Oh, Glory! A Step-by-Step Journey into Patriotic Quilting

Growing up in a small town that thrived on tradition and community gatherings, my earliest memories are intertwined with the vibrant patterns of quilts that adorned every home, church hall, and picnic ground.

My grandmother, a master quilter, believed that every stitch in a quilt was a whisper of love and heritage.

Under her guidance, I learned not just the craft, but the stories woven into each piece of fabric. This journey into quilting became a pivotal part of my identity, shaping not only my skills but also my appreciation for the stories we can tell with needle and thread. The “Oh, Glory!” table runner, with its richly colored prints and patriotic theme, feels like a tribute to those early lessons, combining tradition with a personal touch of heritage.

A Salute to Summer: Crafting Patriotism

The “Oh, Glory!” table runner is more than just a piece of decor; it’s a celebration of patriotism, crafted through the art of quilting. With its country-style aesthetic, this project salutes the vibrant spirit of summer, embracing the rich tapestry of American heritage. The design, created by Deanne Eisenman of Snuggles Quilts, skillfully incorporates machine-quilted stars, reiterating a theme that resonates deeply with me.

As I embark on this project, I am reminded of the summers of my childhood, filled with community parades, the sweet taste of watermelon, and the pride of displaying our nation’s colors. This table runner is not just an addition to the summer decor but a homage to those cherished memories and the enduring spirit of patriotism.

Crafting a Tribute: The Essence of “Oh, Glory!”

Delving into the “Oh, Glory!” table runner project, the essence of this endeavor lies not just in its visual appeal but in the meticulous attention to detail and the fusion of colors that evoke a deep sense of patriotism.

This project is a testament to the craft of quilting as a medium for storytelling, blending the rich hues of dark red and blue with the earthy tones of tan to create a piece that speaks volumes of our collective heritage and pride.

Materials: A Quilter’s Palette

Before embarking on this quilting journey, gathering the right materials is essential. For the “Oh, Glory!” table runner, you will need:

• 7/8 yard tan print (for blocks, inner and outer borders)
• 1/2 yard dark red print (for blocks and outer border)
• 1/2 yard dark blue print (for blocks and binding)
• 1-3/8 yards backing fabric
• 22×49″ batting
• Quantities are based on 44/45″-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Measurements include 1/4″ seam allowances, and you should sew with right sides together unless stated otherwise.

This carefully selected assortment of materials not only ensures that the table runner is visually stunning but also pays homage to the classic American patchwork tradition.

Setting the Scene: Preparing for Your Quilting Adventure

As we prepare to embark on this quilting adventure, it’s important to approach the project with a sense of creativity and reverence for the craft. Quilting is more than just stitching pieces of fabric together; it’s an art form that allows us to weave our personal narratives into something tangible and lasting.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the materials and envision how each piece contributes to the overall theme of the project. Consider this an opportunity to put your unique spin on a traditional craft, infusing your work with personal meaning and a touch of modern flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting “Oh, Glory!”

Creating the “Oh, Glory!” table runner is a journey of precision and creativity. Follow these detailed steps to bring this patriotic piece to life.

Full Pattern: Click Here

1. Cutting the Fabrics:

Begin by preparing your fabrics. For the tan print, you’ll need to cut:

• Two strips measuring 2×36-1/2″ for the inner border.
• Two strips measuring 2×12-1/2″ for the inner border as well.
• Eighty-two rectangles measuring 2×3-1/2″.
• Ten squares measuring 2-3/8″, each cut in half diagonally to yield 20 triangles.
• Sixteen squares measuring 2″.

For the dark red print:

• Cut four squares measuring 3-1/2″.
• Cut two squares measuring 2-3/8″, each cut in half diagonally for four triangles.
• Cut one hundred squares measuring 2″.

And for the dark blue print:

• Cut three strips measuring 2-1/2×42″ for binding.
• Cut eight squares measuring 2-3/8″, each cut in half diagonally to make 16 triangles.
• Cut thirty-two squares measuring 2″.

2. Assembling Flying Geese Units:

Mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of each 2″ square of dark red and dark blue prints. Align a marked square with the end of a tan print rectangle, sew along the line, trim excess leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance, and press open. Repeat on the opposite end to complete a Flying Geese unit. Make 50 dark red and 16 dark blue Flying Geese units.

3. Creating Triangle-Squares:

Pair a dark blue print triangle with a tan print triangle, sew together, press seam toward the dark blue fabric to make a triangle-square. Repeat to make 16 dark blue and four dark red triangle-squares.

4. Assembling Blocks:

Layout the components for each block according to the assembly diagram. Sew together pieces in each row, press seams in alternating directions, then join the rows to complete a block. Make four blocks in total.

5. Assembling the Quilt Center:

Arrange the blocks in a row to form the quilt center. Sew them together and press seams in one direction. The center should measure 9-1/2×36-1/2″ including seam allowances.

6. Adding Borders:

First, add the tan print inner border strips to the long edges, then the shorter edges of the quilt center. For the outer border, assemble Flying Geese units into two long and two short strips, attaching them to correspond with the edges of the quilt center.

Finishing Touches:

Layer your quilt top with batting and backing, baste, and quilt as desired. The designer, Deanne Eisenman, suggests meandering loops and stars for a thematic touch. Finally, bind your table runner with the dark blue print strips.

Additional Tips:

• Always press your seams as you go to ensure a flat and neat finish.
• When sewing on bias edges (like the triangles), handle the fabric gently to avoid stretching.
• Consider using a walking foot on your sewing machine during quilting to help manage the layers smoothly.

As you complete the “Oh, Glory!” table runner, take a moment to appreciate the journey you’ve embarked on. From selecting fabrics to the final stitches, each step has been a testament to your dedication and skill.

This table runner, rich in history and personal effort, is not just a decorative piece but a symbol of your connection to the craft of quilting and the stories it can tell. Display it with pride, knowing that it carries not only the spirit of patriotism but also a piece of your own story.