How to Create a Star Table Runner

Stars are such classic quilt blocks! Use the tutorial below to stitch your own star blocks, and then follow the steps at the end to transform 3 blocks into a beautiful table runner! We've used red, white and blue solids from the QT Shades collection - find your favorite colors here!

1. Cut your pieces

To create one 12-1/2" square block, you'll need:

Red - (1) 6-1/2" square
Blue - (4) 3-1/2" squares
White - (4) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces and (4) 3-1/2" squares

2. Mark your squares

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each 3-1/2" blue square. Use a fabric marking pen or lightly draw with a pencil.

Position the square on the left end of (1) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" white piece.

3. Stitch and trim

Sew on the drawn line (tip: start at the end with the center of the white piece - the top in the picture at right - for easiest stitching). After sewing, trim seam allowance to 1/4" and discard the corner triangle pieces.

4. Press open and repeat

Press the blue corner open.

Position a second marked square on the right end of the white piece, noting orientation of the line. Stitch on the line and press open.

5. Stitch, trim and repeat

Trim seam allowance to 1/4" and discard the corner triangle pieces. Press the corner open. Measure your flying geese unit and trim to 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" if needed, making sure to keep 1/4" above the white triangle top tip.

Make (4) flying geese units.

6. Lay out and assemble block

Lay out the 6-1/2" red square, (4) flying geese units, and (4) 3-1/2" white square into (3) rows of (3). Sew into horizontal rows, pressing seam allowances as shown by the arrows. Sew the rows together, again referring to arrows.

Block should measure 12-1/2" square.

That's it! Your block is done.

Now, let's use this star block to make a table runner!

Below are 3 color and layout options. Table runner measures 42" x 18".

We've provided the required yardage and cutting for each. Order your favorite solid colors for the runner here.

Red Border Star Runner

You'll Need
5/8 yard red solid

5/8 yard blue solid

1/2 yard white solid

Cutting:
Red Solid

(2) 6-1/2" squares
(2) 3-1/2" x 42-1/2" strips
(2) 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" strips
(8) 3-1/2" squares

Blue Solid
(1) 6-1/2" square

(16) 3-1/2" squares
(4) 2-1/4" x WOF strips for binding

White Solid
(12) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces
(12) 3-1/2" squares

You'll Need
5/8 yard red solid

5/8 yard blue solid

1/2 yard white solid

Blue Border Star Runner

Cutting:
Blue Solid

(2) 6-1/2" squares
(2) 3-1/2" x 42-1/2" strips
(2) 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" strips
(8) 3-1/2" squares

Red Solid
(1) 6-1/2" square

(16) 3-1/2" squares
(4) 2-1/4" x WOF strips for binding

White Solid
(12) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces
(12) 3-1/2" squares

White Border Star Runner

Cutting:
Red Solid

(1) 6-1/2" square
(8) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces
(8) 3-1/2" squares

Blue Solid

(2) 6-1/2" square

(4) 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces
(4) 3-1/2" squares

White Solid
(2) 3-1/2" x 42-1/2" strips
(2) 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" strips
(24) 3-1/2" squares

(4) 2-1/4" x WOF strips for binding

Assembly Instructions:
1. Make blocks as instructed above.

2. Sew blocks into a row.

3. Sew 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" border strips to both ends of star row. Sew 3-1/2" x 42-1/2" strips to the top and bottom.

4. Layer quilt back, batting and quilt top, baste layers together, and quilt.
5. Use the (4) 2-1/4" x WOF strips to bind the runner.
Enjoy!

Jun 27th 2024 Lisa Swenson-Ruble for Sit n' Sew Fabrics