Give Thanks: Gratitude Table Runner

Good morning, Whatever Dee Dee Wants readers!  I’m Sabra from Sew a Straight Line.  I love this time of year.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and I’m in full support of giving it the recognition it deserves.  I really love the idea of a holiday completely focused on gratitude and acknowledging all the good the past year has brought into your life.  For me, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.  Also, turkey.  But mostly, giving thanks.

For my Give Thanks contribution I’ve made what I’m calling


It’s just a super simple, basic table runner with empty “windows” of fabric that run its length.


My plan is to have my kids fill in those windows over the course of the month leading up to Thanksgiving.  I’ve encouraged them to come up with things they’re grateful for, and use fabric markers and crayons to illustrate and document those blessings in their lives. 

My hope is that this simple table runner will become a cherished holiday decoration in our house, and a current reminder of all we have to be grateful for in our family.

My runner was made with eight “windows”, which consist of a 7” square of muslin framed by 2” strips of sashing.


Then I sewed the windows together with .5” strips of another fabric in between
And then added a 4” border of the same fabric along the sides and end

And then finished everything off with some simple binding and free-form machine quilting.  For extra practicality, I used insulated batting (like you would for hot pads and oven mitts), so that we can put hot dishes directly on the runner, if needed. 


Then I’ve just provided the fabric markers and crayons for my kids to use, directing them to color in the windows


So far, the kids have loved it and it’s been a fun project.


I’m excited to watch the windows fill up with my kids’ expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving.  And hopefully it will serve as a warm reminder of all we have and all we love.