Sewing: Square Patch Runner One

Square patch runner one – I made three sets of this type of runner and this post will share with you the technique and the first project. So, where did this idea come from? My husband is into woodworking and there is a veneer finish called oysters. What it is, is they take a piece of something, cut it up and put it back together in a different pattern. Okay…I’m being overly simplistic, yet you get the idea. For this project, I did sort of the same thing. Cut the fabric up into 8 inch squares and then stitched them back together in a different way. Not only does it look cool, it gives the piece more depth, more structure, and makes it more interesting.

So…onward we go.

What You Need

• 10 fabric squares that measure 8×8
• backing fabric that measures 16×40
• serger
• matching thread
• machine
• 1 yard of cotton for napkins

First – know that you’re in control of the finished pattern.

Lay out the 10 pieces, 2 high by 5 wide. Try different ways, move the pieces around and see what looks good to you. I used my phone to take a few pictures so I could quickly look at them all at once. Then, when I decided, I knew how to lay out the pieces.

Time to serge.

I’m a bit controlling. I like to do things my way and over the years I’ve started letting this go a bit. For example, if we’re running an event at work, I’ll give up some of my ‘perfect’ vision if other people are willing to help – I find this way that there is a sense of teamwork. I’m all for that; however, when it comes to sewing and making a great piece, I’m still hanging on to that control bit.

So, how to do this well. Pick up the first two pieces (you’ll serge the top left-to-right and then the bottom left-to-right) and put the second one on top, right sides together. Serge. Pick put the third piece, put the third piece on top, right sides together. Serge. Keep going.

Now, all of the seam lines will be ‘pushed’ the same way.

Iron them in place and be sure to pin them going the correct way when you serge the top 5 to the bottom 5.

Time to top stitch. This part will take a bit, yet it’s so worth it in the end. Top stitch the square patches. You’re stitching along the seam line, as to stitch the serge edge underneath. Keep in mind that you’re on the left of each patch as you go along. You’ll want the runner to look even and polished.

Once you’ve top stitched the top, put the top and the backing together, right sides touching. Serge along all 4 edges, leaving 4-5 inches open to turn it right side out.

Don’t make the hole too big or too small.

Once it’s right side out, pin the hole closed and top stitch all around, closing up the hole. Then, you’re done!

Matching napkins? Cut 20×20 and use the rolled hem setting on the serger. For more detail, visit the holiday napkin tutorial.

Done! You can use the runner one way or the other way.

Either way, these bright colours are sure to please any table setting. So delightful.

Happy Sunday – I hope you’ve enjoyed the weekend. We are now back home safe from all of our travels and are so happy we had the opportunity to see family. So wonderful. Visit again for the next two runners (all of them prizes I made for my future sister-in-law’s shower last week). Happy day.