. For this quick job – I fudged and just used straight pins. We are doing minimal “quilting” for this project. Simply top stitch along both sides of every seam:

That’s all the “quilting” I did on this runner. Then, trim your batting to the same size as your top.

STEP FIVE: Attaching the backing. I am thrifty. Cotton has gone up in price and for backings – especially here where it will lay on a table and no one is ever gonna see the back – I use a sheet. I buy flat white sheets at the discount store and use it for the back. Lay your top on your sheet, right sides facing and pin. Cut your backing to the size of the top. Stitch all the way around leaving about a 10” opening in the side for turning. Be careful and pin like mad along your ruffled border because this is where the end of it gets attached.

Once you have your layers stitched together…

…pull your top through the opening and turn right side out:

Press along all edges and top stitch all the way around Use some of the steam a seam in your opening to hold it closed tightly as you top stitch. DON’T top stitch along the bottom edge of the ruffle. Just down the side of the ruffle.

TIP: Top stitching, increase your stitch length to 3.5 for top stitching. Sprout of course had to get in the picture. This really does go together quite quickly. It is very well suited for all kinds of skill levels and will look fabulous anywhere in your house! {Thank you Sew to Speak in Columbus, Ohio for the great selection of fabrics used in this project.}

*Top stitching around your table runner is the last step! Once you’ve finished the final edge, your runner is complete! Grab a vase of flowers to set on top of your new runner and let out a little “yeow!” ~ you did it! :]

Blessed Nest Table Runner, by Trish Preston.
Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs © 2011 All Rights Reserved

♥

I’m LOVING all of the colors used in this finished table runner, plus the gathered edge, PLUS all the ideas that are coming to mind as I think about upcoming holidays, seasons and events.

Many, many thanks to Trish for putting this tutorial together!
XO, Gussy

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn


13 Comments
Filed Under: craft project, guest bloggers, tutorial/DIY

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« {have you seen a more darling dollhouse?!}
{I have a confession…} »

Comments

  1. Trish says

    August 13, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Happy to share this with your readers who are new to sewing! Hope everyone enjoys it!

    Reply
  2. Tammy says

    August 13, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    I was thinking this morning that I was going to make a table runner, and then I came across this. This is a great project!

    Reply
  3. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    August 13, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Oh wow! Absolutely beautiful! One day, I’m going to learn how sew!

    Reply
  4. Tori says

    August 13, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Such a pretty runner! Love all those colors!

    Reply
  5. Sara Sophia says

    August 13, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS~!!!

    Reply
  6. Paula says

    August 13, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Your directions look great. I need things like where to set the tension and what needle to use. Anxious to try this. Company right now but later. It’s so pretty

    Reply
  7. Misty Buchanan says

    August 14, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    I love this! Bought my fabric today to add to my stash. So cute. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  8. Sarah-Anne says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    looks scary…but amazingly cute!!

    Reply
  9. kristy says

    September 29, 2011 at 10:55 am

    darn. i don’t sew but this makes me wish i did :)

    Reply
  10. Rebe Arce says

    March 15, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks so much for the instructions. I just finished mi own! With different colors but it looks awesome!!!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. {blessed nest} a tutorial | Two Peas in a Pod says:
    August 13, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    […] had the pleasure of putting together this simple tutorial for a table runner to share with her readers who are interested in a simple sewing project with some […]

    Reply
  2. Sewing Tutorials - Blessed Nest Table Runner | Sewing Tutorials Library says:
    August 23, 2011 at 10:13 am

    […] Blessed Nest Table Runner Tutorial from Gussy Sews […]

    Reply
  3. {my handmade holiday list} | Two Peas in a Pod says:
    October 18, 2011 at 8:32 am

    […] am making my Mom one of these table runners this year but with a winter theme in blues and neutral colors and the words “let it […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
READ MORE >>
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

instagram

maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
.
.
.
.
.
#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.