16 Fall Table Runner Ideas for Thanksgiving

I'm updating my list of handmade Fall Table Runner Ideas. I keep coming across really pretty fall-fabric combinations or new tutorials and patterns.  There are so many inspiring options to add a little handmade patchwork style to your table for fall, particularly in time for Thanksgiving. Most of these are free tutorials - only a couple require a purchased pattern.

Even if you're not hosting dinner, they'd make a great thank-you or hostess gift. And because they're small, they're a faster finish, even if you're starting at the last minute.

Plus, if you ask me, it's fun to have an excuse to pull out your favorite fabrics or to try a new color combination on a small project. Quick finishes are great wins.

Here are a few of my favorite Fall Table Runner Tutorials and Patterns

This Quilt-as-you-go table runner is still one of my all time favorite methods. It's perfect for scraps and easy to customize to any size you like! Full tutorial found here.

The great thing is you can take pretty much any quilt or quilt block design and make a beautiful fall-themed table runner just by using rich autumn colors like I did with this traditional Dutchman's Puzzle/Flying Gees quilt block.

Free Flying Geese Table Runner Tutorial Here

Another example is this runner made using a pattern from the book Playful Precuts Quilts.

Table Runners Made Fast With Precuts

Speaking of precuts here are a couple more tutorials perfect for a charm pack or other pre-cut squares: 9-patch table topper tutorial.

And another patchwork motif with hour-glass blocks. (This is the one I have on my own table right now!)

I made it a few years ago and I still love pulling it out every year along with the coordinating pillow.

Gather 'Round Table Topper by Amber of Gigi's Thimble:

This scrappy version from Sherri at A Quilting Life includes a traditional Maple Leaf block pattern.

This Chevron table runner from Alex Legerwood has a fresh modern look and is another great one for using scraps.

Here are some more table runner examples with a more specific fall theme.

A few of these scrappy leaf blocks would make a beautiful table runner. Free pattern by The Crafty Quilter.

This free Gingham Pumpkin Table Runner pattern is by Melanie Collette or Hello Melly Designs.

Here are a few applique variations

This one leaves on burlap from the Seasoned Homemaker.

Another variation on the appliqued leaves (again - perfect for scraps!) by Nicole of Modern Handcraft. In Nicole's variation she uses matchstick quilting rather than stitching around each individual leaf to secure the appliqued shapes in place and give the runner a lot of texture.

The tutorial is no longer available for this one, but I'm leaving the picture for inspiration because it's SO pretty.

This Autumn Love table runner made by Bev of Flamingo Toes uses a raw-edge sketch-sewing to secure the applique shapes.

This patchwork variation is from Kitchen Table Quilting doesn't have a specific tutorial, it's gorgeous inspiration. And it's made up of mostly squares and half-square-triangle blocks, so would be fun - and not too difficult - to recreate. I just really love the fabrics and color palette in this one!

I'm also in love with the fabrics and color palette in this runner pattern at From Marta with Love. It has a beautiful modern vibe.

This pieced-patchwork-plaid table runner tutorial is available from Orange Bettie.

And if you're looking for something extra quick, check out this tutorial from Amy at Positively Splendid and only needs two coordinating fabrics. This is a great one for showing off a big, pretty print.

Another simple and elegant table runner variation is this Quilted Table Runner tutorial from Suzy Quilts. I love the hand quilted texture on this version!

Other Thanksgiving Quilting and Sewing Projects:

While we're on the subject of Thanksgiving, real quick, here are a couple of bonus projects for you! These two stitched hoop art pieces are so fun. This first Thanksgiving hoop is by Bev at Flamingo Toes.

Another Thankful hoop variation by Jessica is found at the Polkadot Chair

And finally, while we're on the subject of Thanksgiving, a quick shout-out to one of my all-time favorite quilts - my Gratitude quilt is a memory quilt with may of my favorite things stitched onto autograph-style blocks.  I highly recommend making one someday!

Hope you have a wonderful season of giving thanks with those you love!