Sweet Tweets © Martingale • 1

Peekaboo-Bird Churn Dash Table Runner

MaterialsYardage is based on 42"-wide fabric.

½ yard total of 3 assorted background prints for blocks¼ yard total of 3 assorted aqua prints for blocks¼ yard total of 3 assorted red prints for blocks¼ yard total of 3 assorted gray prints for blocks ⅜ yard of aqua �oral for borderScrap, at least 4" x 5", of green print for bird appliqué⅜ yard of fabric for binding1¼ yards of fabric for backing19" x 43" piece of batting4" x 5" piece of lightweight fusible webBlack thread for free-motion applique

The Churn Dash has been my favorite block since I began

quilting. Here, the block is updated with fresh fabrics. Try mixing different light background fabrics for something different and new. The little bird peeking out from behind the block adds just a touch of whimsy.

FINISHED SIZE: 16½" x 40½"

FINISHED BLOCK: 12" x 12"

Sweet Tweets © Martingale • 2

Designed and made by Erin Cox

Sweet Tweets © Martingale • 3

CuttingFrom each of the assorted background prints, cut:2 squares, 5" x 5" (6 total)4 rectangles, 2½" x 4½" (12 total)

From the assorted aqua prints, cut:*2 squares, 5" x 5"1 square, 4½" x 4½"4 rectangles, 2½" x 4½"

From the assorted red prints, cut:*2 squares, 5" x 5"1 square, 4½" x 4½"4 rectangles, 2½" x 4½"

From the assorted gray prints, cut:*2 squares, 5" x 5"1 square, 4½" x 4½"4 rectangles, 2½" x 4½"

From the aqua �oral, cut:2 strips, 2½" x 16½"2 strips, 2½" x 36½"

From the binding fabric, cut:4 strips, 2½" x 42"

*Cut two 5" squares from one print, one 4½" square from the second print, and four rectangles from the third print.

Piecing the BlocksFor each block, use the squares and rectangles from one color (aqua, red, or gray) and one background print.

1. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of two background 5" squares. Layer the squares right sides together with an aqua 5" square and stitch ¼" from each side of the marked line. Then cut the squares apart on the drawn line. Make four aqua half-square-triangle units. Press the seam allowances toward the aqua triangles. Trim the units to measure 4½" x 4½".

4½"

4½"

Make 4.

2. Sew an aqua rectangle to the long edge of each background rectangle to make four side units. Press the seam allowances toward the aqua rectangle.

Make 4.

3. Lay out the half-square-triangle units, side units, and aqua 4½" square in three rows as shown. Join the pieces in each row. Press the seam allowances in the directions indicated. Join the rows and press the seam allowance toward the center.

4. Repeat steps 1–3 to make a red block and a gray block.

Sweet Tweets © Martingale • 4

Assembling the Table Runner1. Lay out the three blocks in one row, rotating the

center block so that the seams nest together. Sew the blocks together and press the seam allowances in one direction. The table-runner top should measure 12½" x 36½".

2. Sew the aqua �oral 36½"-long strips to opposite sides of the table-runner top. Sew the aqua �oral 16½"-long strips to the short ends of the table runner to complete the border. Press all seam allowances toward the borders.

Table runner assembly

Preparing the Appliqué Pieces

1. Using the pattern on page 5, trace the bird pattern onto the paper side of the fusible web. Cut out the fusible-web shape, leaving ⅛" of web outside the traced line.

2. Place the fusible side of the bird shape on the wrong side of the green print. Using an iron, fuse the web to the fabric.

3. Cut out the appliqué piece on the traced line. Cut out the middle section of the bird as indicated on the pattern and remove the paper backing.

Cut out center.

Stitching the Appliqué

1. On the right side of the gray block, place the bird’s head along the edge of the center square and the bird’s tail next to the gray rectangle as shown. Fuse in place. Using natural-colored thread, topstitch along the straight edge only.

Appliqué placement guide

Topstitch.

Topstitch.

2. Using black thread and free-motion appliqué, stitch the curved part of the bird’s head and a triangular-shaped beak. Li� the presser foot and needle and move to the area of the bird where the eye should be; sew in a circular motion to make a small eye for the bird. Then stitch the curved part of the bird’s tail. Do not stitch over the natural-colored thread.

3. Pull all the threads to the back of the table runner; knot and clip the threads. Press well.

Sweet Tweets © Martingale • 5

Quilting and Finishing 1. Layer the quilt top with batting and backing. Baste

the layers together.

2. Quilt as desired. This quilt was stipple quilted using natural-colored thread.

Quilting diagram

3. You can leave the table runner square or round the corners as I did. Place a teacup or cardboard circle on the corner and trace the curve. Trim the excess batting and backing even with the table-runner top, trimming the corner on the drawn line.

4. Use the 2½"-wide binding strips to make and attach the binding.

Pa�ern does not include seam allowances and is reversed

for fusible appliqué.

BirdMake 1 fromgreen print.

Cut.