• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog
  • Home
  • Tips + Tutorials
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Tips + Tutorials
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Tips + Tutorials
    • Shop
    • FAQ
    • Subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Stars & Stripes Pillow and Runner Tutorial

    Modified: Apr 29, 2023 · Published: Apr 19, 2023 by Amy Smart · This post may contain affiliate links · 23 Comments

    I've teamed up with Riley Blake Designs to share a quick tutorial for a Stars and Stripes Pillow and/or Table Runner project, perfect for your red, white, and blue summer décor. We've got a video to walk to through all of the steps and a free-printable PDF pattern to go with it.

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes pillow and table runner tutorial perfect for the 4th of July.

    This pillow and table runner projects are made with my Portsmouth fabric collection, but would look great with any favorite red, white, and blue scraps.

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes pillow tutorial by Amy Smart using Portsmouth fabric.

    The pillow finishes at 20" x 20". This could also be a nice mini quilt or square table topper.

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes table runner tutorial perfect for the 4th of July.

    The table runner finishes at 14" x 32" - but is easily adjustable by adding more quilt blocks.

    The great thing about this pattern is it's made of only two different quilt blocks. By playing with fabric combinations you can give the design a lot of depth and playfulness to the overall design.

    Patchwork quilted stars tutorial from Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter

    In this video I'll walk you through some of my favorite short-cuts and tricks for piecing Quarter-Square Triangle blocks in other words, a block made up of four equal triangles. Sometimes these blocks are also called Hour Glass blocks.

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes table runner tutorial perfect for the 4th of July. Featuring Portsmouth Fabric from Riley Blake Designs.

    I'll also share some tips for strip-piecing to help save time and keep your stripes nice and straight.

    In the video I recommend using a Scant ¼" seam allowance. You can read more about how to get a good Scant ¼" seam allowance here.

    Stars and Stripes Projects Video Tutorial

    Here is the video tutorial, produced by Riley Blake Designs.

    I have to admit, it's been a little while since I've filmed a real video, so I was definitely feeling a little rusty. Thanks for your patience. 😅

    Printable Pattern PDF

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes pillow and table runner tutorial perfect for the 4th of July.

    As mentioned in the video, you can find the printable pattern PDF with fabric requirements, cutting and finishing instructions here:

    Stars and Stripes PatternDownload

    Trouble downloading above? Try Dropbox option HERE

    Quilted patchwork Stars and Stripes pillow and table runner tutorial perfect for the 4th of July.

    I'd love to hear what you think, or see what you've made! Tag me on social media with #StarsandStripesPillowRunner

    You can find Portsmouth fabric available at your local quilt shop or online from assorted Etsy shops, The Fat Quarter Shop, and Missouri Star Quilt Company.

    Fly the Flag quilt pattern by Amy Smart featuring Portsmouth Fabric for Riley Blake Designs.

    Want more Portsmouth or quilt-y flag fun in your life? Check out my Fly the Flag quilt pattern - with Portsmouth Kit available in shops now!

    AND! If you'd like a free copy of my Sentimental Stars quilt pattern, subscribe to my newsletter. Each week I send out a brief newsletter with links to the latest patterns and happenings and some of my favorite quilting tips, tricks, or finds.

    More Quilt Block Tutorials

    • Tutorial and Tips for Half Rectangle Triangles + Free Squishy Stars Quilt Pattern
      Squishy Stars: Free Quilt Pattern using Half Rectangle Triangles
    • Tutorial for perfect Y-seams and a free Lemoyne Star Quilt Block pattern
      Mastering Y Seams: Step-by-Step Tutorial for the Classic Lemoyne Star Quilt Block
    • Quilt Block Sampler made by Amy smart of Diary of a Quilter
      Finished 2025 Sampler Quilt
    • How to Machine-Piece Hexagons using Y-seams
      Machine Piecing Hexagons - Introduction to "Y" Seams

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1. Rosie

      April 19, 2023 at 4:02 pm

      Thank you for updating the link 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 20, 2023 at 10:09 am

        So sorry for the delay there. I wasn't told the video was going to be posted that day so I had to scramble a little. But I think we're all on the same page now. whew!

        Reply
        • Kathy Padgett

          April 22, 2023 at 7:27 pm

          Thank you for the wonderful pattern. Watch you Rylie Blake's . You were great.

          Reply
    2. Sandra

      April 19, 2023 at 6:06 pm

      Really great tutorial. It was perfect. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 20, 2023 at 10:08 am

        You're welcome!

        Reply
      • Wonda simpson

        May 26, 2024 at 2:28 pm

        thank you for the beautiful pattern,

        Reply
    3. Linda Rice

      April 19, 2023 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you Amy for the lovely pillow and table runner patterns. They will be fun to make. I recently made one of your quilts called State Fair. It will certainly become one of my favorites.

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 20, 2023 at 9:47 am

        Aww, I'm so glad. Thank you so much, Linda!

