Modern Valentine Table Runner Tutorial

Be Mine Blog Tour Day 2

I'm super excited to share my Modern Valentine Table Runner tutorial with you today as part of the "BeMine Blog Tour!" This is a fun design that can be as scrappy as you want to make it.  You can use scraps, charm squares, even extra layer cake squares that you might have--only the border requires pieces that are bigger than a layer cake square.

You'll need: (Finished runner measures 12 1/2" by 44 1/2")

• 20-2 1/2" squares (can be cut from 5 charm squares or a variety of scraps)
• 3/8 yard white (I used Moda Bella Bleached White).  From this cut 10-1 1/2" by 4 1/2"  pieces along with 10-1 1/2" by 6 1/2" pieces.  You will also cut your outer border strips--wait to cut until you have your exact measurements--mine were 2-2 1/2" by 12 1/2" and 2-2 1/2" by 40 1/2".
• 1/8 yard accent fabric one (this could also be scrappy, cut from a variety of strips or cut from layer cake squares. You'll need to cut 3-1 1/2" by width of fabric strips if using yardage.  From this (or from scraps) cut 6 strips 1 1/2" by 6 1/2" and 6 strips 1 1/2" by 8 1/2."
• 1/8 yard accent fabric two (again, this can be scrappy). If using yardage cut 2-1 1/2" by width of fabric strips.  From this cut 4-1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips and 4-1 1/2" by 8 1/2" strips.
• 1/4 yard binding fabric. From this cut 3 strips 2 1/4" by width of fabric.
• Backing fabric for your finished runner which will be about 12 1/2" by 44 1/2".

Cut 2 1/2" squares for your 4-patch blocks.

Cut your accent strips.

Make 5 4-patch blocks.  I made mine all the same, but scrappy ones would be really cute.

Sew a white 1 1 /2" by 4 1/2" accent strip to either side of each 4-patch block. Press out toward the accent strips.

Sew a white 1 1/2" by 6 1/2" accent strip to the top and bottom of each 4-patch block.  Again, press toward the accent strips.

You will now add accent borders to each 4-patch block just as you added the white accent strips. Make three of one color way and two of the other.

Of course, you can also make your outer accent borders scrappy.

Sew the 5 blocks together.  I turned every other block so I wouldn't have to worry about matching seams. If you look closely at the above photo you can see how the blocks were turned so this would work out. Add long borders first (this will keep you from having to piece these borders).  Mine were 40 1/2" long; however, measure the length of your topper before cutting.  Add the shorter borders last--mine were 12 1/2" long.  Press seams towards borders.

Now make a quilt sandwich with your runner top, batting, and backing.  Quilt as desired, then add binding.

I'd love to see any runners you make using this tutorial.  There is a flikr group here for photos of any of your projects from the Be Mine Blog Tour.

Be sure to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from FatQuarterShop and also for a chance to win a charm pack of Deb Strain's Love is in the Air from me (this is the fabric I used to make my runner)! Also, if you comment on the project post of each of the featured blogs you'll be eligible for the drawing for a grand prize $100 gift certificate from the FatQuarterShop! 

Yesterday's project was Valentine heart ornaments with Vickie...and tomorrow's blog tour stop is with Jen at Miss Punkie Pie!

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