Layout

Once you have your blocks constructed, now comes the fun part - deciding on an arrangement for the finished table runner. You can create any number of settings for the wall hanging, table runner, or pillows. You will find yourself with a total of eight completed pattern blocks, with eight single blocks left over. These leftovers will become your prairie points.

For the quilt hanging/table runner/pillow sham: arrange the blocks as shown in the picture or however you would like to display the pattern. We found the arrangement in the picture nicely displays the print fabric.

Sew four single Log Cabin blocks together in the pattern you have decided on to make a larger block. Repeat this until you have eight large blocks completed. SAVE ANY PRESSING until you have rows sewn together.

Lay out your larger blocks to be sure you are happy with the arrangement. Then sew a row of four large blocks, and then sew another row of four large blocks. You now have two rows with four blocks in each row. For one large row, press seam allowances of each block in the same direction, to the right. For the second large row, press seam allowances of each block in the same direction, to the left. This will make it easier to match corners of the blocks when sewing the rows together.

Sew both rows together, right sides together, matching the corners. Pin as needed - it will keep fabric from slipping as you are sewing.

For the Pillows - instead of two large rows, you will make two large squares, with four larger blocks making up each pillow.

Pressing - Start on the wrong side by pressing open the center seam. Trim any excess bulk from the seams. Turn the top over and press to be sure it lays flat.

Adding a border to the quilt

You can wait until now to make border decisions. The border in the picture is black, but you could use another color taken from the print fabric, or use the print fabric itself for the border. The border in the picture was cut at 1 and 3/4 inches by the length of the top for a finished border of 1 and 1/4 inches. This seems to frame the blocks without overpowering the design. You can always change the size of the border if you wish.

You need two strips in border fabric the length measurement of the quilt top. Using 1/4" seam allowance, sew one border strip to each long side, right sides together. Press the border away from the quilt top. Now you need two additional strips the length of the remaining short sides. Sew the other border strips to the top and bottom and press the border away from the quilt top.

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