Mug Rug To Table Runner

Anita Goodesign’s new Modern Free Motion Design Collection has many beautiful embroidery designs, and I wondered how putting three squares of two different tropical designs together would look. Placing the squares side by side created a visual relationship that deserved to be made permanent. Add some borders and the result is large enough to be a small table runner.

An interesting feature of the designs in the collection is that there are some designs that link as if sewed continuously in a line and others that link on all 4 sides when arranged in a horizontal/vertical grid of blocks.

A few weeks ago I showed you how to use one machine quilted block to make a mug rug. Let’s expand (pun intended) on that theme.

Supplies:
Anita Goodesign Modern Free Motion Design Collection CD
See the tutorial that comes with the design collection for fabric requirements for the blocks
Border fabric(s) – amount will vary depending on the finished size you want your table runner
Backing fabric – amount will vary depending on the finished size you want your table runner
Binding fabric – amount will vary depending on the finished size you want your table runner

Instructions:
1. Decide if you want to create a narrow runner with a single row of blocks or a wide runner with 2 or more rows of blocks. If you care about the idea of continuity of stitching from block to block, check for continuity at all joints between blocks.
2. I followed the instructions in the tutorial to stitch out my blocks.
3. Matching the placement lines carefully, sew three or more blocks together.
4. Trim the fabric around the outside edge of the assembled blocks 1/4” from block placement stitching lines.
5. Measure the narrow width of the blocks and cut two pieces of border fabric 2 1/2” (or desired border width) by the measured block width.
6. Sew end border strips to the blocks. Press.
7. Measure the length of blocks with border strips attached and cut two long border pieces 2 1/2” (or desired width) by the measured length.
8. Sew the long border strips to the blocks and press.
9. Repeat steps 3 to 8 for each additional border.
10. Cut batting and backing fabric at least 2” longer and wider than the current size of the table runner.

11. Using temporary spray adhesive, attach the batting to the backing and the table runner to the batting.

12. Using a ‘stitch in the ditch’ foot will help you keep the stitches in the seam as you sew the three layers together.
13. Stitch ALL seams (block to block, block to border, and border to border).
14. Trim excess batting and backing to the outer edge of the outside border.
15. Apply binding using your favorite technique.