You Don't Need No Stinkin Pattern

Quilt Tip Tuesday #21

Well sometimes you do need a pattern but you can make these simple runners without one.

I invited my Book Club for a sewing day. Quite a few of these women have never sewn, therefore, I wanted to make the day as easy and successful as possible. First projects are hard because a person invests money on something they are not quire sure they want to do. I came up with two table runner projects that can be pieced, quilted and bound within a four hour period; can be used with a minimum amount of fabric; patterns need not be purchased and they look pretty, if I say so myself. I am not saying one can't find projects much like these online but there is no reason to purchase a pattern for simple types of projects. You can figure it out for yourself. Really.

4 Hour Quilt

Strip Table Runner

For the Strip Table runner I used a directional print from the designer Charley Harper from Birch Fabrics. I had a small piece that I really loved so I only used one row of the piece so I would have some left for another project.

To make this pattern you will need:

• A directional print cut to the width of 1 repeat of the fabric

• 2 strips 3/4" x width of fabric for the black inside border

• 2 strips 1 1/2" x width of fabric for the second border

• 2 strips of 5 1/2" x width of fabric for the border

• 3 strips of 1 3/4" x width of fabric for the binding.

• Backing & batting

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Scrappy 4 Hour Table Runner by Gallagher's Designs

Scrappy Table Runner

Scraps at least 6 x" in length each to make the center strips. The strip should be about 40" when pieced

Cut several black 3/4"x 6" strips to accent between the scrap blocks

2 strips 1 1/2" x width of fabric for inside border

2 strips 2" x width of fabric for accent border

2 strips 5 1/2" or whatever width you decide x width of fabric for the outside borders

3 strips of 1 3/4" x width of fabric for binding

Backing & binding

Note: I made the runner longer because I wanted it to fit something. The directions are for about a 40" table runner. Also, the directions for binding are on the Strip Table Runner video.

Try some ideas on your own without using a pattern. At times I will purposely short myself on fabric when using a pattern so that I have to come up with a different design. It makes the project my own. You may surprise yourself on how really clever you are.

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Sewing day is February 9th. I will let you all know how it went and if I have any converts. I am always trying to con someone into sewing. I'm pretty good at sharing this addiction.

It's very cold here in Minnesota. It will be -30 degrees on Wednesday with wind chills as bad as -50 degrees. Everything has been cancelled here, even my flight to Arizona for the Rusty Barn Show. I think I found another way to get there but if you attend the show in Phoenix at the State Fair grounds and I'm not there it is because planes won't fly out of this very frigid state.

Wish me luck.

I give you my Irish goodbye.

Rita

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If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.

Mark Twain