Festive Gift Block Table Runner – Holiday Quilt Project
Introduction:
The magic of quilting often lies in its ability to transform simple shapes into cherished seasonal treasures. As the holiday season approaches, nothing captures the warmth of handmade joy like a quilted table runner adorned with playful, wrapped gifts. This Festive Gift Block Table Runner combines vibrant holiday fabrics, geometric creativity, and cozy charm—perfect for dressing up your dining space or gifting to someone special.
With its whimsical present blocks bordered by a clean central panel, this project is a celebration of fabric variety and color coordination. The fun lies in the mix-and-match potential: you can use your Christmas scraps, novelty prints, or even repurpose old fabric favorites to create these delightful little gift shapes. Framed with classic striped binding, this runner feels like a story of celebration stitched into every seam.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a joyful entry into holiday quilting or an experienced maker seeking a fun seasonal design, this pattern delivers satisfaction and festive cheer in every block.
Materials Needed:
- Assorted holiday cotton fabrics (for present blocks and bows)
- White cotton fabric for background
- Thin batting
- Backing fabric
- Red and white striped binding fabric
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting ruler
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine with quilting foot
- Coordinating threads
Finished Size: Approximately 14” x 32” (adjustable)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cutting the Pieces:
- Cut (18-20) rectangles for present blocks (approx. 4.5” x 3” each).
- For each gift block, cut two matching bow triangles (right-angle triangles around 2” x 2”).
- Background fabric: cut strips to space between blocks and form a central panel (width as desired).
- Optional: Add sashing between the present blocks.
2. Piecing the Gift Blocks:
- Sew each present rectangle with its two bow triangles, placing them on one short side to simulate a tied bow.
- Press seams open or to one side.
- Arrange the present blocks along both long edges of your white center strip.
3. Assembling the Runner Top:
- Sew the present blocks together in two rows.
- Attach each row to opposite sides of the central white panel.
- Add white fabric strips above and below the gift block rows if extra height is needed.
- Square the runner and press well.
4. Quilting and Layering:
- Create your quilt sandwich: backing, batting, and quilt top.
- Baste with pins or spray.
- Quilt using straight-line or diagonal stitching. Follow the gift blocks or create a crosshatch on the white background for contrast.
5. Binding and Finishing:
- Trim the quilt sandwich evenly.
- Prepare and sew on red-and-white striped binding using your preferred method (machine or hand-stitched).
- Label your work if gifting!
Tips for Success:
- Use novelty prints (snowmen, candy canes, holly) for added holiday personality.
- Make each bow with a bold contrast color for playful dimension.
- Try metallic thread for a festive sparkle during quilting.
This quilted table runner project captures everything we love about holiday crafting: color, joy, and creativity. Let each stitch bring warmth into your home—or someone else’s—and let your holiday season be wrapped in love, one block at a time.
