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Quilt a Carrot Table Runner for Easter

Combine a multitude of orange-print strips to make this seasonal table runner. You'll finish it quickly because it's pieced and quilted at the same time by "quilting as you go."

What you need:

1/2 yard of backing fabric
1/8 yard each of seven assorted orange prints for table runner top
18x22" pieces (fat quarters) of assorted green prints for stem
16x28" of thin quilt batting
Lightweight fusible web
Medium-weight cutaway stabilizer
Quilt basting spray (optional)
Note: quantities are based on 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.
Patterns -- see download link below

Pieces to cut:

Trace the patterns onto large sheets of folded paper, cut out, and unfold. Be sure to include the center positioning line on both halves of Pattern A and the stitching and pleat lines on both halves of Pattern C.
From backing fabric, cut one of Pattern A.
From each assorted orange print, cut two 1.5x42" strips.
From mottled orange, cut enough 2.5"-wide bias strips to total 75" in length for binding.
From each green print, cut one 11x 16" rectangle.
From lightweight quilt batting, cut one of Pattern A.
From fusible web, cut two 11x16" rectangles.
From stabilizer, cut one 11x16" rectangle.

Assembling the runner:

Lay the backing fabric A piece on your work surface with the right side down. Place the thin quilt batting A piece on top. Note: If desired, use quilt basting spray to secure the layers together.
With the right side up, place an orange print 1.5x42" strip across the middle of the layered A pieces; one edge should run along the center positioning line and the end should extend just beyond the top of the layered A pieces. Trim the excess orange print strip just beyond the bottom edge of the layered A pieces (see Diagram 1).
With the right side down, place a second orange print 1.5x42" strip atop the first strip; trim the excess strip as before. Sew together through all layers (see Diagram 2). Finger-press the top strip open.
Continue adding assorted orange print strips in both directions until the layered A pieces are covered; press. Center the B template on the strip-covered A piece; trace around and cut out to make the table runner (see Diagram 3).
Using diagonal seams, sew together the mottled orange 2.5"-wide bias strips to make a 75"-long strip. Use this strip to bind the table runner.

Constructing and attaching the stem:

Following the manufacturer's instructions, press the fusible-web 11x16" rectangle onto the backs of the green print 11x16" rectangles; let cool. Peel off the paper backings.
Lay one Step 2 green print rectangle on your work surface with the right side down. Place the stabilizer 11x16" rectangle on top. With the right side up, place the remaining Stop 2 green print rectangle on top of the layered rectangles. Following manufacturer's instructions, fuse all of the pieces together.
Trace Pattern C onto the fused Step 3 rectangle, tracing the stitching line and six pleat lines. Cut out on the outer drawn lines to make the stem. Using a short, wide zigzag stitch, sew around all edges of the stem.
Fold the stem so a set of two pleat lines match up; pin through both pleat lines. Then press lightly to form a pleat. Repeat to fold and press a total of three pleats in the stem. Machine-baste on the marked stitching line to hold the pleats in place (see Diagram 4).
Place the pleated stem on the wide end of the table runner so the short stem end is on the table runner and the stitching line is 1/2" from the bound edge (see Diagram 5). Topstitch over the basting stitches to secure the stem to the table runner. Fold the stem in half so both portions extend above the top of the carrot shape; press lightly to complete the project.

Download table runner and stem patterns

Editor's tip for all seasons:

Rather than creating a seasonal carrot shape, use the same quilt-as-you-go technique to make a rectangular table topper for a great year-round accessory.

Cover a 15x28" rectangle with 1-1/2" strips according to the previous instruction, then trim it to a 13x26" rectangle and bind.
To make it even more versatile, use a large-scale novelty print in a birthday or holiday theme for the quilt back. Then you'll have a reversible table mat that can do double duty for special occasions.