String Bean Table Runner Tutorial

Published: Feb 25, 2012 · Modified: Jan 28, 2020

Are you looking for a fun string pieced quilt block tutorial? You’ll have fun making this String Bean (because it is green) table runner using this easy tutorial!

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial

14″ x 28″

This is the last Saturday of greens for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge so I decided to make this little green string bean table runner from all of my quilt scraps.

The size is 14″ x 28″ but you could make this string block table runner any size.

This tutorial is also a great way to use up old telephone books if you can find them, remember how big they used to be! I wonder if this is one of those things that our grandchildren won’t even know about.

String piecing is also known as strip piecing

These are always fun to make and a great way to use up your fabric scrap stash. No scraps? You can find some great deals on fabric here.

Making the String blocks

Cut the telephone book pages into 8-inch blocks.
You’ll need 8 of them.
Make a diagonal line down the center of the telephone book page and another line ¼ inch from one side.
The ¼ inch line will be the stitching line.
Use a smaller than normal stitch so it is easy to rip off the paper when you are done.

I cut my strings from 3/4 inch to 2½ inches.

Normally I only use the 2½ inch strings as the last strip to cover the corners. This is also a great place to use squares if you have them.

String Bean Tablerunner Tutorial sew strings

Place the first fabric strip RIGHT side UP.

Next place your second fabric string on top right side DOWN.

String Bean Tablerunner Tutorial sew strings press open

I usually press after I have added a string to each side.

String Bean Tablerunner Tutorial strings sewn

Continue adding strings until the entire paper is covered.

String Bean Tablerunner Tutorial strings trimmed

Turn the block over, press and then trim evenly with the paper. Sometimes I like to use a little starch on my blocks.

String Bean Tablerunner Tutorial strings trimmed back

I usually remove the paper now.

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial green fabric stash

If you stitched with a small stitch the paper comes off very easily. As you can see, it barely made a dent in my green string scrap box.

Now cut each block as shown below. You could make 4-inch blocks, to begin with, but I find this faster.

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial cut blocks

We now have 32 – 4-inch blocks

Arrange your blocks like this – 4 rows of 8 blocks.

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial layout blocks

Sew groups of 4 blocks together.
Continue sewing all blocks together.
I like to sew groups of 4 blocks together, then 4 larger blocks and then the 2 big blocks.

I like to sew groups of 4 blocks together, then 4 larger blocks and then the 2 big I decided to use Bottom Line thread from Superior Threads because it is very fine and wouldn’t overpower the design.

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial bottomline thread

I used Warm & Natural batting and when I free motion quilt I put a couple drops of Neutrogena Hand Cream on my finger tips.

I have tried gloves and the little finger things that are used to count money and I still go back to using the hand creme. It just works better for me.

I just did a loopy swirl free motion quilting on it.

String Bean Table Runner Tutorial freemotion quilting

My binding was cut from 2½ inch strips, sewn to the right side, folded over and then I stitched in the ditch.

I now have a new little runner to put on my Great Grandmother’s hope chest.