Fall is in the air, and there’s nothing quite like the crisp, cozy vibes of the season to inspire some quilting magic. Whether you’re sipping on a pumpkin spice latte or hosting a Thanksgiving feast, adding a touch of handmade warmth to your home can make the season even more special. Today, we’re diving into some delightful fall-themed quilting projects that are quick, easy, and oh-so-cozy: mug rugs, table runners, and mini quilts! These projects are perfect for those looking to whip up something beautiful in just a few hours or over a weekend.
Ready to bring some autumn charm into your home? Let’s get started!
Why Mug Rugs, Table Runners, and Mini-Quilts?
As the leaves change color and the air gets cooler, we naturally gravitate toward warm and comforting spaces. Smaller makes like these are the perfect quilting projects to reflect this seasonal shift. But why choose these projects in particular?
Functionality Meets Festivity: Mug rugs are a charming cross between a coaster and a mini placemat, perfect for holding a warm mug of coffee or tea alongside a sweet treat. They’re perfect to pick up and take anywhere in your home to sip on your delicious fall drink.
Table runners, on the other hand, are versatile décor pieces that can instantly transform your dining or coffee table into a festive fall focal point. They can act as the foundation for a beautiful tablescape and are strong enough to stand alone to decorate a surface in minutes.
Mini quilts are a great way to decorate your walls, drape over a piece of furniture, or layer with other bedding and linens. They usually pack a visual punch so they really dress up a space with little effort (after you make it, that is!).
These projects are practical and add a festive touch to your home, making them ideal for fall gatherings. They can be customized to match your decor, with hints of the season thrown in, or you can go all-out season or holiday-themed. The choice is yours!
Quick and Gratifying: If you’re short on time but still want to create something special, these small projects are your best bet. Projects like these are usually pretty straightforward, meaning you can complete them in a few hours or over a weekend. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps or showcase those beautiful fall fabrics you’ve been saving.
If you’re a more seasoned quilter, you might choose a pattern that takes a bit longer, but still not as long as a large quilt. That makes these projects perfect for sprinkling in the month, in between your large quilts, to make you feel accomplished and build momentum.
Perfect for Gifting: These projects also make wonderful gifts! Imagine wrapping up a set of cozy mug rugs with a new mug and some gourmet coffee beans, or gifting a stunning table runner or mini quilt to a friend or family member just in time for Thanksgiving. Handmade gifts like these are always appreciated and treasured.
Free Fall Mug Rug Patterns
Patchwork Acorn Mug Rug (Potholder)
Ok, ok, so *technically* this pattern is created to be a potholder. Which would also be super fun to make. BUT I love the idea of turning this pattern into a mug rug.
Instead of using the fusible fleece to give it heat tolerance as a potholder, you can use your favorite batting. This is a great scrap-buster project too. Can you imagine it with all your favorite fall scraps? So pretty!
Get the free pattern at Thermoweb.
Fall Pumpkin Mug Rug
This mug rug by Patchwork Posse is so great because 1) there’s no template involved – just have fun! 2) they show you 2 different ways you can finish it to create totally different looks and 3) it’s a great way to practice quilt as you go!
You can choose to use all one color like the photo or make a more patchwork look – either would look great! Once you get the hang of the technique, you can make it different sizes too.
Get the free pumpkin mug rug pattern at Patchwork Posse.
Free Fall Table Runner Patterns
Modern Holiday Table Runner
Suzy Quilts posted this pattern for Christmas and chose a pretty blue for it, but I think it’s perfect for fall too! Choose a beautiful and rich fall color and then do the leave appliques in various shades. Beautiful!
You can customize it to create the look you love – I think I would skip the berries, birds, and stars for fall and stick with leaves. But you decide for you!
I love this pattern because it has a beautiful modern look with the color contrast, simplicity, and straight line quilting. It’s great because you really could make it for any season based on the fabric and appliques you choose to include.
Get the free modern holiday table runner pattern at Suzy Quilts.
Thanksgiving Turkey Table Runner
Would you just look at those bright and fun colors?! You may want to think outside of the box and use more colors and prints that aren’t typically considered “fall” like the photo, or you might stick to more traditional colors and prints – either way it will be gorgeous.
