Patriotic Table Runner

A group of my best gal friends from work happen to be quilters too!! We all got together on a whim and decided to make a table runner together. Well, we had so much fun, we have made it a monthly meeting (and lots of texting!!) and one of the husbands nicknamed up “Quilt Club.” We have so much fun and it has been such a blessing to have these ladies in my life and get to really talk quilting with close friends I am around almost daily.

Right before school let out (they are all teachers, and I am the school nurse), one of the ladies asked me if I had any ideas of what she could make with a jelly roll. It was patriotic themed fabric and she wanted something festive, but had no ideas. I came up with a couple ideas for some different table runners and the whole group loved one in particular. I quickly and roughly wrote her some directions. She had enough jelly roll strips that we all ended up making one. Funny enough, one of the other ladies had used the same fabric in a quilt last year and had scraps to use as well. It has been such a hit, I thought I would share it with y’all. Now, even though ours are patriotic themed, this pattern will really work with any fabric!!

Supplies & Fabric Requirements

(6) 2-1/2” x WOF strips, from 6 different fabrics (this is why a Jelly Roll, or those left over strips from a Jelly roll are perfect!)

3 Fat Quarters (FQ) of 3 different colors/prints for Fabrics 1, 2, & 3 (Can sub 1/4 yard instead)

1/2 yard of Background Fabric (Can sub a FQ of 2 different background fabrics - I used 2 different white prints)

1/3 yard of Binding Fabric

1-1/8 yard backing fabric - provides 3” overage on sides

Batting

Rotary Cutter & Ruler

Marking Pen

4-1/2” square ruler

Cutting the Fabric

Fabrics 1-3: From each FQ cut (3) 5-3/4” squares and (1) 4-1/2” square

Background Fabric: Cut (8) 4-1/2” squares and (2) 5-3/4” squares

Binding: Cut (4) 2-1/2” x WOF strips

Making the Runner

Block 1: Strip Sets

First, sew the (6) 2-1/2” strips right sides together (RST) on the long edge. I prefer to press seams open, but you can press them all in the same direction if you prefer. You should have a 12-1/2” x WOF strip set. Cut (3) 12-1/2” x 12-1/2” squares from the strip set.

**Note: If you have a full jelly roll and want a lot of variety, you could choose to use (18) strips, divided into the sets of (6) strips. Follow the instructions above, but only cut (1) 12-1/2” x 12-1/2” square from each strip set. Use the others to make a runner for a friend or family member!**

Block 2: Ohio Star

• I preferred my two Ohio Star blocks to not match! So, it is best to first talk about what squares are needed for each block and mix and match your fabrics to your liking. Don’t worry, we cut enough of each fabric that you have all the options, but you will have some unused squares left over.

Each Ohio Star Block needs:

• (4) 4-1/2” squares Background Fabric

• (1) 5-3/4” square Background Fabric

• (1) 4-1/2” square Fabric 1

• (1) 5-3/4” square Fabric 2

• (2) 5-3/4” squares Fabric 3

On the wrong side of all Fabric 3 squares, mark a diagonal line. Pair (1) Fabric 2 square with (1) Fabric 3 square RST. Pin and sew a scant ¼” seam on each side of the marked line. Cut on the marked line producing (2) HSTs. Press seams toward Fabric 3. **There is no need to trim these HSTs.** Repeat, pairing (1) Fabric 3 square with (1) BG 5-3/4” square.

Place (1) Fabric 2/3 HST RST with (1) Fabric 3/BG HST, with Fabric 3 opposite each other, nesting seams. Mark a diagonal line on the wrong side,, perpendicular to the seam. The seam and marked line should form a right angle. Pin and sew a scant ¼” seam along each side of the marked line. Cut on the marked line. Trim to 4½”. Press seams open.

Gather (4) QST units, (4) BG 4-1/2” squares, and (1) Fabric 1 square. Arrange the units in rows:

Row 1: BG + QST + BG

Row 2: QST + Fabric 1 + QST

Row 3: BG + QST + BG

**Be sure to orient your QSTs so that the BG triangle is touching the outside edge and the Fabric 2 triangle is touching Fabric 1 (the center).**

Sew units together to form (3) rows, pressing seams open. Sew rows together, pressing seams open. Repeat to make a total of 2 Ohio Star blocks.

Assembling the Runner

To finish your runner, lay blocks out in 1 row alternating blocks:

Strip Block + Ohio Star Block + Strip Block + Ohio Star Block + Strip Block

I rotated my strip blocks a quarter turn each time so that they weren’t always exactly the same. This made the center block have vertical stripes while the outside blocks had horizontal stripes. Sew the blocks together and press seams open. Quilt as you desire and enjoy!

This truly is a quick and run project that really creates a fun addition to your decor. I would love to celebrate you so please tag your makes on social media: #jellyrolltablerunner #marthajanecreations, #marthajanetutorials