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Christmas Table Runner Patterns ~ Dress Your Table to the 9's
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Updated: 9-23-23
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!
How to choose the perfect table runner patterns for YOUR table
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?
Can placemats overlap it?
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.
Measure your table
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.
Is there a standard size for a table runner?
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.
Having a hard time visualizing the size?
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.
Christmas Table Runner Patterns
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.
Buffalo Check Christmas Runner by Carried Away Quilting
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.
Buffalo Lodge by Krista Moser for The Quilted Life
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.
Celebration Runner by Ariga Wilson for Robert Kaufman - FREE
This free pattern use a fabric panel for the blocks. You can easily replace it with 9" finished/9-1/2" unfinished blocks. (Check our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library if you need ideas for them.)
The samples shown here use fabrics from Kaufman's Holiday Flourish line.
PS If you need a shorter, easier-to-finish runner, have a look at the Merry Runner free pattern that's 4 blocks long.
Christmas Eve Table Runner Pattern
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.
Christmas in a Jar by The Pattern Basket
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.
Christmas Present Table Runner
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?
Christmas Trio by Lavender Lime Designs
Get ready to bring the spirit of Christmas alive in your home.
Put together a cheerful quilt with Good News Great Joy by Fancy That Design House for Moda Fabrics. Mix up an exciting trio—a panel, a charm packs and a layer cake—all carefully stitched into three perfect patterns that will certainly befit your holiday decorating needs this year.
Dear Santa Kitchen Set Patterns by Exclusively Annies
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.
Fancy Firs by Heather Briggs
Ornamentary, my dear Watt-son, this quilt design is fit fir a fancy Christmas.
The Fancy Firs quilt pattern features 16 traditional pieced Christmas tree blocks with different bows and a gum drop border.
No special rulers or applique methods are required. With directions that won't leaf you hanging, this is a fun project to work on during the holiday season.
So sip some eggnog, put on some holiday tunes, and have a snow-tacular day with this one.
Festive by Krystal Stahl for It' Sew Emma
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.
The cover sample contains fabrics from the Warm Winter Wishes collection by Holly Taylor for Moda.
Fresh Cut Set of Patterns by Annie's
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.
Happy Holly-Days Runner by Wendy Sheppard - FREE
Wish your dinner guests a 'Joyous Noel' with this simple table runner design from Wendy Sheppard.
There's nothing as welcome as simple piecing during the busy holiday rush, and Wendy Sheppard delivers, yet again!
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!
Merry Runner by Ariga Wilson for RK for Holiday Flourish - FREE
While the free pattern uses a block panel, you could easily swap in 9-1/2" unfinished/9" finished blocks for Fabric A.
A simple pattern to complete just in time for the Holidays.
The samples shown here use fabrics from Kaufman's Holiday Flourish line.
PS If you need a runner just a bit longer, check out Celebration Runner that's 5 blocks long.
O Christmas Tree by Lindsey Weight for Primrose Cottage Quilts
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.
Peppermint Forest by Amanda Niederhauser - FREE
Scrap friendly
A forest just as sweet as it can be.
And free, too!
Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillow Cover patterns by Robin Pickens
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.
Snow Buddies Placemat & Coaster patterns by Chris Malone
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.
Stand Guard by BasicGrey
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.
Tree Farm by Chris Malone
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.
Vintage Candy Cane Table Runner
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.
Vintage Christmas
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!
Wreath Table Runner and Coaster patterns by Shabby Fabrics
Easy
Your holiday decor will be complete with these festive table runner and coaster patterns.
Wow your dinner party guests with this easy design.
For more Christmas inspiration, check out these fabrics and patterns
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!
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