Sew Can She notes this can be a mini quilt or a table runner, and I agree! She added the triangle blocks with the hearts to the side to make this a table runner but they’d look great on the top and bottom or leave them off for a simpler look.
No matter what you choose, this will be a fun one! Get the free Thanksgiving turkey table runner pattern at Sew Can She.
Free Fall Mini Quilt Patterns
Autumn Leaf Mini Quilt
This mini quilt pattern offers the most customization of this entire list! I really love all the opportunities to make this your own. Sharon at Love Sew shows you how to make each of these leaf blocks, and then how to assemble them into the mini quilt.
But you could assemble them any way you’d like, from a table runner, mini quilt, large quilt, or something totally different. AND you could use the technique she shows you for joining the blocks with any quilt block you make. So fun!
To make the pattern as shown, you’ll need her leaf block patterns: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, and Block 4.
The entire thing comes together in this Free Autumn Leaf Mini Quilt Pattern found here.
Happy Fall! Gnome Mini Quilt
Amp up the fun in your sewing room with this fall gnome mini quilt! I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but smile when I look at it! I know it would be so much fun to make.
This is TRULY a mini quilt, at a finished size of only 12″ x 15″. It uses printable HeatnBond for the gnome to make it super easy. You could enlarge the pattern and create whatever size quilt you’d like if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tips for Choosing Fall Fabrics
Choosing the right fabrics is key to capturing the essence of fall in your quilting projects. Here are some tips to ensure your mug rugs and table runners evoke the warm, cozy feeling of the season:
Color Palette: Fall is all about rich, warm hues. Think deep oranges, rusty reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns. Incorporating these colors will instantly give your projects that autumnal vibe. Don’t be afraid to mix in some dark greens or even a bit of plum for added depth and interest.
Fabric Types: For a cozy, warm feel, consider using fabrics like flannel, wool, or brushed cotton. These materials not only look great but also add a tactile, comforting quality to your finished pieces. Cotton is always a classic choice for quilting, but for fall projects, a flannel backing can add an extra layer of warmth.
Patterns and Prints: Autumn-themed prints are abundant this time of year! Look for fabrics with leaves, pumpkins, acorns, and other fall motifs. Plaids and checks also scream fall and can add a rustic touch to your projects. If you prefer a more modern look, opt for fabrics with abstract designs in fall colors.
Quick Quilting Tips for These Projects
To help you breeze through these projects and achieve beautiful results, here are a few quick quilting tips:
Reading the Instructions: I know it’s so tempting to jump in and read those instructions as you go, but don’t do it! Take a moment and read through everything before you start. You’ll reduce the chance of mistakes this way and see the bigger picture. Plus, you might get even more inspired as you read and imagine putting the project together!
Prepping Your Fabric: Pre-wash your fabric before starting. This prevents any shrinking or color bleeding after your project is finished. Don’t forget to press your fabric well before cutting—it’ll make the piecing process much smoother.
Speedy Stitching: To save time, consider chain piecing your mug rugs if you’re making multiple at once. This involves sewing pieces together in a continuous line, which speeds up the process and saves thread. For table runners, using a walking foot can help you stitch straight, even lines through multiple fabric layers.
Finishing Touches: Binding can be one of the trickiest parts of quilting, but it’s essential for a polished look. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-made bias tape for binding. For a more professional finish, hand-stitch the binding to the back of your project. Don’t forget to label your work with a small tag or stitched initials—your handmade creations deserve to be signed!
Whehther you give your fall themed project as a gift or just enjoy it in your own home, these labels by Sarah Hearts are the perfect finishing touch! Go grab yours here… psst, I also include a fun little surprise in every order.
And there you have it—quick and cozy fall quilting projects that are as fun to make as they are to display. Small projects like these are the perfect way to celebrate the season, whether you’re enjoying them yourself or giving them as thoughtful gifts. So, grab those fall fabrics, fire up your sewing machine, and let the autumn creativity flow! 🍁🧵🍂
