I have been so delighted while creating this Linen Table Runner. It excites me because I have never made anything like it. This is my first time piecing with linen, second time using only solid fabrics, and I have never used a color palette like this before. These soft pastel linen fabrics have a subtle yet distinct difference to them. I am so happy with how this Spring Linen Table Runner turned out.

The fabrics are all Riley Blake Designs. They are a 55% Linen / 45% Cotton blend and that makes them perfect to make a light quilt or a summer outfit. They are perfect fabrics for a spring / summer project because of their larger weave. That makes them breathable. I have been on a linen obsession lately and will be creating a quilt top with some soon. Have you sewn with linen? What did you make?

For this project I used the Courthouse Steps block from my Mod City Center quilt pattern and then repeated it four times. If you use 1/2 yard of each four colors you will have plenty of fabric. Above is a cutting chart that shows how one block fits. The finished size is 72″ x 18″. I cut a full block in Blush, Light Gray, White and Natural. I wanted a little extra Natural and White in the Table Runner so I cut an extra center square (White) and W/V square (Natural). Then I mixed them all up. It is a simple block to create, so it came together really fast. On the back, I went to town cutting angles and adding other pastel scraps I had from past projects. Improving on the back was a breath of fresh air; it basically gave me a well needed Quilty Jolt.

The Linen Table Runner

I spray basted the top to the batting. Because I decided not to bind the project, I sewed the right side of the back to the top of the table runner (right sides touching), however I left a small gap on the left edge of the table runner so I could turn it inside out. I pressed the whole project and spent a little extra time on the edges.

Then I machine basted three lines, one on each of the four block’s joining seam. Because I had the fabrics for a little while and the projects was small, I thought it would be nice to get a little hand stitching in. That is another thing I have never done before, creative hand stitching. I usually do a simple straight stitch when hand quilting and normally the majority of the quilt is machine quilted with a little hand stitching as an accent. For the stitches, I used a thick pink spaghetti thread and am in love with the way it brings out the textures.

Now, I kinda wish I would have made a full quilt top instead of a table runner, but I have the perfect space for it to live all year long, under my vintage sewing machine in my quilting room.

I would love to see what you create with these linen so use #rbdlinen