Blue Winter Trees Table Runner – Complete Step-by-Step Guide


The Blue Winter Trees Table Runner is a charming project that blends cool tones, stylized trees, and a sophisticated winter look perfect for seasonal décor.

Not only is it elegant, but it also combines simplicity with quilting techniques that elevate any table setting.


With thoughtful planning and a bit of patience, even intermediate quilters can complete this piece beautifully.

Image from pinterest

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

  • 100% cotton fabrics in:

    • Light, medium, and dark blues

    • White, light gray, or icy tones (background)

    • Navy or dark gray (details and borders)

  • Batting

  • Backing fabric

  • Quilting thread

  • Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat

  • Sewing clips or pins

  • Sewing machine

  • Iron

Suggested Dimensions

A great size for most tables is 14–16″ wide × 36–44″ long, but you can easily adjust the length to suit your space.

Step-by-Step – Blue Winter Trees Table Runner

1. Plan the Design

Before cutting your fabrics, take a moment to visualize the layout of the trees. This runner typically features stylized tree silhouettes made from triangles or strip units, creating a minimalist winter scene.
You may choose:

  • Tall and slender trees

  • Trees in varied heights

  • A symmetrical or asymmetrical row

  • A gradient using multiple shades of blue

Additionally, sketching the design helps maintain alignment throughout the assembly.

2. Cut the Fabrics

Once your design is set, begin cutting the pieces.

✔ Tree Triangles

Cut triangles in three different sizes to add visual variation.
Use darker blues at the base and lighter shades toward the top to create depth.

✔ Tree Trunks

Cut narrow rectangles, approximately 1¼” × 2″.

✔ Background Blocks

Cut white or light gray squares or rectangles to fill negative spaces around the trees.

✔ Borders

If adding borders, cut strips between 1½” and 2½” wide.

3. Assemble Each Tree

With all pieces ready, begin assembling the tree shapes.

⭐ Method 1 – Simple Triangles

Sew triangles of different sizes together from largest to smallest.

⭐ Method 2 – Strip Piecing

Sew blue strips together, then cut them into triangles for a modern, textured effect.

⭐ Method 3 – Foundation Paper Piecing (Optional)

Perfect for achieving precise and crisp lines.

Regardless of the technique, press each seam carefully to keep the blocks flat and tidy.

4. Join the Blocks

Once the trees are complete:

  • Attach the trunk to the base of each tree

  • Add background blocks to the sides

  • Join the entire row, aligning the tree tops neatly

Continue adding trees until the runner reaches the desired length.

5. Add the Borders (Optional)

Borders help frame the design and enhance contrast.
Some beautiful choices include:

  • Navy blue for a classic, elegant finish

  • Charcoal gray for a modern look

  • Light blue for a soft and minimalist effect

6. Create the Quilting Sandwich

Layer the three components in this order:

  1. Backing fabric (right side down)

  2. Batting

  3. Pieced quilt top

Afterward, smooth the layers well and secure them with pins or temporary spray adhesive.

7. Quilting

This step adds texture and personality to your runner.

Suggested quilting styles:

  • Vertical lines resembling falling snow

  • Gentle waves representing winter wind

  • Echo quilting around the trees for emphasis

  • Geometric quilting for a Scandinavian aesthetic

Choose a subtle thread color, such as light gray or white, to maintain the clean winter look.

8. Trim and Bind

After quilting:

  • Square the edges and trim away excess fabric

  • Attach the binding around the entire perimeter

Pay extra attention to the corners for a crisp, professional finish.

Final Decorations

To make your table runner even more special, consider adding:

  • Hand-embroidered snowflakes

  • Small metallic accents

  • Minimalist felt appliqués

  • Light free-motion shading on the trees

These small additions bring charm and a personal touch to your work.

Conclusion

The Blue Winter Trees Table Runner is modern, serene, and beautifully suited to winter décor.

Moreover, it is highly customizable and works well in both minimalist and elaborate table settings.

With thoughtful fabric choices and well-executed quilting, the final result is always stunning.