Scrap Busting Patriotic Table Runner

Quilt Patterns July 9, 2020

Scrap Busting Patriotic Table Runner

Do you hate throwing out fabric leftovers? Well then this free scrap busting patriotic table runner pattern is perfect for you.

Sometimes I look at my stash and wonder what I am waiting for. It seems to get bigger and bigger, even when I am using it. That’s why I am constantly trying to come up with ideas, like this one, to use it up.

This is not a difficult pattern, but I will admit that there is a fair amount of cutting for this beauty. I assure you that it is well worth it though. When I look at this table runner, I think it practically glows. Using many different scraps gives the table runner all kinds of movement too.

Of course you don’t have to use patriotic colors. Just think how lovely this would look in Christmas colors or pastels for spring.

The design may look complicated, but it is not. However, it definitely takes a bit of organization and a lot of fabric scraps. But I’m guessing that if you are a quilter, you probably have your fair share of those around the house.

All the Details in Three Formats

Like most of my tutorials, I like to present step by step photos, like this blog post. However, I also like to do a companion video (shown below). I have found that more and more of my readers enjoy watching videos of projects.

In addition, the complete pattern can be downloaded here too. That way you can print it out and save it for later.

Whichever way you like to make your projects, I think I have you covered.

Download the Scrap Busting Patriotic Table Runner Pattern Here

Table Runner Video Tutorial

Table Runner Specs

Finished Size: Approximately 21″ x 42″
¼ inch seam allowance used

Fabric Requirements

For the top:

3/4 yard – Red scraps
1/2 yard – Blue scraps
1/2 yard – White scraps

Backing: 1 yard * Batting: 1 yard

Binding: As needed, depending on binding method

Cutting

2” Squares

From red fabric – 172 squares
From blue fabric – 124 squares

2 ½” Squares

From white fabric – 32 squares

3 ½” Squares

From white fabric – 8 squares

4 ¼” Squares

From red fabric – 1 square
From blue fabric – 7 squares

Items you can use to make this runner

You can find many of the items that I used to make this project in my Amazon Store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Block Assembly

Flying Geese

Before assembling the various units (referenced by the letters in the layout), the flying geese units need to be made.

To make four flying geese you will need one 4 ¼ inch squares and four 2 ½ inch squares.

First, draw a diagonal line on the back(wrong) side of the four small squares.

Next, line up one of the small squares on top of the large square with right (front) sides facing. Line up another small square on the opposite corner.

Using a scant ¼ inch seam allowance, sew down each side of the line drawn.

Cut along the line that was previously drawn and press open, so that you have two units (as shown above).

Using one of these units, take another one of the 2 ½ inch squares and line it up on the remaining corner (right sides facing).

Using a scant ¼ inch seam, sew along both sides of the drawn line.

Cut along drawn line, press open. Repeat with the other unit. You will have four flying geese units. If needed, trim them down to the size needed: 2 inches by 3 ½ inches.

Repeat all steps with the remaining 4 ¼ inch squares. When done, there should be a total of 32 flying geese (4 with red in the center and 28 with blue in the center).

Blocks

This scrap busting patriotic table runner is broken into various blocks that are different sizes. The blocks are assembled, then sewn into columns.

Next, the columns are sewn together to make the runner.

The following blocks are labeled with letters which correspond to their placement as shown in the pattern diagram.

Block A – 12 blocks needed

To make one block A you need 9 of the 2″ red squares.

Sew the squares together to get this block. Repeat until you have 12 of these blocks.

Block B – 2 blocks needed

To make one block B you need 12 of the 2″ red squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 2 of these blocks.

Block C – 4 blocks needed

To make one block C you need 8 of the 2″ red squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 4 of these blocks.

Block D – 4 blocks needed

To make one block D you need 4 of the 2″ blue squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 4 of these blocks.

Block E – 4 blocks needed

To make one block E you need 12 of the 2″ blue squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 4 of these blocks.

Block F – 4 blocks needed

To make one block F you need 6 of the 2″ blue squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 4 of these blocks.

Block G – 3 blocks are needed

To make one block G you need 4 of the 2″ blue squares and 2 blue flying geese units.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 3 of these blocks.

Block H – 6 blocks are needed

To make one block H you need 4 of the 2″ blue squares and 1 blue flying geese unit.

Sew the squares together to get a this block. Repeat until you have 6 of these blocks.

Block I – 2 blocks are needed

To make 1 block I, you need one 3 ½” white square, 2 blue flying geese units, 2 red flying geese units, and 4 of the 2″ red squares.

Sew the squares together to get a this patch block. Repeat until you have 2 of these blocks.

Block J – 6 blocks are needed

To make one block J you need one 3 ½” white square and 2 blue flying geese units.

Sew the squares together to get a this patch block. Repeat until you have 6 of these blocks.