Just One Charm Pack Table Runner

To see the video, click on the photo above or HERE.

In the world of quilting, charm packs are like little bundles of creativity waiting to be unleashed. Each pack contains a curated selection of coordinated fabric squares, usually measuring 5 inches by 5 inches. And let me tell you, they're like a treasure trove for quilters, offering endless possibilities for crafting magic.

The idea of turning one of these charm packs into a charming table runner had been swirling around in my mind for days. I could already envision the vibrant colors and intricate patterns coming together to adorn my dining table, adding a touch of warmth and personality to the space.

So, armed with my trusty sewing supplies and a cup of tea by my side, I dove into the world of quilting once again, eager to see where this adventure would take me. Join me as I share my step-by-step journey of turning one charm pack into a quilted table runner that's sure to add a sprinkle of charm (see what I did there?) to any dining setting. Let's sew some magic together, shall we?

I used the fabric line Dandi Duo by Robin Pickens for Moda in this video, but you can use whichever charm pack you’d like! If you want to use scraps,

Step 1: Pick Fabrics

For this project, we need 21 light 5” squares and 21 dark/mediums fabrics. To do this, I start by laying all the squares out and taking a picture of them on my phone. Then I change the photo to black and white (see picture). This allows me to see the color value of this, It is important to not trust your eye with this. Sometimes light fabrics look like darks and vice versa.

The key to this is finding contrasting sets, and depending on the charm pack, you may have more lights than darks or more darks than lights. Keep separating and adjusting until you have two piles of 21 squares, one pile with light fabrics and one pile with dark fabrics.

Step 2: Match Sets

Once you have two sets of 21, start matching them up into pairs. Each pair should have one light fabric and one dark fabric in it.

Step 3: Draw Center Line

Take one of the contrasting pairs (two 5” squares) and place them right sides together. Line the set up on a cutting mat with the lightest side facing up. Rotate the set 45 degrees so the points of the squares are on a line on the mat. Any line will do, just make sure both the top and bottom points are lined up. Using a long ruler, place the one edge of the ruler on the line. Draw a line corner to corner.

Repeat this step with the remaining 20 fabric pairs.

Step 4: Draw 1/4” Lines

Next, move the ruler over 1/4” from the center line and draw a line. Do the same on the other side of the center line (see photo).

Repeat this step with the remaining 20 fabric pairs.

Here are all the lines for reference.

Step 5: Sew On The Sew Lines

Next, sew on the first sew line right of the center using a 1.8 stitch length. Next, turn the block and do the same on the other side of the center line (see photo).

Repeat this step with the remaining 20 fabric pairs.

Step 6: Cut Half-Square Triangles Apart

After both lines on each pair are sewn 1/4” from the center line, set your seams (this will get rid of those bubbles). If your fabric shifted some during the sewing process, don’t worry. We will be squaring everything up.

Repeat this step with the remaining 20 fabric pairs.

Step 7; Pressing The Blocks

Next, open the half-square triangle unit and press towards the dark fabric, by first finger pressing and then using an iron. Repeat on all the units. You should have 42 half-square triangles.

Step 8a: Squaring Up The Blocks (Bloc-Loc)

I love to use a Bloc-Loc rule for this step, but in Step 8c, I show how to use a regular ruler, too.

To use the Bloc-Loc ruler, lay the half-square triangle on a cutting mat with the printed side up. Place the Bloc-Loc ruler on the half-square triangle block and “lock” the 45 degree ridge on the center diagonal seam. Move the ruler diagonally so the bottom and the left sides of the half-square triangle is slightly over the 4.5” mark. Trim the right and top of the block.

Step 8b: Squaring Up The Blocks, Part 2

Next, slide the Bloc-Loc ruler down diagonally so the top and right sides of the half-square triangle are on the 4.5” line. Next, turn your unit (a rotating mat or a small mat helps with this step), and trim the bottom and left sides of the half-square triangle. As always, repeat with the remaining units until you have (42) 4.5” half-square triangle units.

Step 8c: Squaring Up The Units (Regular Ruler)

To use a ruler, lay the half-square triangle on a cutting mat with the printed side up. Place the square ruler on the half-square triangle block and line up the 45 degree line on the center diagonal seam. Move the ruler diagonally so the bottom and the left sides of the half-square triangle is slightly over the 4.5” mark. Trim the right and top of the block.

Just like with the Bloc-Loc ruler, slide the ruler down diagonally so the top and right sides of the half-square triangle are on the 4.5” line. Next, turn your unit (a rotating mat or a small mat helps with this step), and trim the bottom and left sides of the half-square triangle. As always, repeat with the remaining units until you have (42) 4.5” half-square triangle units.

Step 9: The Layout

This is going to take some time, but it is so worth it! I like to lay out all the half-square triangles on my design board with all of the diagonal seams going the same direction. This gives me a good idea of what I am working with and allows me to start playing and laying out the design by moving half-square triangles in and out of the design, kind of like a puzzle.

Personally, I love to cluster colors together, giving a diagonal line look, but you don’t have to. Lay it out and play until you find a layout you like. Pro Tip: Put it on the design board and walk about for a few hours. Fresh eyes always help with a project like this.

The layout I used is (4) half-square triangles across and (10) half-square triangles down, with a finished size that measures 16” x 40”. Please note: You will have two half-square triangles leftover when using this layout.

Step 10: Finishing the Table Runner!

Once you have the table runner arranged in a pleasing layout, sew together four blocks per row and then sew all 10 rows together.

Layer the backing (printed side down), the batting, and the table runner top (printed side up). Baste, quilt and bind as desired.

Yay! The table runner is finished!

Alternative Sizes

Here you can see I have it laid out showing two table runners—one with the dark fabrics included and one without. This is a great way to make two smaller table runners with just one charm pack.

The layout design for each of these is (3) half-square triangles across and (7) down, making a table runner that finishes at 12” x 28”.

Another layout idea is to make a long, skinny table runner. To do this, layout the design like this: Three half-square triangles across and 14 down. This will measure 12” x 56” and will use all of the charm pack.

Please let me know if you have any questions! As always, I am happy to help!

Happy Quilting!

Kris