        Reply
    4. Marianne

      April 22, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      This is such a pretty fabric line!

      Reply
    5. Helen

      April 22, 2023 at 5:35 pm

      Love this softer fabric line and great seaside cushion if only I had a cottage by the sea, we can but dream.

      Reply
    6. buddhajames777

      April 22, 2023 at 5:36 pm

      Thank you for these patterns...they're exactly what I needed, as I always make a table runner and matching pillow covers so I can carry a theme from room to room. I'm happy to say I am the proud owner of a Portsmouth jelly roll, a layer cake, a charm pack, and a little bit of yardage, though a fat quarter bundle probably would have eliminated my need for both a layer cake and charm pack. But, apparently FQ bundles have sold out at ALL my usual online haunts AND my nearest brick & mortar stores. You go, Girl! Congratulations on such a great and well-received fabric line!

      Reply
    7. Rosemary B

      April 24, 2023 at 9:24 am

      Amy, you are so generous. I love your blog. I want to make this table runner.
      This is a project I really love, and perhaps even cut the pieces and hand sew while I am at my 100 year old daddy's place. Some days he is peppy, other days he wants to work on his memoirs and I edit the photos he provides. Good times
      Again, thank you so much for sharing this gem!!!!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 24, 2023 at 9:43 am

        Aww, you're welcome and thank you, Rosemary. Bless you are all you are doing for your Dad!

        Reply
      • Kristy Johnson

        April 25, 2023 at 3:26 pm

        This was a wonderful tutorial and such darling patterns! I had just ordered a Portsmouth layer cake last night, and now I know what to do with it! Thanks so much for your generosity.

        Reply
    8. joyce

      April 25, 2023 at 8:13 am

      great job on your tutorial on your stars and strips video enjoyed it, i am working on a quilt block with a quarter square triangle block in it but was not given instructions on how to do it . By watching your detailed video example I feel better about making them thanks so much for sharing your talent have a bless day

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 25, 2023 at 12:18 pm

        I'm so glad it was helpful!

        Reply
    9. Melody Wright

      May 31, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. I learned something new from you today. How to sew strips sets and sew them in threes. Also how to even up your fabric before cutting. I've sewn many years, but I love watching each designer and how they do things because you really can learn something new. I love the sewing community because there doesn't seem to be as much competition. Sometimes there is competition, but I find you can find those who are happy to help any way possible. I love taking classes too. You learn a wealth of information there as well.

      Reply
      • Amy

        June 03, 2023 at 1:17 pm

        Thank you, Melody! And I'm with you. I love taking classes from different teachers. Always great tips and tricks to learn!

        Reply
    10. Susan Osborn

      June 26, 2023 at 6:20 am

      Thank you so much for the free pattern! I enjoy your blogs and so much. Your designs and fabrics are beautiful! I’ve been looking for the perfect Stars and Stripes project & this pattern is exactly what I wanted! I also want to thank you for the gorgeous photographs you share. It always warms my heart.

      Reply
      • Amy

        June 26, 2023 at 2:27 pm

        Aww, thank you so much for your kind words, Susan!

        Reply
    11. Karla B Santoro

      June 26, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      I loved this video. Thanks for sharing the pattern. You are so sweet--and calm--perfect personalities for videos.

      Reply
    12. Mary Stanfield

      June 29, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      Thank you for the patriotic stripes & stars pattern. It was fun to make & measurements were perfect. I’m using it for a wall hanging outside my door. I’m looking forward to meeting you at Garden of Quilts.

      Reply
    13. Karen Thompson

      September 20, 2024 at 1:45 pm

      Saw this pattern in a throw size quilt on display in the office of the Bear Paw RV Park in Valdez, Alaska this summer 2024! Highest compliments to one of the owners who made the quilt.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    My name is Amy Smart and I'm a quilter, pattern and fabric designer, wife & mom. Excited to have you here!

    more about me →

    THE PERFECT PLACE TO START

    I SEW WITH

    Baby Lock Sewing Machines

    MY FABRIC COLLECTIONS

    Fabric Collections by Amy Smart for Riley Blake Designs.

    FAVORITE FABRIC SHOPS

    COME SEW WITH ME CRAFTSY CLASS

    Pre-cuts Shortcuts Video Craftsy Class with Amy Smartma

    SEARCH

    Most Recent Posts

    • Half Square Triangle Quilt Short Cuts and Easy Square Up
    • Free RBD Quilt Block Challenge 2026
    • Sewing Room Organization Tips + Tools
    • Welcome to the Scandi Hearts Quilt Along!
    • Most Popular Projects of 2025 + My Biggest Goal for 2026

    ARCHIVES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    PRIVACY POLICY

    DISCLAIMER

    TERMS & CONDITIONS

    ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

    NEWSLETTER

    SIGN UP for weekly emails including: links to free tutorials, and new projects!

    CONTACT

    FAQ

    This site uses affiliate links:

    I make a small commission on some purchases with no additional cost to the reader.

    As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog