What is quick to make? Uses leftover fabric? Sells well at the Quilt Etc. Sale? Can be quilted on a domestic sewing machine? Quilters enjoy creating them? Quickly decorate your home for the season? Did you guess table runners? If you did- you are correct! Table runners do all that and more. We have had a wide variety of table runners completed lately…some flew off the shelves and others will be here for the sale in October. Table runners are popular for many reasons and have been around since ancient times.
The Egyptians used table runners decorated with hieroglyphics and symbols woven into the linens. Table runners were a practical necessity for hosts in the Middle Ages due to the sloppy manners of their guests. Table runners were easier to laundry than entire table cloths after a night of feasting. As manners improved and laundry became a bit easier, table runners became part of the linens used to decorate an elaborate table.
Today table runners still serve several purposes. Practically, they protect bare wood table from heat and candle wax. Table runners add interest to a table landscape by adding another layer of texture or color. Centerpieces-floral or figurines- would look lost without the layer of fabric in the center of the table. It is not uncommon to find a table runner on top of a tablecloth with the purpose of calling attention to the centerpiece or adding color or texture to the table scape.
And we may call them “table” runners but they can be found many different places besides a dinning table. Have you envisioned your table runners on a coffee table? the entry way table? bookshelves? side boards? a dresser? the fireplace mantle? an event registration table? a picnic table? the kitchen island? on the end of a bed? Some of our table runners would also be cute/interesting wall hangings. Thinking out side the box is easy with your table runners.
(photos from the internet)
Traditionally table runners are placed in the center of the table, end to end. Some designers suggest that a runner should extend over the ends of the table by several inches. That isn’t my style. But for a formal occasion and if the fabric has a great deal more drape than quilted runners, I probably would extend the runner. Occasionally a table runner is arranged across the table to create a separate space for each guest or to serve as a placemat.
Table runners are the easiest method to decorate for any holiday or season. Traditional colors such as pastels for spring or orange and black for Halloween set the mood.
We are the Quilters at First so of course the table runners we make and offer for sale are quilted. But we do have many different styles, themes and sizes. Here are our latest ones.
One of our smaller ones, it measures 12.5″ x 26″. It would fit smaller tables. Machine quilted and hand bound. $30
This close up shows the true colors better.
Blue and white is classic. The majority of the prints are geometric with one or two floral prints. This table runner is perfect for all year, no matter what month it is. Machine quilted and hand bound. The backing is a pale blue. 14″ x 38″. $40
True fact–some of the big box craft chains already have fall and Halloween items out on the shelves. So, guess this table runner isn’t too early.
Another small one- this Halloween explosion of traditional colors and icons would be great on an entry table with a candy dish or on a side board with grinning jack o lanterns. 9.5″ x 29″ Machine quilted and hand bound. $30.
These three batik stars are on a background of silver snowflakes. The traditional red and green suggests Christmas. 19″ x 63″ It is machine stitched in a meandering pattern. The backing is a white on white snowflake print. $40
Cousin to the table runner is the table topper. Usually a table topper is square or round and used on a smaller table.
Four different color families were used in this topper–red, purple, green and yellow/gold. It measures 20″ x 20″ . These traditional prints would add charm to a country or cabin style home. $35
This lovely hanging over the banister at Church is already sold! But I wanted you to see this “eye-candy”.
This 80″ x 80″ quilt is simply half square triangles but all of the fabrics are from a Kaffe Fassett line. He is known for his dazzling colors and larger prints. The stripes, dots and plaids create order. Plus the points are spot on! It was quilted in a butterfly motif with a variegated thread.
Vicki has make 3 more red, white and blue table runners that were requested after our last post.
We had to rearrange our showcases due to great sales but we still have “red, white, and blue” items for your home –microwave bowls, splatter guards, pennants, placemats, table runners and a lap quilt.
If you visit a previous post Photo Gallery-of the ETC items: home decor, accessories, gifts, twenty one different table runners plus five table toppers are listed for sale!
Happy Memorial Day. I honor all those who gave of themselves so that I can be me and enjoy my life and will continue to work for all people to have that privilege.
Quilts, Etc. 