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Turn a Table Runner into a Bench Pillow: Creative Embroidery Project with Quilting Backdrops
Turn a table runner into a cozy bench pillow with the help of Quilting Backdrops that make stitching simple and fun.
I love Designs by JuJu’s table runners, and I thought it would be fun to turn one into a bench pillow for my window. I added some Quilting Backdrops to enlarge the design and make it the perfect size for my bench. Let me show you how to create one of your own!
Supplies
Check out the DBJJ team’s favorite supplies in the Designs by JuJu Amazon store.
- Designs by JuJu+ magicMESH Cut-Away Stabilizer
- Designs by JuJu+ loftySOFT™ Batting
- Fabric for backgrounds
- Fabric for applique
- Threads
- Poly-fil® stuffing
- DBJJ designs used in this project:
Make the Table Runner
When I make a pillow out of a table runner, I look for a runner design that is able to be displayed sitting up like a bench pillow does. So when choosing your runner, take the orientation of the pillow into account. Choose one that fits your style and your home.
I like to be organized when starting a new design. This helps me keep everything straight so I don’t have to run to the store mid-project because I need a specific shade of purple fabric that matches. Included in your download is a cutting guide for each block you’ll be making. I like to cut out everything and label it all. I do not cut the backing piece at this point. I will be changing the overall dimensions by adding the Quilting Backdrops, so I will cut the back later.
Following the directions for your table runner, start making your blocks. I’ll walk you through my first block. Your design may be different but the technique should be similar. You will generally start by hooping your stabilizer. I’m using no-show mesh.
Stitch the placement line for the batting.
Tack down the batting and trim the edges.
Next you will stitch placement lines for your background and cover it with your background fabric. Tack it down and trim it as your instructions tell you to. My design has a few different backgrounds for each block, but some designs only have one.
After your background is tacked down, you can do the stitches on top. These might be embroidery or applique. Refer to your specific design instructions.
Finish your design stitches. This may be finishing an applique or changing thread colors for decorative stitches.
Finish your block as directed. Mine called for more background pieces.
And more applique pieces.
And then I finished the block off with the design stitches last.
Your block is finished. You can now remove it from the hoop and trim up any stitches on the front. (I redid my block after deciding I wanted a more subtle background design and went with a gold instead of black. It’s always fun to have a change of mind mid-way through the project, isn’t it?)
On the back of your block, cut the no-show mesh close to the outside stitching line.
And trim all the edges of the block ½” from the edge of the stitching line.
Once this block is finished, you can continue with the rest of the blocks for your table runner.
Now we sew them together. Your instructions will tell you in which order to sew them. But for all the blocks, we will align the stitching lines and sew between the inner and outer lines.
Press the seams open. I like to use a pressing cloth to protect my no-show mesh and my threads.
The back side should look similar to this with the seams pressed open.
My table runner also had borders that I stitched out.
And then I attached them to the assembled blocks.
If you are happy with the table runner size, you can skip to finishing the pillow. Mine measured 38” x 13” and I wanted to add a bit more size to it, so I used some Quilting Backdrops to make it larger.
I ended up using the 2” Backdrops. This added 4” to the length and the height of the pillow. I used a 9”, an 8”, and a 4” (I added these after I realized I was short) on the top and bottom pieces. For the sides I used two 2” squares, and a 4” and 5” length.
Sew these to the table runner.
Press the seams open.
And you have your front completed!
Finishing the Pillow
At this point we will cut a backing piece the exact size as the front and stitch it all the way around, leaving an 8” or so opening for stuffing. Put the design piece on the top and stitch between those two placement lines with the outer edges lining up.
Trim your corners so they will look nice on the front.
Turn the design right side out.
Look at your beautiful pillow. We are getting so close to being done! And then I realized that my block on the right side is upside down. I seriously considered leaving it alone, but I know I would notice that upside-down lemon every time I looked at it!
So I did what I had to do. I sat down with my seam ripper, grumbled a little bit, took it apart, and sewed it back in correctly. NOW my pillow is ready to be finished.
Stuff your pillow with the stuffing of your choice.
And sew your opening closed. I like to use a ladder stitch.
And your pillow is finished!
When you combine the Quilting Backdrops with a table runner design to make a bench pillow, you have so many options to create something that is perfect for your space. Find the designs that work well together to fit your aesthetic and brighten up your home.
I’d love to see how you combine designs to make a bench pillow that’s uniquely yours. The options are endless! Share your designs with us in the Designs by JuJu Embroidery Blessings Facebook Group or anywhere on social media using the hashtag #designsbyjuju. We love to see what you create!
