I love decorating for autumn! As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change in Vermont, it's the perfect time to bring the warm colors of the season into my home. This Maple Leaf Applique Table Runner celebrates one of fall's most recognizable symbols with four beautifully detailed maple leaves in rich autumn colors. This is one of my most popular Table Runners during leaf peeper season in Vermont :)
If you're new to quilting or trying appliqué for the first time, this pattern is a wonderful place to start. The design is simple enough for beginners while still creating a stunning finished project that you'll be proud to display year after year.
In this tutorial, I'll walk you through my process for choosing fabrics, preparing the appliqué pieces, assembling the runner, and finishing your table runner.
You can purchase the complete Maple Leaf Table Runner PDF Pattern in my shop.
Before You Begin
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: 16.5 inches × 44 inches
Techniques Used: Appliqué, piecing, quilting, and binding
This tutorial walks through the assembly process and shares my personal tips for creating this table runner. The complete PDF pattern includes cutting instructions and full-size appliqué templates.
Step 1: Choosing Fabrics
One of my favorite parts of quilting is selecting fabrics, and this pattern is a great opportunity to play with the beautiful colors of autumn.
Main Border Fabric
I recommend starting with the main border fabric because it sets the tone for the entire project. Look for a fabric filled with rich fall colors and lots of movement. This fabric becomes your inspiration when choosing the maple leaf fabrics, helping everything coordinate beautifully.
Inner Border & Binding
For both the inner border and the binding, I like using a darker blender fabric. A deep burgundy, brown, or other rich autumn color creates a beautiful frame around the design and naturally draws your eye toward the maple leaves.
Background Fabric
For the background, I recommend choosing a creamy white or ivory fabric. The lighter background allows the colorful maple leaves to stand out. I suggest avoiding using a background fabric that is too dark or too busy, this will be too distracting for the Maple Leaves.
Maple Leaf Fabrics
Select four coordinating fall fabrics for your maple leaves. This is where you can really have fun! I love using vibrant autumn colors like:
- Golden yellow
- Deep green
- Burnt orange
- Rich rust
- Warm red
Choose colors that contrast well with each other and with your background fabric. The more vibrant the leaves, the more they will pop against the creamy background. I love using fabrics that have a little texture (like blenders) - this gives the leaves a little movement.
Step 2: Cut & Trace the Appliqué Pieces
Begin by cutting the main border, inner border, binding, and background fabric according to the instructions included in the pattern.
Next, trace the four maple leaves onto HeatnBond Lite. Important: Always trace on the paper side of the HeatnBond, not the bumpy adhesive side.
After tracing the leaves, iron each template onto the wrong side of your selected maple leaf fabrics.
Once fused, carefully cut each leaf out along the previously traced line. Finally, remove the paper backing from each leaf so they're ready to be placed on the background fabric.
Step 3: Arrange & Iron the Design
This is one of my favorite steps because you can finally see your table runner begin to come together!
Lay your background fabric on an ironing board. Since you'll be ironing the leaves in place, assembling directly on an ironing board makes everything much easier.
Arrange the four maple leaves evenly across the background fabric. Before ironing anything down, spend a few minutes experimenting with the placement. I like to think about which colors are next to one another. Complementary colors tend to make each leaf stand out. For example, I usually avoid placing an orange leaf directly beside a red leaf since the colors can blend together visually.
One very important tip: Leave at least ½ inch to ¾ inch between each leaf and the edge of the background fabric. This space is needed for the seam allowance when you attach the borders.
Once you're happy with the layout, press the leaves in place with your iron.
Step 4: Piece the Borders
With right sides together, pin one inner border strip to each long side of the background fabric. Sew using a ¼ inch seam allowance, then press the seam allowances toward the border.
Next, cut the one remaining inner border strip in half and sew one piece to each short end of the runner. Press the seams toward the border.
Once the inner border is complete, repeat the same process with the main border.
Your table runner top is now complete! Follow the pattern instructions to piece the table runner back.
Step 5: Appliqué the Maple Leaves
Now it's time to permanently stitch the maple leaves in place.
You have two options, and both create beautiful results.
Buttonhole Appliqué
Buttonhole appliqué creates a polished, finished look while preventing the fabric edges from fraying over time. If you choose this method, I recommend appliquéing the leaves before quilting.
Straight-Edge Appliqué
Straight-edge appliqué is quicker and easier, especially around the curves and points of maple leaves. For this method, I recommend appliquéing during quilting.
Although the edges may fray slightly after repeated washing, I personally prefer this technique because I don't wash my table runners very often.
Step 6: Quilting
This is where you can really make the table runner your own. I love quilting veins into each maple leaf to give them extra dimension and a more realistic appearance.
Before adding any decorative quilting, I recommend stitching in the ditch around each border. This helps stabilize the table runner and keeps everything in place before quilting additional designs in the borders or background.
Whether you choose simple straight-line quilting, free-motion quilting, or custom leaf motifs, this is your chance to add your own creative touch.
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 Maple Leaf Table Runner Is Complete!
Whether you display it on your dining table throughout the fall, use it as part of your Thanksgiving decorations, or give it as a handmade gift, I hope it brings warmth and a touch of autumn into your home.
Happy quilting!
Margaret