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Decorating for the holiday season is a big deal. So naturally, you want your house to look festive and beautiful.
But you don't know where to start.
A Christmas table runner pattern is an easy way to decorate your dining room table for the holidays. These patterns will help you get started on making some fun and unique designs that can be used year after year.
With 20+ unique patterns in this roundup, there's something here for everyone. So grab your favorite fabrics, a cup of somethin' warm to sip, and let's find the perfect pattern for you.
Not sure what size you'll need?
Click here to go straight to the patterns, or...
...simply keep reading for tips to help you determine the size you'll need.
Enjoy!
Why bother with a table runner at all? Why not just the plates and glasses?
Runners add a splash of vibrant color to any table. They're also great for protecting it from hot dishes, moisture, and unexpected spills.
They can be used with a tablecloth or on a naked, wooden table.
Why not use both?
The simple answer?
Yes!
Placemats and runners can overlap each other, but they shouldn't cover the entire length of your table.
Be mindful there isn't so much overlap that there's no flat, stable surface for your stemware to sit on. We don't want them falling over during Christmas dinner.
When deciding on the correct table runner dimensions for your dining room, measure the width of your table and divide it by three.
For example, if you have square or rectangular tables that are 60" wide, divide 60" by 3, which equals 20.
A runner no wide than 20" leaves enough space on either side without place settings overlapping or interfering with other decorative pieces like flowers or candles.
With a standard placemat size of 12" to 14" by 16" to 18", this sounds pretty good.
But my dining table is 48" wide, divided by 3, which means I'll want a pattern no wider than 16".
For a 36" wide table, the width shrinks to 12".
Remember, this is a guideline.
If your plans don't include setting and eating at the table with the runner in place, then it comes down to what is esthetically pleasing to YOUR eye.
Store-bought runners tend to range from about 36" to 108".
That said, the length of yours depends on your table. How far—if at all—do you want it to hang over the edge?
If you prefer it to hang over the edge, there should be at least a 6" overhang on both ends.
They shouldn't be longer than the tablecloth if you're using one. (It'd look a bit odd if it was.)
Is your pattern shorter than your table, AND it'll be used during meals?
Remember to leave enough room to fit placemats and/or place settings and provide a stable surface for your glassware.
Simply create a paper stand-in. Grab some parchment or wax paper and create a piece equal to the size of the finished quilt.
Put it in place and stand back.
Will you use placemats?
Cut paper to that size for an accurate visual, too.
Why parchment or wax paper?
It's probably already in your kitchen, faster than taping a bunch of 8-1/2" x 11" papers together, and once you decide, the paper can be recycled for use in your kitchen.
It won't go to waste.
Armed with the above information and the measurements of your own table, you're now ready to check out all the patterns for your Christmas celebrations.
These patterns are organized in alphabetical order by their titles.
This design is perfect for the holidays! It features scrappy stars and trees in red, green, and white for a festive touch. Change the fabrics and this pattern will fit any winter decor, from Santa Claus to the winter chill of January.
There's also a coordinating table topper to go with this. You'll find it here.
And even a full-sized quilt (72½" x 84½") called 'Buffalo Check Winter' if you're sew inclined.
3 patterns in 1!
The perfect way to add a little joy and magic this season, the Buffalo Lodge quilting patterns includes instructions not just for a skirt but also for custom place mats and a runner.
It's icing on the cake when a designer includes extras.
To complete this pattern you'll need the Creative Grids Non-Slip 60° Diamond Mini by Krista Moser.
This large festive table runner is sure to brighten up your Christmas meals with a bit of whimsy at the holiday feast.
Suitable for both hand or machine applique.
This finished runner is embellished with hot-fix crystals, baker's twine, buttons and jingle bells.
You've heard of capturing 'lightning in a jar', well why not a Christmas Tree?
No specialty rulers or templates are needed for this fun project.
Intermediate
Wrap up this beauty as a gift to yourself! This festive runner features gifts lined up all waiting to be opened.
What has Santa brought for you?
Intermediate
This 3-piece Santa kitchen set includes potholder, mug rug, and table runner patterns.
A dimensional mustache certainly makes Santa look incredibly dapper.
