Strips Runner Tutorial
Since a few of you were curious about how I construct my strips runner, I thought I’d walk you through the steps in today’s post.
Cut the Strips
Once the fabric has been chosen and laid out in the color order I prefer, I begin by cutting strips. (Sometimes I don’t determine the color order, and just choose colors as I go.) My initial strips for this runner are no larger than 1-1/2 inches. I cut my strips the width of the fabric, which were fat quarters, except for the background. My fat quarter strips were 1-1/2 inches x 18 inches, then I cut them in half, so my working strips were about 9 inches. Background pieces were cut 1-1/2 inches by WOF.
Sewing the Strips
Once the sewing begins, I make a second cut of the colored fabric. I might cut it shorter, and possibly narrower, depending on how I feel. For this runner, my narrowest strips were 1 inch. Once the width of the colored fabric is decided, I cut the background pieces, keeping the width uniform with the colored fabric. This small cutting mat, ruler, and rotary cutter sit right next to my machine, which I use to cut the short background pieces. I go to the cutting board for the longer strips because it gives me better accuracy.
Once I have an idea of the width of the runner, the first strip is sewn to that size. Once the strips are cut, I sew the background pieces to each end of the colored fabric. I estimate the size that I need for the background strips, then trim them or square them as I go along. I found this step much easier than trying to square the long runner when I’m done.
Stagger the Strips
As I sew each strip to the next, I stagger them, making some shorter and narrower and so on. I try not to be too controlled in this, but just let it flow. The only thing I avoid is having the seam ends of strips match. I want each strip to stagger from the others. Once I’ve decided I’m happy with the position of the strip, I attach it to the body of the runner. Notice the overhang of the strip on the top end in this photo. I also try to keep the strips going down the center of the runner as I stagger them.
For this runner, I found it easy enough to work right on my pressing table. With a larger quilt, such as Autumn Drive, it is easier to work from a design wall. If I question the look, I also take a photo. It gives me a different perspective.
The length of the runner is also fluid. I usually work until it just feels right. On Monday, I was pretty sure I wanted to add a few more strips, but I let it sit overnight and then made my decision.
On Friday, I’ll show you how I quilted the runner and how I did the quilt facing. Maybe I’ll even have a name for it by then!
Happy Wednesday, friends! I hope you enjoy some fun sewing today!
Wendy
13 Comments
marissthequilter
Thank you for generously sharing your method. I appreciate the clear instructions. You have inspired me to make a quilt. Next year!
Gray Barn Designs
Thanks for sharing your design process, this runner is going to be gorgeous. I’m looking forward to Friday!
My Sewful Retirement
Wendy, thanks for sharing how you made the lovely runner! Looking forward to Friday!
Vicki in MN
I think you need a name with tropical in it!! Thank you for sharing how you did it. I really just need to experiment-keep pushing(I mean inspiring) me and I might just do that;)
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
This is such a cute, modern runner!, Wendy!! Thanks for sharing your step-by-step method. I can’t wait to see how you quilted it! And cork for the background of a photo–great idea–I think I’ll try that, too.
Louise Hornor
I love the look of these staggered strips! Thanks for sharing your process 🙂
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! I just love the fabrics and colors for this little runner. It’s a nice spot of color in the drab of winter made even worse with no snow (not that I’m in a hurry for any)! I can’t wait to see how you finish this off, too. Happy Happy Wednesday to you. ~smile~ Roseanne
Diann Bottrell
I love this one, too, Wendy! Lovely refreshing colors for this time of year! Thanks for telling us how you put it together.
Cocoa Quilts
Wendy this is a perfect runner in my favorite colors!
StoriedQuilts
Thanks for the tutorial. Looks like a very versatile pattern. I can see a quilt with just one or two long columns of this in coordinating colors.
quiltinggail
Thanks for the tutorial! It looks easy, now that you broke it down! I might just have to make one!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
PREETI
It is a beautiful runner, Wendy. Thank you for sharing your process. It is obvious that you like to strip ☺️ but then if the result is so lovely, I’d say keep going. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Kathleen McCormick
Very nice tutorial, Wendy, on your gorgeous table runner. I love the way this turned out and it really is so much fun to play with. Giving me some ideas for a few of the Island Batik strips I love and hadn’t figured out what to do yet.