Create Stunning Table Runners Using Studio 180 Rulers

The February 2025 Island Batik Challenge is to create a Table Runner or a Bed Runner. We must use the Studio 180 Designs ruler that we were sent. 

I received the “Corner Beam” ruler.  You can make multiple different size blocks with the ruler. The ruler helps you create the perfect size every time.  You cut the pieces a little larger, and then trim them down to the correct size.  This helps reduce the errors made with 1/4″ seam allowances. 

My blocks were imperfect. Still, they were much closer than cutting pieces of fabric. I hoped they would work together correctly.  I managed to make sure that I had 1/4″ at the corner point of the beam.

The fabric line that I received is the “Just Dandy” line.  A Fall 2024 collection by Kate Colleran Designs. This fabric ships to shops in February. There are 20 fabrics in the collection,  each 1/2 yard. 

I received two yards of a darker coordinating fabric from the Brilliant Blues collection, “Ravine”. Two yards of “Dragonfly Flit” a multi-turquoise from the Just Dandy collection.

The materials for this runner were generously provided to me by Island Batik. Their industry partners also contributed; they include Aurifil Thread, Studio 180 Designs, and Hobbs Batting.

To create the table runner, I made a decision. In addition to using the Corner Beam ruler, I also used the Diamond Rects ruler.

I decided to create a star using the two rules.  Each block would finish at 10″ square.  The 4 corners include the “Corner Beam” block, which finishes at 4″ x 4″. The “Diamond Rects” blocks finish at 2″ x 4″.  With a 2 1/2″ square in the center.

I sorted the Just Dandy fabric into two groups for the block. Making sure that there was contrast in the fabric line.   The darker fabrics (left side) will be the Corner Beams. The lighter fabrics will be used to create the Diamond Rects along with some of the darker fabrics.

I got excited to create the blocks. I made 8 Star blocks. This made my table runner too long. So, I changed it to only 6-star blocks in the bed runner. That was long enough for my bed.

I started with the Corner Beam blocks, and cut the square fabric, and started cutting out the Beam.  The side of the blocks will not be used in this block. The Beam is the center part.

The side pieces were not needed. The instructions for the ruler suggest using them for a smaller Corner Beam block for the sides.

As I was cutting out all the pieces, I realized something. I needed a specific size for the darker fabrics on the Diamond Rects. These can be cut from these size pieces. This reduces the amount of fabric needed.

The four squares would cut out all the dark fabric I needed, with little scrap.

Here is how each square was cut.

Using the Diamond Rect’ ruler, you cut out the Diamond shaped pieces. This can be done in one long strip of fabric.  The end of the strip is the square that is needed for the center.

The lighter fabric is Island Batik Cream. I cut the neutral pieces needed using the two rulers.  I cut everything out before starting, as this is a great project for chain piecing.

Creating the Block.

I started out creating the Corner Beam blocks.

Sewing one side on, pressing, sewing the other size.  Then using the Corner Beam Ruler, trimmed the piece.  There are lines to place along your seams in this picture. You can trim two sides.

Then rotate the fabric and trim the other two sides. There is a marking to center your point.

Once trimmed, it is 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ Each one came out to the same size.

Next, I created the 4 – Diamond Rects’. 

You sew one white and one color fabric – diagonally across.  Then press and sew the other two pieces.

Using the Diamond Rect’ ruler, you center the top point into the 2×4 “X”. Match the other three points with the X marks.  This keeps the block centered.  Trim the two sides.

Rotate the block around, center and match the 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ lines to the bottom left corner.  Then trim the two sides.

This creates an almost perfect 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ block piece.

Once you have all four of the Diamond Rects done, it is time to assemble the block.

Use the four Corner Beam blocks. Add the Four Diamond Rects and a 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ square. Lay out your pieces for the block.

Then sew the pieces together. Creating a 10 1/2″ x 10 1/2″ square.

When sewing these pieces, you need a good iron to press all the seams.  I love my mini-Oliso Iron.  I have the larger iron, but the mini works great when working on these blocks.  I managed to press while getting the next piece ready to press.  I received a Mini-Oliso iron as part of my role as an Island Batik Ambassador.

After creating the blocks, I laid them out on my design wall, to get the layout that I liked.  I wanted the Star colors to stand out.  I like to take a black/white photo to see how balanced the colors are.

I sewed the blocks together. Then, I added a 1 1/2″ strip of the “Ravine”. After that, I added a 1 1/2″ strip of the “Dragonfly Flit”.

You can add a few more blocks if you want a longer runner. If you want it fatter, you can make the border strips wider. 

To finish the Runner, I used some scrap pieces of Hobbs Batting left over from other projects.   I used Aurifil Thread to assemble the top and used my favorite Gray 2600 to quilt on my Juki Longarm.

Here is my completed Quilted Runner.  It finished at 64″ x 14″

If you enjoyed how my Quilted Runner turned out, please check out Brenda Alburl’s Runner at Songbird Designs. She used the same fabric line, Just Dandy.

Check out the other Island Batik Ambassadors. Explore the different Quilted Runners made from new Island Batik fabric in stores this month.

Kim Jamieson-Hirst ~ Chatterbox Quilts – 02/04/2025
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood – 02/04/2025

Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany  – 02/05/2025

Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts – 02/06/2025
Carol Stanek ~ Stitch with Color – 02/06/2025

Connie Kresin Campbell ~ Freemotion by the River – 02/10/2025
Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights – 02/10/2025

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs – 02/11/2025

Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting – 02/12/2025
Denise Looney ~ A Quiltery – 02/12/2025

Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion – 02/13/2025
Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs – 02/13/2025

Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts Studio – 02/17/2025
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations – 02/17/2025

Susan Michaels ~ Dragonfly Fiberart – 02/18/2025
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt – 02/18/2025

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail – 02/19/2025
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts – 02/19/2025

Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique – 02/20/2025
Solomae Stoycoff ~ Cuddle Cat Quiltworks – 02/20/2025

Kimberly Flannagan ~ Kimberly’s Quilts – 02/24/2025

Tina Dillard ~ Quilting Affection Designs – 02/25/2025

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