That black stripe makes the perfect binding, doesn't it?
Love those yo-yo's, too.
We've got just the thing to get you in the spirit!
Festive is a beautiful design based on a single yet multi-faceted star block. It creates a unique quilt, no matter what fabrics you choose.
Easy, includes fusible machine applique
What could be more fun than heading out in your red vintage pickup truck to find the perfect tree?
Never having to leave the warmth of your studio, and stitching up this easy pattern, that's what!
If you're a fan of Annie's Catalog, this pattern was previously published in SIP Annie's Special Issue Christmas/Winter 2019.
Wassup with this next pattern? It's a pillow???
Instead of turning this into a pillow, wouldn't it make a great table runner for a buffet (perhaps without the crystals) or side table?
You're in charge of what this bad-boy actually gets turned into!
Easy
With enough coffee, wine, dark chocolate and fabric—mustn't forget the fabric, every quilter would proclaim, "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"
And now you can share the sentiment with this fabulous design from Shabby Fabrics.
There's a bit of embellishment with crystal beads at the tips of the snowflakes to make them sparkle.
The pattern includes all instructions and diagrams needed to complete the pillow.
Uses wool or wool felt for applique.
A fun and easy applique table runner is a great holiday gift.
You can choose from one of three different patterns: snowmen, Christmas trees, or stockings!
With its hopeful message, "Merry Christmas," this design will brighten any home in these busy times.
This festive table runner will make your holiday table pop!
It's made of seasonal fabrics to bring the spirit of the holidays to every meal.
Easy
These whimsical trees are perfect as they'll add that much needed extra touch you're looking for this holiday season.
Even better. They use up scraps. Includes directions for Hot Fix Rhinestones to make it sparkle.
Scrap friendly
A forest just as sweet as it can be.
And free, too!
Showering Stars takes your space from drab to dazzling with its table runner and two coordinating pillow cover patterns.
Patchwork squares and half-square triangles are all you'll need to create any of these patchwork projects.
Deja vu?
This pattern is a smaller version of Robin's popular Showering Stars pattern—you may have seen at your local quilt shop.
What do you think these two friends are chatting about?
The weather, perhaps?
Make a fun set of appliqué placemats and matching coasters for your own table or as a gift for that special someone.
All decked out in their winter finery, these snowmen are really puttin' on the Ritz.
The exuberant combination of teal and red adds an eye-catching pop of color to your holiday festivities.
This kit includes the pattern 'Snowman Table Runner' by Heather Peterson. Included, too, are top and binding fabrics from the Snowed In collection—also by Heather Peterson.
Skill Level: Advanced, it requires a basic knowledge of needle turn applique and embroidery
You'll enjoy stitching up a beautiful table runner for the holidays with Stand Guard Quilt Pattern from BasicGrey.
A full-size template sheet is included.
Put your Double Wide Dresden Design skills to the test.
The Double Wide 4 Patch Dresden templates are included in the pattern.
Easy, includes fusible machine applique
Busy. Busy. Busy.
The snow people have been hunting high and low for the perfect tree. And they've found it.
Despite being patterned as a runner, it'd be an oh-sew-cute wall hanging hung above your fireplace or buffet.
Just as sweet as it looks.
This delicious runner will make your kitchen shine.
The sweet candy canes are wrapped in a tidy bow. An individual square could be made into a matching set of placemats.
This project can be completed with either hand or fusible applique.
This holiday favorite contains 42 new block patterns (available in 6" and 12"sizes) and includes 10 quilty projects—tablerunners, placemats, mug rugs, tree skirt—from the reigning Queen of Adorkable.
Match it with fabric from her Cozy Christmas collection and you'll be on your way to having a vintage Christmas yourself.
Deck the Halls!
Easy
Your holiday decor will be complete with these festive table runner and coaster patterns.
Wow your dinner party guests with this easy design.
There's all kinds of quilty-inspiration for Christmas for you to enjoy here.
Using the buttons below, browse all the latest Christmas holiday fabric collections, kits, and patterns shared on the Generations website.
Create your own unique Christmas projects and handmade gifts.
Ready? Set. Quilt!