October Mini of the Month

For October I decided to make a mini variation of my Plaid Paws pattern. I am on a bit of a table runner kick at the moment. Having never made a table runner until a few weeks ago, I didn't realize how quick, fun and satisfying they are to make. They are finished while you are still excited about starting them, how cool is that? LOL

I seriously considered using these fabrics first. I love the black and cream combination, but decided the brown would feel more autumn-like. Maybe I'll use these fabrics next month. Hmmm....

Anyway, if you want to make this little table runner, here are the directions:

Three Little Bear Paws

Finished Size: 15.5" x 34.5"

Block Size: 7"

Materials needed:

half yard brown print fabric

fat quarter cream print fabric

half yard brown plaid fabric

half yard backing fabric

half yard scrap of batting

Cutting instructions:

From the light cream background fabric cut 12- 1.5" x 3.5" rectangles, cut 12- 1.5" squares and also cut 48- 1.5" squares for the half square triangles. Cut 2- 1" x 29.5" strips and cut 2- 1" x 10.5" strips for the inner borders.

From the brown plaid fabric cut one 10.5" square and cross cut it from corner to corner on both diagonals. Cut two 5.5" squares and cut them once on the diagonal from corner to corner.

Cut enough binding strips on the bias to make 3 yards of binding.

From the brown print fabric cut 2- 2.5" x 30" border strips and cut 2- 2.5" x 15.5" border strips. Cut 12- 2.5" squares for the blocks, cut 4 1.5" squares for the block centers, and cut 48- 1.5" squares for the half square triangles. 

Sewing instructions for each block:

Make 48 half square triangles by sewing on the diagonal from corner to corner each pair of cream and brown squares. Trim the excess and press toward the brown. Sew the half square triangles into pairs being careful to make 12 of them face one direction and 12 face the other according to the photo at the top. 

Sew these units to the 2.5" brown squares and the remaining units to the background squares. Sew these together to create the "paws". Sew the paws to the background strips and sew the blocks together.

Assembly instructions:

Lay out the blocks and setting triangles according to the photo at the top. Sew them together. Then sew the inner borders to the top. Sew the outer borders to the sides, then to the ends, trim if necessary.

Layer with batting and backing and quilt as desired. I quilted in the ditch by machine. Bind and enjoy!

Enjoy every stitch!

Diane