The Double Wedding Ring pattern is a classic and elegant design, perfect for creating an impressive and timeless table runner.
Though this pattern is traditionally used for quilts, it can be adapted beautifully for smaller projects like a table runner.
While it may seem intricate, with a bit of patience and practice, even beginners can master this design.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a Double Wedding Ring table runner, offering tips and a free pattern to get you started.
What is the Double Wedding Ring Pattern?
The Double Wedding Ring pattern dates back to the early 20th century and is characterized by its interlocking rings that create a romantic and sophisticated design.
It’s often used in quilts, and each ring traditionally symbolizes love and unity, making it popular for wedding gifts. The curved piecing can seem tricky at first, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you’ll find that it’s achievable for all skill levels.
Materials Needed
For this project, you’ll need:
- Fabric for the Rings: Choose 3-5 different cotton fabrics for the rings. These can be solids or prints that complement each other. Fat quarters or fabric scraps are perfect for this.
- Background Fabric: A solid fabric for the background (usually white or cream). You’ll need about 1.5 yards.
- Backing Fabric: The same amount of fabric as the background for the back of the table runner.
- Batting: Low-loft batting is ideal for a table runner to give it a bit of cushion without being too bulky.
- Binding Fabric: Around ½ yard of fabric to bind the edges of the table runner.
- Sewing Machine with a Quarter-Inch Foot: A quarter-inch foot helps maintain consistent seams.
- Rotary Cutter and Mat: For precise cutting.
- Pins: To hold your pieces in place as you work with curves.
- Thread: A neutral-colored cotton thread works best for piecing and quilting.
Step 1: Choose and Cut Your Fabrics
The first step in creating your Double Wedding Ring table runner is to select your fabrics. You’ll want a nice mix of colors for the rings. Traditionally, the rings are made from a variety of scraps, but feel free to coordinate fabrics in a color palette of your choice.
For beginners, choosing fabrics with some contrast between light and dark tones will make the rings stand out more clearly.
Once you’ve selected your fabrics, use your rotary cutter to cut them into the necessary shapes. For the rings, you’ll need to cut small arc-shaped pieces. You can find templates for these arcs online, or you can trace and cut them from a template printed on cardstock.
- Cutting Tip: Precision is key here. Be sure your arcs are all the same size so that the rings will fit together perfectly.
Step 2: Assemble the Arcs
Now that your fabric is cut, you’ll need to assemble the arcs. Each ring is made up of several small arc pieces that are sewn together to form the ring shape. To do this:
- Arrange the Arcs: Lay out your arc pieces in the order you want them to appear. You can alternate colors or go for a more random look, depending on your preference.
- Sew the Arcs Together: Take two arc pieces, place them right sides together, and sew along the curved edge using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Continue adding arcs until you’ve completed the full ring.
- Press the Seams: After sewing each arc, press the seams with an iron. Press them to one side to reduce bulk.
- Repeat for All Rings: Continue sewing and pressing until you have enough rings for your table runner. For a typical runner, you’ll need around 4-6 rings, depending on your desired length.
Step 3: Sew the Rings to the Background Fabric
With your rings assembled, it’s time to attach them to the background fabric. This part can be a little tricky since you’re sewing curved pieces to straight edges, but with careful pinning, it will come together beautifully.
- Position the Rings: Lay your rings out on the background fabric, spacing them evenly along the length of the runner. Once you’re happy with the placement, pin them in place.
- Sew the Rings: Starting with one ring, sew along the outer edge of the ring, attaching it to the background fabric. Take your time and use plenty of pins to keep everything in place as you sew the curves. Repeat this process for each ring.
- Trim the Background Fabric: After attaching all the rings, trim any excess background fabric from the sides of the rings, creating a smooth edge around the outer curves.
Step 4: Add Batting and Backing
Now that your top is complete, it’s time to layer the batting and backing.
- Cut Batting and Backing Fabric: Cut your backing fabric and batting to the same size as your quilt top.
- Layer the Quilt Sandwich: Lay your backing fabric right side down on a flat surface, followed by the batting, and then the quilt top right side up. Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Pin the Layers Together: Use safety pins or basting spray to hold all the layers in place.
Step 5: Quilt the Layers Together
The quilting process holds all three layers together and gives your table runner texture and stability. There are many ways you can quilt a Double Wedding Ring design, but for beginners, straight-line quilting is a simple yet effective choice.
- Straight-Line Quilting: Using your sewing machine, quilt straight lines along the edges of the rings and through the center of the arcs. You can also echo quilt around the rings to enhance their shape.
- Remove Pins: As you quilt, be sure to remove any pins that are holding the layers together.
- Quilting Tip: Start quilting from the center of the table runner and work your way out to prevent puckering or shifting.
Step 6: Trim the Edges
Once your quilting is complete, trim the edges of your table runner to ensure everything is even. Be careful not to trim too close to the stitching.
Step 7: Bind the Table Runner
The final step in completing your Double Wedding Ring table runner is to bind the edges.
- Cut Binding Strips: Cut strips of fabric 2.5 inches wide for the binding. You’ll need enough to go around the entire perimeter of the runner.
- Sew the Binding to the Front: Starting along one edge, sew the binding to the front of the table runner, aligning the raw edges. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance.
- Fold the Binding to the Back: Fold the binding over to the back of the table runner and hand-stitch it in place for a clean finish.
- Binding Tip: Use plenty of pins or clips to hold the binding in place as you sew it down.
Step 8: Enjoy Your New Table Runner!
Congratulations! You’ve just completed a beautiful Double Wedding Ring table runner. Whether you’re keeping it for yourself or giving it as a gift, this classic design is sure to impress.
The interlocking rings symbolize unity and love, making it a perfect addition to any table setting.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice Curved Piecing: If you’re new to sewing curves, practice on scrap fabric before diving into your quilt top. Curved seams take a bit of practice but are well worth the effort.
- Be Patient: The Double Wedding Ring design is intricate, but don’t rush the process. Take your time with each step, and your results will be more precise.
- Customize Your Project: The Double Wedding Ring pattern is incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mastered the table runner, you can expand your skills by making a full quilt, pillow covers, or even smaller projects like placemats.
The Double Wedding Ring pattern may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, even beginners can create stunning projects like this table runner.
Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process of bringing this beautiful, timeless design to life. Happy sewing!
