Sticklee Runner

This is the complete text for the instructions contained inside the pattern. I switched software programs and some of the words ended up behind the pictures -- please accept my apologies for the inconvenience. All I can say is I'm sorry - and DRATS!!

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Please prewash all fabrics. We suggest that you spray-starch both fabrics that will be used for the front of your runner.

Preparing the Pieces
Note: You can easily stack the 2 fabrics for the front - all pieces are cut the same size.
1) Fold main fabric matching selvage to selvage. Fold insert fabric matching selvage to selvage. Stack the 2 fabrics together, matching selvage edges.
2) Trim off ends so both fabrics are exactly the same length.
3) Trim off the selvage edges.
4) Cut 2 18” wide strips the entire length of the fabric.
5) Turn the fabric and crosscut into 2 1/2” wide strips.
Note: Final Cut pieces will be 18” x 2 1/2”
6) Fold the insert pieces in half, wrong sides together
and press well.

Putting the Top Together
1) Using a Fade-a-way marker, draw a line across the top edge of one of the main fabric pieces. Begin 1/4” down from
the edge on the upper left and angle down to 1 1/4” from upper edge on the right.
2) Lay one of the folded insert pieces with raw edges up so the fold is along the line. Pin to hold.
3) Lay another main fabric piece face down, exactly matching the raw edges of the bottom main fabric piece. Stitch 1/4” inch from the upper edge of the main fabric piece (the insert will stick out - it’s ok)
4) Trim off the excess insert fabric, turn to right side and press well with insert pointing downward.
5) This time, draw the line with the 1 1/4” space on the left and the 1/4” space on the right. Lay folded insert along the line. Pin securely -- then turn over and trim off the excess insert strip.
6) Place the next main fabric piece in position, pin to hold and stitch together. Turn and press well.
7) Continue until all main fabric strips have been used - alternating the angle of the placement line. Note: you will have 1 extra insert strip when finished.

Squaring Up
No matter how careful you are, the runner will tend to ‘walk’ a bit.
To square the runner, fold in half, right sides together. Lay the center seam along a guideline on a large cutting mat and trim off both long edges so they are straight.

Finishing the Runner
1) Measure your trimmed runner.
Note: You will need to piece your backing fabric
2) Divide the length of your runner in half (i.e. if the measurement is 54”, then your ‘half’ would be 27”). Add 1/4” to this measurement (for seam allowance -- you can add more if you like).
3) Cut 2 pieces of the backing fabric the width of your trimmed runner and the length determined in step 2.
4) Stitch the piecing seam and press well.
5) Repeat measuring/cutting/seaming for your innerlining fabric.
Note: Since this runner does not use interior stitching, it is advised that you do not use batting as your filler.
Note: If you want to use flannel, you can, but make sure it is thoroughly pre-shrunk.
** We have the best results using 2 layers of pre-shrunk muslin as the muslin continues to shrink at the same rate as the main fabrics.
6) Layer the runner in the following order:
--1-- Innerlining
--2-- Backing Fabric (back of fabric to innerlining)
--3-- Completed Runner - right side of runner to right side of backing.
7) Stitch around entire edge - leaving about 5” at one end to turn runner. Clip corners. Turn and press well.
Stitch by hand to close.

Design Notes
** You can speed up the assembly by repeating Steps 1-4 (putting the insert between the 1st and 2nd strips) until all main fabric pieces are used -- then put in the opposite-direction insert strips between the sections - this will allow chain-stitching and it’s MUCH faster!
** If you want to ‘stitch & flip’ this runner, you certainly could, just begin with an innerlining that is about 19” wide and more than 54” long. Place the first main fabric piece centered at one end of the innerlining and follow all steps for assembling the pieces and inserts.