I have a 12 seater table so a regular runner is always lost on it. I would think you would need an idea of the length of the table first. These days they are all different shapes and the square 8 seaters are nowhere near as long as the rectangular ones. Might be prudent to check. Quilting the runner - the maple leaves are the most important part so I would echo quilt around them at least 3 times. The rest of the background could be filled simply but cross hatching squares or diamonds any size you think looks good. Start with a wider width eg 2" then stand back and look at it. If it needs more lines, you can add them. HTH Shiree