Just learning to quilt? Try some quilted table runners to

Just learning to quilt? Try some quilted table runners to get you up to speed!

Quilting is one of those great, therapeutic hobbies. Once you get into this textile art, youll probably continue for a lifetime. There are plenty of books which plot out the standard and traditional quilt designs, as well as others which are more free-form. You can make combination pieces, integrating collage, appliqu and embroidery techniques. If youre the creative and daring type, there are some quite complex projects you can stir up in your mind and transfer to fabric.

However, theres a learning curve to this versatile textile art. Before you try to get really wild, start small. If youve never quilted before, or are just learning the basics, quilted table runners are the perfect beginners project. Its relatively small and so is easily handled, you can take it with you to the park or office to work on at odd moments and you gain fairly immediate gratification with a finished piece that you can show off in your own home, or give as a terrific gift.

To begin, measure the width and length of the table for which you wish to make your quilted table runner. You can use your dining table, a dresser or a coffee table. A good rule of thumb on size is to make the finished quilted table runner between one fourth and one fifth the width of the table. As for length, add at least six to eight inches of overhang for the most elegant look.

You can find plenty of patterns for quilted table runners online, which are a good choice for a first project. You can also buy kits, which include all the materials and pattern pieces, which saves you the trouble and worry of matching fabric weights and making accurate cuts of each piece. All you need to do is match up the pieces according to the diagram and sew away!

Alternatively, if youd like to make your own custom quilted table runner design, you can do that too. Just try to keep your design fairly simple. A plain brown grocery bag makes a good pattern maker. Allow for -inch seams on each side of your pieces.

Choose your color scheme according to the furnishings in that room. Choose fabrics of the same approximate weight. If you go with cotton, choose all cotton fabrics. Dont mix polyesters with cottons, as this will require that you pre-wash everything and the two fabrics will behave differently after repeated laundering.

Whether you choose to buy or make a quilted table runner pattern, consider taking a quilting class. These are fun forums for meeting other quilting enthusiasts and youll learn quite a bit more than you will on your own. As your skills become more advanced, you can strike out on your own. You may decide to continue your classes just for the friendships you form. Pretty soon, youll be teaching someone else how to make a beautiful quilted table runner.