Fall Leaves Table Runner

Flipping through a Crate & Barrel catalog the other day and came across this table runner:

Click on the image to purchase from Crate a& Barrel

Super cute!

But I knew I could make something similar…

So first I shaped some store-bought bias tape on a piece of homespun cotton.  I cut some of the strip in half and re-folded it for the skinnier branches…

Then I folded some fabrics right sides together and sewed circles (berries?) and leaf-shapes.  I sewed all-around each shape using a very small stitch length and then cut out each shape with a scant 1/8inch border.  Then, pinching just one layer of fabric for each shape, I cut a slit and turned the unit right-side-out.  This resulted in many almost-perfect circle and leaf-shapes with nice edges.  Easier than needleturn for me, and I like the look more than raw-edge applique (personal preference).

I hand-stitched each piece in place.  Then I sewed on a backing (right sides together with the runner-top, left a gap, turned right-side out, top-stitched around the border).

Cute acorn fabric for the back.

I think this cost about $3.00 total for me considering the only things I purchased were two fat-quarters for the leaves.   A lot better than $40 + shipping and handling : )