Give Thanks

Designer: Kim Christopherson of Kimberbell Designs

Finished size: 8-1/2×24-1/2"

Finished blocks: 8" square

Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42" of usable fabric width.

• 4—4×7" rectangles assorted tan prints (star blocks)
• 4—4×7" rectangles assorted brown and black prints (star blocks)
• 4—6" squares assorted rust prints (star blocks)
• 9" square cream dot (embroidery foundation)
• 5" square gold stripe (leaf appliqués)
• 2×4" rectangle each of orange print and brown-and-gold plaid (leaf appliqués)
• 2×4" rectangle tan vine print (acorn appliqués)
• Scrap of solid brown (acorn appliqués)
• 1/4 yard black-and-orange print (binding)
• 1/2 yard backing fabric
• 15×31" batting
• Lightweight iron-on fusible web
• Fine-point water-soluble fabric pen
• Embroidery hoop (optional)
• Embroidery floss: brown
• Embroidery needle

Cut pieces in the following order. Click on "Download this Project" above for Patterns A-D.

To use fusible web for appliquéing, complete the following steps.

1) Lay fusible web, paper side up, over patterns. Use a pencil to trace each pattern the number of times indicated in cutting instructions, leaving 1/2" between tracings. Cut out each fusible-web shape roughly 1/4" outside traced lines.

2) Following manufacturer's instructions, press each fusible-web shape onto wrong side of designated fabric; let cool. Cut out fabric shapes on drawn lines. Peel off paper backings.

From each assorted tan print, cut:

• 2—2-7/8" squares

From each assorted brown and black print, cut:

• 2—2-7/8" squares

From each assorted rust print, cut:

• 4—2-1/2" squares

From cream dot, cut:

• 1—8-1/2" square

From gold stripe, cut:

• 3 of Pattern A

From each orange print and brown-and-gold plaid, cut:

• 3 of Pattern B

From tan vine print, cut:

• 3 of Pattern C

From solid brown, cut:

• 3 of Pattern D

From black-and-orange print, cut:

• 2—2-1/2×42" binding strips

Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Press seams in directions indicated by arrows on diagrams. If no direction is specified, press seam toward darker fabric.

1. Use a pencil to mark a diagonal line on wrong side of each assorted tan print 2-7/8" square. (To prevent fabric from stretching as you draw lines, place 220-grit sandpaper under each square.)

2. Layer a marked tan print square atop a brown or black print 2-7/8" square. Sew together with two seams, stitching 1/4" on each side of drawn line (Diagram 1). Cut apart on drawn line and press open to make two triangle-squares. Each triangle-square should be 2-1/2" square including seam allowances. Using the same prints, repeat to make four matching triangle-squares total.

3. Using remaining marked assorted tan print squares and brown or black print 2-7/8" squares, repeat Step 2 to make four sets of four matching triangle-squares total.

4. Referring to Diagram 2, lay out eight assorted rust print 2-1/2" squares (two from each print), and eight triangle-squares (two from each set of matching triangle-squares) in four horizontal rows; note direction of seam lines in triangle-squares.

5. Sew together pieces in each row. Join rows to make a star block (Diagram 3). The block should be 8-1/2" square including seam allowances.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to make a second star block.

1.  Tape Full-Size Embroidery Pattern to a light box or bright window. Center cream dot 8-1/2" square atop pattern; tape in place.

2. Using a fine-point water-soluble pen, trace embroidery design onto fabric to make embroidery foundation (Diagram 4). Secure embroidery foundation in embroidery hoop if desired.

3. Using two strands of brown embroidery floss and embroidery needle, backstitch on marked lines to make embroidered square.

    To backstitch, from back of fabric pull needle up at A (Backstitch Diagram). Insert it back into fabric at B, and bring it up at C. Push it down again at D, with no gaps between stitches, and continue in same manner.

4. Referring to Diagram 5, arrange A–D appliqué pieces on embroidered square. Fuse appliqués in place following manufacturer's instructions.

5. Using light brown thread, machine-blanket-stitch around edges of each appliqué to make appliquéd block. The appliquéd block should be 8-1/2" square including seam allowances.

1. Referring to Table Runner Assembly Diagram, lay out appliquéd block between star blocks as shown.

2. Sew together blocks to complete table runner top. Press seams toward star blocks.

1. Layer table runner top, batting, and backing; baste.

2. Quilt as desired. Mary Christensen machine-quilted curved lines in the star points and center of each star block. She quilted a large stipple in the cream dot background of the appliquéd block and added a vein to each of the leaf appliqués.   

3. Bind table runner with black-and-orange print binding strips.