Moda Fabrics Table Runner and Napkins Quilt - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Table Runner and Napkins Quilt Pattern – Downloadable PDF

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Moda Fabrics, designed by Alexia Marcelle Abegg, guides quilters through creating a coordinated set of a table runner and cloth napkins. The project is rated intermediate in difficulty and makes an elegant, functional addition to any dining table. Both the runner and napkins are designed to work together using coordinating Moda fabrics, resulting in a polished, cohesive look.

About the Table Runner

The table runner is constructed from a combination of pieced patchwork rectangles and a simple backing, finished with topstitching for a clean, professional edge. It is a straightforward but satisfying project that introduces quilters to working with wide strips, precise subcutting, and a faced or bagged-out finishing technique rather than traditional binding.

Fabrics Used for the Table Runner

• RS4008-14 Chore Coat – Cut into two 15½" width-of-fabric (WOF) strips, then subcut into six 10" × 15½" rectangles for the runner top.
• RS4015-18 Cross Weave – Cut into two 15½" WOF strips, each trimmed to 42⅛" long, used as the runner backing panels. The short ends of the two strips are pieced together to create one long backing strip, with the seam pressed open for a flat finish.
• RS4007-JLC Junior Layer Cake – Twenty-eight assorted 4¼" squares are cut from this precut collection, adding variety and color to the design.

Table Runner Construction Techniques

• Strip cutting and subcutting: WOF strips are cut and then subcut into precise rectangles, a fundamental quilting skill that ensures accuracy throughout the project.
• Piecing the backing: Two Cross Weave strips are joined at their short ends and the seam is pressed open, creating a long, smooth backing panel without bulk.
• Bagged-out finishing: The runner top and backing are placed right sides together (RST), pinned, and stitched around all edges with a ¼" seam allowance, leaving a 5" opening on one long edge. Backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam secures the stitching. The runner is then turned right side out through the opening.
• Topstitching: Once turned and pressed, the opening edges are folded ¼" to the inside and pinned. Topstitching ⅛" from the edge runs all the way around the entire runner, closing the opening and giving a neat, finished appearance.
• Optional tassel embellishment: Large tassels can be hand-stitched to each corner of the runner. Beyond decoration, the tassels serve a practical purpose by helping to weigh the runner down on the table.

About the Napkins

The coordinating cloth napkins are a simple yet satisfying companion project. Each napkin is cut as a single large square from a fat quarter (FQ), making this an excellent way to use up coordinating fat quarters from the same fabric collection.

Napkin Construction Techniques

• Cutting: A 17½" square is cut from each fat quarter, yielding one napkin per FQ.
• Corner clipping: After stitching, corners are clipped to reduce bulk before turning, ensuring crisp, sharp points once the napkin is right side out.
• Turning and pressing: The napkin is turned right side out and corners are gently pushed out, then the entire piece is pressed flat for a polished result.
• Finishing: The opening edges are folded ¼" to the inside and pinned before topstitching, mirroring the finishing technique used on the runner for a cohesive look across the set.

Techniques and Skills Involved

• Rotary cutting with a ruler and mat for accurate WOF strips and squares
• Piecing with a consistent ¼" seam allowance throughout
• Pressing seams open to reduce bulk in the backing
• Bagged-out construction