Watermelon Table Runner
Nothing says summer quite like watermelon! Whether you’re decorating for a backyard barbecue, picnic, pool party, or simply want a cheerful seasonal accent for your dining table, this watermelon-inspired table runner is a fun weekend quilting project.
Using the free Mod Melons Quilt Pattern by Suzy Quilts, you can create a playful table runner featuring four watermelon blocks, simple background strips, and a coordinating watermelon-print binding for the perfect finishing touch. This pattern is a great lesson on sewing curves.
About the Watermelon Table Runner
The Mod Melons pattern was originally designed as a full quilt, but the oversized melon blocks lend themselves beautifully to smaller projects. By making just four blocks and arranging them in a row, you’ll have a colorful summer table runner that’s both modern and whimsical. The curved piecing creates the iconic watermelon shape, while bright fabrics bring the juicy fruit to life.
Watermelon Table Runner Supplies
Fabrics
- Watermelon-red fabric for melon centers
- Green fabric for rind(s)
- Background fabric (white, cream, aqua, or your favorite summer-inspired print)
- Watermelon-print fabric for binding
- Backing fabric
Thread
- Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread (for piecing & subtle quilting)
- Sulky 30 wt. Cotton Blendables® Thread (for heavier decorative quilting)
- Other Supplies
- Batting
- Organ® Needles: size 70/10 Universal (for 50 wt. Thread) & 90/14 Quilting (for 30 wt. Thread option)
- Rotary cutter and ruler
Create Four Watermelon Blocks
Download the free Mod Melons pattern from Suzy Quilts and follow the instructions to construct four watermelon blocks. Pay careful attention to the curved edges, as sewing them isn’t exactly intuitive! It will look wrong until it doesn’t.
For a traditional watermelon look:
- Use bright pink or red fabric for the fruit sections.
- Choose a medium or dark green for the rind.
- Add a narrow white or light green accent strip between the rind and fruit.
- Optional: Appliqué small black seeds for extra detail.
Once complete, press the blocks carefully.
Arrange the Table Runner Layout
Lay the four watermelon blocks side by side on a design wall or flat surface.
Add 2½”-wide backround strips between each block to give the design room to breathe and create a longer runner shape. (Depending on your desired finished size, cut the strips anywhere from 2″ to 4″ wide).
A suggested layout:
Background Strip →Block → Background Strip → Block → Background Strip → Block → Background Strip → Block → Background Strip
Then, add coordinating background borders to the top and bottom edges for additional length and visual balance.
Piece the Table Runner Top
Sew the blocks and background strips together in rows, pressing seams toward the background sections.
After joining all four blocks and background strips, consider adding any desired borders. (I did not add more borders, but if you have a larger table you may want to!)
Your table runner should now showcase a row of cheerful watermelon slices marching across the center of the table.
Layer and Quilt
Create your quilt sandwich with backing, batting and the pieced runner top. Use Sulky KK2000 Temporary Spray Adhesive to secure the layers.
For quilting ideas, try:
- Gentle curved lines that echo the watermelon shapes
- Organic wavy lines reminiscent of summer breezes
- Seed-inspired motifs
- Crosshatch quilting for a modern look
Sulky 30 wt. Cotton Blendables Thread in a green or variegated colorway adds beautiful texture and definition to the quilting. Or, for a more subtle look, use Sulky 50 wt. Cotton Thread for the quilting (as pictured).
Finish with Watermelon Binding
The watermelon-print binding is what truly makes this project shine. If you can find a watermelon print fabric, such as this one, go for it! Otherwise, a solid red or green looks striking, too.
Cut and prepare binding strips according to your preferred binding method.
Attach the binding to the back of the runner, fold to the from, and machine stitch to secure.
The playful print frames the watermelon blocks beautifully and ties the entire project together.
Optional Embellishments
Want to make your runner even more special?
Try:
- Machine-embroidered watermelon seeds
- Appliqué ladybugs or bees
- Decorative stitching along the rind sections
A Slice of Summer for Your Home
This watermelon table runner is a wonderful way to showcase a favorite quilt block pattern in a quick and practical project. The combination of bold watermelon colors, simple background strips and novelty binding creates a seasonal accent that’s sure to spark smiles all summer long. Whether displayed on a dining table, buffet, kitchen island, or picnic table, this runner brings a fresh slice of summer to your décor—no refrigeration required!
