Waste Canvas Leaf Table Runner

Purchased waste canvas allows you to cross-stitch on any type of fabric. Create a table runner with colorful leaves in cross-stitch, perfect for autumn entertaining or Thanksgiving. This runner from Dimensions matches the cross-stitch Leaf Place Mats.

Materials:

• two Leaves of Autumn kits #35014
• two packages 14 count waste canvas: 12" x 18"
• 2 1/2 yards of medium weight fabric for the table runner
• 2 1/4 yards of lightweight fabric for the lining
• 5 yards of coordinating piping
• sewing thread
• permanent fi ne tip marker
• zipper foot for all machine stitching
• Leaf Patterns and Instructions [pdf]

Instructions:

This project includes many diagrams and leaf patterns, so please see the printable pdf above for full instructions.

Wash and dry the fabrics to preshrink them. Wash and air dry the thread from the kit to preshrink it. Mark the outline of the table runner as shown in the diagram (pdf). Use a pencil or the permanent marker. By not cutting your fabric right away, you can use a hoop to stitch if you like. Save the rest of the fabric for napkins.

Print two copies of each pattern sheet--pages 2, 3, and 4 of the pdf. Use the diagram (pdf) to identify the leaves on the chart from the instruction sheet.

To transfer the leaf shapes (pdf) to waste canvas, place the pattern under the canvas. Align the edges of the pattern with the blue threads of the canvas. Trace edges of the pattern and the black outlines with the permanent marker. The lines do not have to be perfect; you will be using them as a guide only. Cut out the pieces of waste canvas and save the patterns.

Using the color picture above and the diagram on page 2 as guides, place pieces of waste canvas in the desired positions. When you are satisfi ed with the position of everything, baste the waste canvas in place with sewing thread.

Start to stitch each leaf at the point marked with a blue arrow on the pattern. Stitch only the Cross Stitches, not the Half Cross Stitch shadows. Work the Cross Stitches over two canvas threads horizontally and vertically. Be careful not to pierce the canvas threads as you stitch and remember it's OK that your stitching does not match the outlines, you will be removing the canvas. When you finish the Cross Stitches, remove the basting. Dampen the canvas with water until the canvas softens. Pull out the canvas threads one by one with your fi ngers or tweezers. In tight spots, you can cut the canvas threads for easier removal. Add the Back Stitch details after you remove the canvas. Cut out the table runner fabric. Cut the lining to match. Pin the piping to the table runner, placing the piping stitching 1/2" in from the edge of the table runner. Clip the piping fabric at the corners to make it lie fl at. Allowing a 2" overlap at the end, trim the excess piping.

To finish, remove the stitching from the last 2" of piping. Trim the piping cord so it abuts the starting end. Trim the piping fabric so you can turn it under about 1/4". Reposition the fabric around the cord. Baste the piping to the table runner, working along the piping stitching.With the right sides facing, sew the table runner and lining together with a 1/2" seam allowance. Leave a 6" opening in one side. At the corners, trim the seam allowance almost to the stitching line. Turn the table runner right side out and press the edges. Slip stitch the opening closed.