"For the Love of Pattern" Table Runner

You'll notice the end result turned out a little more all-season than fall specific, but that's one of the things I love about crafting. Like Forest Gump said, "You never know what you're going to get." I decided to go with a mixed media feel using both paint and fabric to create a really unique look!

Let's get started!

Here's what you'll need:

Martha Stewart Crafts Pattern Stencils

Martha Stewart Crafts Paint

Martha Stewart Crafts Paint Brushes 

Martha Stewart Crafts Tape

Piece of drop cloth or fabric of your choice - Mine is 65" x 15"

Scraps of coordinating fabric, cut into 5" squares

Sewing machine 

Thread

Scissors

(If you don't have a sewing machine or are not comfortable using one, no worries! Just skip the last few steps and paint a few extra blocks.)

First, cut the fabric you are going to use for the base of your runner. I used a drop cloth because I had it on hand. I also wanted something with a natural look that was neutral and sturdy. Drop cloths can be found in the paint section of most hardware and home stores.

I cut my fabric to 65" x 15" because this would allow me to work in five-inch squares. 

Next, you will need to prep your surface for painting by taping off your squares. This is a bit tedious, but totally worth it in the end. You will need to work in sections. Begin by taping off every other row. 

Then, tape off the two outer squares in each row. Remember, you are taping to create five-inch squares.

Now you are ready to paint! Grab your stencil and paint and begin applying your choice of color. 

When you are finished, carefully remove the stencil.

Do this for all of the squares you have taped off. Keep in mind that later you will be adding patches of fabric to some of the squares, so you can leave a few blank here and there. Random is best.

Once the paint is dry, remove the tape that made the two outer squares. Then, tape off all of the inner squares. 

Again, using your paint and stencil, paint in your design.

Once the paint is dry repeat the steps above for the opposite rows. Don't forget to leave a few blank squares.

When all the paint is dry and you have removed the tape, you are ready to add a few pieces of fabric. 

Pin your pieces of coordinating fabric to the areas of the runner where you'd like them.

Then, using your sewing machine, stitch a quarter of an inch on each side of every seam. This step secures the fabric squares and gives your finished runner a quilted look.

Trim off any loose or extraneous trends, and you are finished! 

Like I said, feel free to leave out the fabric and sewing element. You will still have a fabulous runner with a quilted look, minus the sewing. How cool is that?

I'm all about mixing patterns and materials these days. This project really allowed me to explore that idea. 

I'm loving the results! My glittered pumpkins looks pretty cute on it too. Don't you think?

This was also my first time using Martha Stewart Crafts products. They are fabulous just as you would expect. For more inspiration and product ideas, visit Plaid's website or reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. 

What do you think of my new table runner?

Find my post disclosure here.