There is something so cheerful about daisies! I grow them in my garden and they make me smile whenever I see them on a sunny day. It inspired me to design this Daisy Table Runner! One of my favorite things about this pattern is how approachable it is. Although the finished table runner looks impressive, the individual flowers are simple to assemble.
In this tutorial, I'll walk you through my process for choosing fabrics, assembling each daisy, arranging the design, and finishing your table runner.
Before You Begin
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: 16.5 inches × 39 inches
Techniques Used: Appliqué, quilting, and binding
This tutorial shares my personal process for making this table runner. The complete PDF pattern includes cutting instructions, full-size appliqué templates, flower assembly diagrams, and layout guides.
Step 1: Choosing Fabrics
One of the best things about this project is that fabric selection is simple if you're creating classic white daisies.
Petals
For a traditional daisy look, choose a bright white fabric for the petals. A subtle white-on-white print or lightly textured fabric can add interest while still keeping the flowers crisp and clean. I love using a sparkly white fabric, so it will shine in the sun!
Flower Centers
Select a cheerful yellow fabric for the flower centers. Bright yellows and golden shades really make the daisies come alive.
Stems & Leaves
For the stems and leaves, choose a fresh green fabric. Lime greens and spring greens create a vibrant, cheerful look that pairs beautifully with the white flowers.
Background Fabric
The background fabric is especially important for this design. Because the petals are white, you'll want to choose a background that provides enough contrast for the flowers to stand out. A medium or darker background works beautifully, while a very light background may cause the petals to blend in and lose their definition.
I chose a rich blue background because it reminds me of a bright summer sky and makes the daisies really pop.
Step 2: Cut & Trace the Appliqué Pieces
Begin by cutting the background and backing fabrics according to the instructions included in the pattern.
Next, trace the following pieces onto HeatnBond Lite:
- Flower petals
- Flower centers
- Stems
- Leaves
Important: Always trace on the paper side of the HeatnBond, not the bumpy adhesive side.
Iron each traced piece onto the wrong side of the selected fabrics.
Once fused, carefully cut each piece out along the traced lines and remove the paper backing.
Now you're ready to assemble the flowers!
Step 3: Assemble the Daisies
This is one of my favorite parts of the project because each flower comes together like a little puzzle.
I recommend assembling the flowers on a transparent Teflon pressing mat or a piece of parchment paper. Place the Flower Assembly Diagram from the pattern underneath your transparent Teflon mat so you can easily follow the layout.
Begin assembling each flower in this order: Leaves, Stems, Petals, Flower Center.
Position the four leaves, and iron those in place on the mat.
Next, add the stem and iron it in place.
Then, begin adding the petals. I recommend placing all of the petals before ironing them in place so you can adjust their position until you're happy with the spacing. Take your time and make sure there aren't any noticeable gaps between the petals. Once you are happy with the placement, iron the petals in place.
Add the Flower Center and iron in place. Give the entire flower one final press to ensure all of the pieces are securely fused together. Allow the flower to cool completely before gently peeling it from the Teflon mat.
Repeat this process until you've assembled all six daisies.
Step 4: Arrange & Iron the Design
Now it's time to watch your table runner come to life!
Lay the background fabric on your ironing board and begin arranging the six assembled daisies. Finding the right placement can take a little experimenting, and that's perfectly normal.
I usually start with the flowers in the middle of the runner and then work outward, adding the remaining flowers one at a time. Don't be afraid to rotate or slightly tilt each flower until the layout feels balanced.
As you're arranging the flowers, remember to leave at least ½ inch to ¾ inch between the outside edge of the background fabric. This extra space is needed for attaching the binding later.
Once you're happy with the arrangement, press each flower firmly into place.
After the flowers are fused, layer the quilt top with the batting and backing, then baste the layers together using your preferred method.
Step 5: Appliqué the Flowers (or Wait Until Quilting)
Now it's time to permanently stitch each flower in place.
You have two great options depending on the look you'd like to achieve.
Buttonhole Appliqué
Buttonhole appliqué gives the table runner a polished, finished appearance while helping prevent the fabric edges from fraying over time.
If you're using this method, I recommend completing the appliqué before quilting.
Straight-Edge Appliqué
Straight-edge appliqué is quicker and easier, especially around the many curved flower petals.
I personally prefer straight-edge appliqué and I complete it during quilting. Because this table runner is almost entirely appliqué, I like to let the appliqué become part of the quilting design. Since I don't wash my table runners very often, the slight fraying that may occur over time isn't a concern for me.
Step 6: Quilting
The quilting design is entirely up to you, making this the perfect opportunity to add your own personal style.
As mentioned before, I like to let the appliqué become part of the quilting design. As I stitch around each leaf, I also quilt a simple center vein to give the leaves a little extra dimension and a more natural appearance.
You could also add gentle curves, loops, stippling, or floral-inspired quilting in the background if you'd like even more texture.
Step 7: Add the Binding
Finish your table runner using your favorite binding method.
I love using this binding method. But I use 2" instead of 1.75 because I like it wider on the back. I use this method for joining binding.
Your Daisy Table Runner is finished!
I hope this project brings a little extra sunshine into your home. Whether you display it throughout the spring and summer, use it for family gatherings, or give it as a handmade gift, it's a cheerful reminder that even simple flowers can brighten a room.
Thank you so much for quilting along with me. I hope you enjoyed making this project as much as I enjoyed designing it.
Happy quilting!
Margaret