Pattern Description:
This intermediate-level Autumn Leaves Table Runner features vibrant red and gold appliquéd leaves scattered across a linen background, creating a natural fall-inspired design.
The project combines appliqué, layering, and quilting techniques, with each leaf outlined using free-motion stitching for added texture.
Finished with stippling and a neat binding, the runner makes a warm, seasonal accent for any table or home décor setting.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
The finished measurements of the runner are 15″ x 34″ (38cm x 86cm).
Materials Needed:
- Coats & Clark™ Cotton Machine Quilting thread, 3 colors.
- Linen for runner: 1 yard (.91m).
- Cutting requirement: 15″ x 34″ (38cm x 86cm) for the runner top.
- Cotton for binding: ½ yard.
- Cutting requirement: Enough strips 2½” (6cm) wide, cut on the bias, to create one long piece 95 running inches (122cm).
- Scraps for leaves.
- Cotton batting.
- Paper-backed fusible web (like Steam-A-Seam 2 lite).
- Air soluble fabric marking pen.
- Linen for runner backing: 16″ x 36″ (41cm x 91cm).
Instructions for Making the Autumn Leaves Table Runner Pattern:
Prepare Your Materials
Before beginning, gather all required items. You will need quilting cotton or similar fabric for the base, coordinating scraps for the leaves, fusible web for appliqué, batting, backing fabric, binding strips, standard sewing notions, and Coats & Clark Cotton Machine Quilting thread for the free-motion quilting. Pre-wash and press all fabrics to ensure accurate cutting.
Cut the Base and Backing Fabric
Cut one rectangle measuring 15″ × 34″ for the table-runner top. Cut another piece of the same size for the backing.
From your batting, cut a slightly larger rectangle, about 1–2 inches bigger on all sides, to allow for quilting shrinkage. Press the top fabric smooth so that the leaf appliqués will adhere cleanly.
Prepare the Leaf Shapes
Choose autumn-themed colors such as gold, red, brown, and deep orange. Trace several different leaf silhouettes onto the paper side of fusible web. Include a mix of large and small shapes to create a natural, wind-scattered look.
Cut around each traced shape loosely, fuse the rough-cut pieces to the wrong side of the leaf fabrics, and allow them to cool. Once fused, cut out each leaf precisely along the traced lines.
Arrange the Leaves on the Runner
Place the table-runner top right side up. Remove the backing paper from the fused leaves and arrange them across the surface as if they have drifted down naturally.
Overlap some leaves, rotate them in different directions, and cluster a few together for visual movement.
When satisfied with the layout, lightly press the appliqués onto the top to secure them.
Fuse and Stitch the Leaf Appliqués
Permanently adhere the leaves by pressing firmly with steam, following the fusible web instructions.
To secure the edges, stitch around each appliqué using your preferred method- straight stitch, narrow zigzag, or blanket stitch.
Choose thread colors that blend or subtly contrast with each leaf. This step prevents fraying and adds definition to the shapes.
Create the Quilting Sandwich
Layer the backing fabric right side down, the batting on top, and the leaf-appliquéd runner top right side up.
Smooth out all layers and baste them together using safety pins, adhesive basting spray, or long basting stitches. Ensure the layers remain flat to prevent shifting during quilting.
Free-Motion Quilt the Runner
Thread your machine with Coats & Clark Cotton Machine Quilting thread. Lower or cover the feed dogs to enable free-motion movement.
Start quilting around the edges of each leaf with gentle, flowing lines. Add swirling or drifting stitches between leaves to mimic falling movement.
Keep your motions smooth and consistent, adjusting your speed to maintain even stitch length. Continue quilting until the entire surface is textured and securely stitched.
Trim and Bind the Edges
After quilting, trim the batting and backing flush with the top. Prepare binding strips, join them into one long piece, and press in half lengthwise.
Sew the binding to the front of the runner, fold it over the edge to the back, and hand-stitch or machine-stitch it in place for a polished finish.
Final Press and Display
Give the table runner a gentle press to smooth out any wrinkles. Lay it on your table to showcase the warm, drifting-leaf design- perfect for autumn décor.
