Quilting
Table Runners & Mini Quilts
Quilted table runners, mug rugs, pot holders and mini quilts: small projects for trying a new block, practising binding and making quick gifts.
Christmas Table Runner Quilt Free Pattern
Quilted Pot Holder Free Pattern (Heat-Safe)
About this collection
Small quilts, real skills. Everything you learn on a runner or a mug rug works on a full quilt: accurate seams, basting, quilting and binding, just in an evening instead of a month.
Sizes that fit. A runner is usually 12 to 18 inches wide and about 12 inches shorter than the table. A mug rug is about 6 x 9 or 9 x 9 inches, big enough for a mug and a biscuit.
Heat-safe pot holders. Use 100% cotton fabric and thread, cotton batting and a layer of heat-resistant wadding such as Insul-Bright. Polyester can melt against a hot pan.
Seasonal table. Holiday runners make the whole table feel festive. For sewn table linen without quilting, see Home Sewing Projects.
Questions about runners & minis
What size is a table runner?
A runner is usually 12 to 18 in wide and about 12 in shorter than the table, or 12 in longer than the table if you want it to drape.
How much fabric do I need for a table runner?
A 14 x 48 in runner needs about 1/2 to 3/4 yd for the top, 3/8 yd for binding, and a backing 4 in bigger on every side (22 x 56 in), pieced from two shorter lengths if your fabric is narrower than 56 in.
What is a mug rug?
A mug rug is a small quilt, about 6 x 9 in to 9 x 9 in, big enough for a mug and a snack. It is a quick way to try a new block.
Do table runners need batting?
Yes, a thin cotton batting helps the runner lie flat and protects the table from hot dishes.
