Make an Easy Star Quilt Table Runner

Instructions

Prepare fabric by washing and squaring off. Squaring off is simply putting the selvages together, and using a cutting mat, taking off the uneven cut in preparation to cut strips.

Cutting Strips:
1. Cut 2 7/8" strips from each color for the stars. You'll need 8 squares of each color.

2. Cut each 2 7/8 square diagonally and set aside. If you are really good at rotary cutting, you can cut two at a time. This is will give you 16 triangles of each color.

3. Cut 2 1/2" strips from each color. You'll need 20, 2 1/2" squares of each star color. These make up the middle and corner blocks of each star.

You'll be making 4 of each combination of fabrics. For each star, you'll need 4 triangles of each color sewn together.

Layout:

You'll be making 4 of each combination of fabrics. For each star, you'll need 4 triangles of each color sewn together.

1. Chain sew 16 sets of triangle combinations, making 32 blocks. The corner squares are your 2 1/2" squares.

2. For each star sew the first two blocks in each row, press carefully open, and then add the 3rd block. Layout 8 blocks, 4 of each combination.

3. RST, row 1, lay block one on two PIN THE SIDE TO BE SEWN - repeat for rows two and three. Sew. Now, pin the 3rd block to each set, sew.

[If you are good at logically laying out blocks to put together, chain sew all the first two blocks in the 8 layouts at once.  Then add the 3rd block.]

IRON: Row 1: Press the middle seams outward. Row 2: Press the middle seams inward. Row 3: Press the middle seams outward.

Sewing Star Rows:

Once the blocks are sewn into rows, sew the rows together.

Iron: Press the seam on the first two rows sewn together upward. Add the 3rd-row press the seam down.

Pin the first row to the second row in each block set. Make sure your pins are pointing toward the end to be sewn.

Some Tips: Do not to sew over a star point. You want to stay above the 'v'. (Pictures on site) Nest (align) and PIN the seams.

Make 8 blocks - Each should measure 6" when done.

Sew Stars Together:

You are using the same method of aligning the blocks, and pinning (RST). PIN the side you need to sew, align the seams.

Iron: Row 1, seam left. Row 2, seam right. Row 3, seam left. Row 4, seam right.

NOTE: Videos are available on the site to help with techniques.

Add the Borders

In-Between Borders: Cut 1 border strip 2" x 11 3/4" from one-star color, and 2 from the other star color. These are the in-between star row borders.

On the first set, RST, pin the border to the bottom. Sew. Sew the next row to the border. Repeat until the rows are complete.

Inner Border: 
Probably the easiest way to add any outside border is to measure the width and length of the piece first. The inner border is 1 1/2" in width. Measure the top and the bottom. Use the smallest measurement for length. Cut the border strip. Pin RST, and sew the top and bottom borders in place. Press up. Repeat this process for the sides.

Outer Border:
Top and Bottom only. Use the process of measuring for length as above. The border width is 2 1/2" on mine, or pick a larger width if desired.

Layering the Quilt

Backing face-down - I normally tape the backing to a hard surface, you want it smooth and bubble-free as you pin, batting, then quilt top face-up. Pin the layers. Quilt as desired. Trim the excess from your quilt.

All that's left is to add the binding, and slip-stitch to the back.
I have videos that show how to finish your quilt. Have fun!