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This table runner gets its curved look from appliqué, not from sewing curved seams. Four curved fabric shapes are fused and stitched over a simple four-patch foundation block, then fifteen blocks are arranged in rows, bordered, quilted and bound.
How the curved effect is made
The featured Lover’s Knot runner uses curved appliqués layered over an easy-to-make foundation block. Its construction avoids curved piecing: the curves are cut from fabric backed with lightweight fusible web, positioned on the block and secured with a narrow zigzag stitch. The project is credited to American Patchwork & Quilting Editors, with Laura Boehnke named as quiltmaker; the editors say it was inspired by Penny Haren’s “Loves Me, Loves Me Knot.” AllPeopleQuilt’s project page was updated January 14, 2020.
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Finished size and materials
The runner finishes at 28½ × 40½ inches, with fifteen 6-inch finished blocks. The block instructions use 6½-inch squares including seam allowances. Published quantities assume 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabrics, and measurements include ¼-inch seam allowances.
| Material | Published quantity and use |
|---|---|
| Assorted solid fabrics | Five 18 × 22-inch fat quarters |
| Assorted 1930s print fabrics | Fifteen 10-inch squares |
| Blue print | ¼ yard for inner border |
| Red floral | 1 yard for outer border and binding |
| Backing fabric | 1⅓ yards |
| Batting | 35 × 47 inches |
| Lightweight fusible web | Required; quantity not stated on the project page |
Build the blocks
- Cut the four-patch pieces. Cut sixty 4½-inch squares from the assorted solids and sixty from the prints. Group them into fifteen sets, each with four matching solid squares and four print squares.
- Make paired four-patch units. Sew each set into two four-patch units, each using two solids and two prints. Press the seams open. Each unit should measure 8½ inches square including seam allowances. Make thirty units total, arranged as fifteen matching pairs.
- Trim one unit in each pair. Trim one of the two units to 6½ inches square; keep its partner at the original size for the appliqué shapes.
- Prepare the fusible shapes. Trace the appliqué template and its centerline sixty times onto lightweight fusible web. Rough-cut each shape about ¼ inch outside the traced line, then trim ¼ inch away from the inside traced lines to reduce bulk. Following the fusible-web maker’s directions, fuse the shapes to the wrong sides of the larger four-patch units. Let them cool, cut the fabric shapes on the drawn lines and peel off the paper.
- Place and stitch the appliqués. Center four shapes over each matching small four-patch unit, aligning the seam lines and raw edges, then fuse. The published method calls for clear monofilament thread in the needle, neutral bobbin thread and a narrow zigzag stitch along the curved and short straight edges. Make fifteen Lover’s Knot blocks.
Assemble, border and finish the runner
- Join the blocks. Sew the fifteen blocks into five horizontal rows of three, alternating the direction in which you press the seams from row to row. Join the rows; the quilt center should measure 18½ × 30½ inches including seam allowances.
- Add the borders. Add the blue-print inner border first, followed by the red-floral outer border, as specified in the project instructions.
- Quilt and bind. Layer the top with the 35 × 47-inch batting and backing, baste, and quilt as desired. Bind with strips cut from the red floral fabric. The project page does not prescribe a quilting design or report independent wear testing.
Does the quilting go over the appliqué?
The project instructions say to layer, baste and “quilt as desired,” but do not specify whether quilting should cross the appliqué, outline its edges or avoid it. Those are design choices rather than a stated requirement of this pattern. Whichever approach you choose, the appliqué is already secured with a narrow zigzag stitch before the quilt is layered and quilted.
#1 Best Overall
How this differs from true curved piecing
Curved appliqué and curved paper piecing are different construction methods. This runner creates the curves by attaching shaped fabric to a foundation block; a curved-paper-piecing pattern teaches sewing fabric along curved seams on foundations. Quiltworx’s Tea Leaf pattern page describes a curved paper-piecing project for two runners and lists a 13 × 44-inch finished runner, but marks the pattern discontinued. Check its status before relying on it as an available pattern.
For another no-curved-seam option, Tiger Lily Press’s Curve Appeal listing describes graceful curves made without sewing curved seams, with a 15 × 42-inch runner and 14 × 18½-inch placemats. The listing is retailer copy, not independent testing. See the Curve Appeal listing. Shabby Fabrics also presents an Easy Pieced Table Runner Series combining piecing and fusible appliqué, with tutorials demonstrating blocks and difficult steps; it is a series overview rather than a direct comparison with this runner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Embroidered floral appliques--the floral trim for your sewing and crafting projects,lace trim for sewing
- Fabric floral appliques--beautiful colors and well made embroidered flowers,bridal ribbon appliques
- Sewing decorative ribbon--great quality ribbon for birthdays, weddings, garments, packaging, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, centerpieces, table setting, bouquets,embroidered flower lace
- Sewing fringe trim--perfect for pillow case edging, wedding trim, and pillows, costuming, dress, hat or whatever your creative mind dreams up,wedding dress straps
- Floral craft lace--you can according to your needs,flower pattern ribbon
Rank #4
- Refined Table Elegance: Elevate your dining experience with Leisure Arts Stamped Table Runner With Hemmed Edge, featuring high-quality percale woven fabric crafted from 51% cotton and 49% polyester.
- Decorative Delight: Infuse charm into your home with stamped table runners that effortlessly enhance your decor, offering a stylish touch for both casual and formal settings.
- Complete Design: Each package includes a beautiful stamped table runner, complete with a finished hemmed edge that exudes sophistication and a polished look.
- Guided Stitching: The kit includes a stitch chart, diagrams, and recommended floss colors for DMC, Anchor, and Coats embroidery threads, ensuring a smooth stitching process for every skill level.
- Washable Convenience: The printed ink can be washed out after stitching, revealing your beautifully embroidered design. Measuring 15"x 42" with a repeated design on both ends, this table runner adds a touch of elegance and artistry to your table settings, making every meal a memorable occasion.
Rank #3
- Decorative Home Sewing Pattern: Create elegant table runners and placemats designed to enhance kitchen, dining, and home décor settings with handcrafted style.
- Includes Multiple Project Sizes: Pattern includes instructions for a 42” x 13.5” table runner and coordinating 23” x 13.5” placemats for a cohesive set.
- Ideal for Quilting & Home Décor Sewing: Perfect for quilting enthusiasts and sewists creating functional and decorative fabric projects for everyday use or gifting.
- Beginner-Friendly Pattern Layout: Simple instructions designed for confident beginners and experienced sewists working on quick home décor projects.
- Lightweight Printed Sewing Pattern: Compact printed pattern designed for easy use, storage, and reference during sewing and crafting projects.
Rank #2
- Refined Table Elegance: Elevate your dining experience with Leisure Arts Stamped Table Runner With Hemmed Edge, featuring high-quality percale woven fabric crafted from 51% cotton and 49% polyester.
- Decorative Delight: Infuse charm into your home with stamped table runners that effortlessly enhance your decor, offering a stylish touch for both casual and formal settings.
- Complete Design: Each package includes a beautiful stamped table runner, complete with a finished hemmed edge that exudes sophistication and a polished look.
- Guided Stitching: The kit includes a stitch chart, diagrams, and recommended floss colors for DMC, Anchor, and Coats embroidery threads, ensuring a smooth stitching process for every skill level.
- Washable Convenience: The printed ink can be washed out after stitching, revealing your beautifully embroidered design. Measuring 15"x 42" with a repeated design on both ends, this table runner adds a touch of elegance and artistry to your table settings, making every meal a memorable occasion.
