Log Cabin Mini Table Runner Tutorial

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Fast and easy quilt projects like this Log Cabin mini table runner take no time at all to make and is beautiful when you add a feather quilting design to it. This Log Cabin Mini Table Runner tutorial will show you how to make a log cabin block in two different colorways.

Log Cabin Mini Table Runner Tutorial

Each mini table runner is 8″ x 16″ and is perfect for a small table or even the back of a toilet.

Not just for Christmas

Mine are shown in Christmas Fabrics but the mini table runners would look beautiful in other fabrics! Think of other holidays or just match the colors in your room.

You could also place two next to each other so it looks like you have a long table runner. Sewing four blocks together instead of two would also give you this look. There are so many possibilities!

Log Cabin Mini Tablerunner on table
Log Cabin Mini Table Runner on table

Mr. Mickey couldn’t figure out what I was doing on the floor in the kitchen, I think he was hoping it was dinner time.

Mickey the dog by the mini log cabin table runner
Log Cabin Mini Table Runner with Mickey

Can you see the different ways the colors were placed in the mini log cabin table runners? I think I prefer the first one, which do you like?

Mini Log Cabin Table Runner with red and green feather quilting
Two Log Cabin Mini Table Runners

This would make a nice quilt project to go with the quilted log cabin placemats.

Free-motion Quilting

The white section was perfect for a little free-motion feather design. I use a Frixon pen and mark the vein of the feather. Sometimes I will also mark the feathers, for these, I just kind of worked free-hand. They aren’t perfect feathers but I like them.

If you decide to make one of these mini Log Cabin table runners and would like a pattern for the feather design just let me know.

Note: You asked for the feather template and I have it! Get it here.

You don’t need a fancy sewing machine to do free-motion quilting, you just need to be able to drop the feed dogs or cover them. I’m using my 15-91 vintage Singer sewing machine for my quilting.

Back of the free-motion quilted table runners
Feather Quilting

The thread I used is 50 wt Auril with a 80/12 Schmetz needle. Small projects like this are a perfect way to use of scraps of batting also.

Equipment

Log Cabin Mini Table Runner

Fabric:

  • 1/8 yard each of 4 red fabrics
  • 1/8 yard each of 4 green fabrics
  • 1/8 yard white
  • 1/2 yard for backing and binding

Alternating Red and Green Rows

Mini Log Cabin Table Runner for Christmas
Log Cabin Mini Table Runner Tutorial

Purchase an ad-free printable PDF version of this Log Cabin Min Table Runner tutorial here. The feather templates are included.

Here are the cutting directions for this log cabin block which has alternating rows of red and green.

Cutting White Fabric:

  • A – Cut 1 – 1½” x 1½” white square
  • B – Cut 1 – 1½” x 2½” piece
  • C – Cut 1 – 1½” x 3½” piece
  • D – Cut 1 – 1½” x 4½” piece
  • E – Cut 1 – 1½” x 5½” piece
  • F – Cut 1 – 1½” x 6½” piece
  • G – Cut 1 – 1½” x 7½” piece

Cut Red Fabric:

  • A – Cut 1 – 1½” x 1½” piece
  • B – Cut 1 – 1½” x 2½” piece
  • E – Cut 1 – 1½” x 5½” piece
  • F – Cut 1 – 1½” x 6½” piece

Cut Green Fabric:

  • C – Cut 1 – 1½” x 3½” piece
  • D – Cut 1 – 1½” x 4½” piece
  • G – Cut 1 – 1½” x 7½” piece
  • H – Cut 1 – 1½” x 8½” piece

Sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. The diagram below shows you how to sew the pieces together. You start in the center and work your way out.

Alternating Blocks of Red and Green

Mini log cabin runner with feather quilting
One mini runner

Here are the cutting directions for this log cabin block which has alternating blocks of red and green.

Cutting White Fabric:

  • A – Cut 1 – 1½” x 1½” white square
  • B – Cut 1 – 1½” x 2½” piece
  • C – Cut 1 – 1½” x 3½” piece
  • D – Cut 1 – 1½” x 4½” piece
  • E – Cut 1 – 1½” x 5½” piece
  • F – Cut 1 – 1½” x 6½” piece
  • G – Cut 1 – 1½” x 7½” piece

Cut Red Fabric:

  • B – Cut 1 – 1½” x 2½” piece
  • D – Cut 1 – 1½” x 4½” piece
  • F – Cut 1 – 1½” x 6½” piece
  • H – Cut 1 – 1½” x 8½” piece

Cut Green Fabric:

  • A – Cut 1 – 1½” x 1½” piece
  • C – Cut 1 – 1½” x 3½” piece
  • E – Cut 1 – 1½” x 5½” piece
  • G – Cut 1 – 1½” x 7½” piece

Sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. The diagram below shows you how to sew the pieces together. You start in the center and work your way out.

Each block will measure 8½” square. Sew two blocks together, quilt as desired and add binding using my machine binding tutorial.

It looks cute in a bathroom too!

Mini log cabin runner in bathroom
Mini log cabin runner in the bathroom

Purchase an ad-free printable PDF version of this Log Cabin Min Table Runner tutorial here.

Before you go…..

Making a Log Cabin mini runner is fun. Another neat quilt project would be to make a Log Cabin Pillow which is made with bigger strips, read the blog post and learn how to make it.

Log Cabin Pillow Tutorial

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Connie with her dogs

About Connie

Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.

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11 Comments

  1. I do mostly free motion, but have used the iron-out pens and traced patterns, but I just can’t get the feathers! Your’s are beautiful. Just went to a dog event and “won” a Christmas Panel, and think this pattern would look good on either side! Thanks

  2. Sew very nice. Thank you, Connie!!!

  3. I agree with you. I like the way the colors were set in the first one better, but they are both nice. I am not great (a real understatement) with free motion quilting, but maybe I can follow the template and make it work.

  4. Looks great. I just remembered I have several random logs left over… making a cute runner like this is great!

  5. These are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Your idea has many variations running through my mind. Yea!

  6. Catherine says:

    Your feather free motion is wonderful! It really makes it pop. So pretty.

  7. Really enjoy reading your blog and your patterns are wonderful. You are so generous with your talents! Thank you

  8. Norma Murphy says:

    The feathers really make this design, especially from the back. I like #1 too. The rows look like stacks of presents. Clever.

  9. Gwynette in NWArkansas says:

    Just in time for quick gift making for neighbors! She is a quilter also and will love these! Thanks for sharing the patterns!!

  10. Patt Bryant says:

    Hello! May I please get your free-motion feather design pattern?Thank you so much.

  11. Sara Fridley says:

    The feathers quilted into the white section really make these special. So pretty!