Rustic Charm for Your Fall Table: Crochet Table Runner Free Pattern

I’m excited to introduce the latest addition to the Pomander Collection – the Pomander Crochet Table Runner!

This crochet table runner pattern is designed with simplicity and elegance in mind, perfect for those who are confident beginners but want to create something beautiful for their home.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend project or a thoughtful handmade gift, this pattern has you covered!

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links – should you purchase anything using my affiliate link I may get a small commission at no extra cost to yourself!

Why You’ll Love the Pomander Crochet Table Runner

The Pomander Table Runner is worked in short rows so it is easy to adjust the length of your runner to suit your needs. It also uses the same stitch combination featured in my other Pomander collection patterns: the Pomander mug rug, beanie, scarf, and cowl (all of which are free patterns on the blog posts). This means if you’ve enjoyed those projects, you’ll already be familiar with the rhythmic flow of the stitches!

Here’s why this crochet table runner stands out:

• Stitch Combination: The unique mix of extended half double crochet and crossed double crochets creates a lovely texture that will add interest to your table decor.
• Beginner-Friendly: If you’re a confident beginner, you’ll find this pattern easy to follow and quick to make.
• Versatile Size: You can easily customize the length of the table runner by adjusting the number of rows to suit your table size.
• Yarn Choice: I designed this table runner using a #4 weight (Aran) cotton yarn, making it durable and perfect for everyday use or special occasions. Cotton yarn gives the piece a lovely drape and can handle washing and wear, making it both beautiful and functional.
• Hook Size: You’ll need a 5mm crochet hook, making this project quick and satisfying to complete.

Yarnsgiving 2024:

This crochet table runner pattern was specifically designed to be part of the Yarnsgiving 2024 event hosted by the Craft Yarn Council and Warm Up America. It is also supported by the Crochet Guild of America. It runs from 12th October to 3rd December 2024.

What is Yarnsgiving?

The goal of Yarnsgiving is to promote “making with yarn and giving to others” during the Thanksgiving and holiday season. It celebrates of the joy of giving our handmade items that our wonderful crochet and knitting communities are so good at.

You can find out more and check out some other great patterns included this year at www.yarnsgiving.com

Inspiration behind the design

The inspiration for the Pomander Crochet Table Runner comes from my love for the stitch combination used in the original Pomander Scarf. A few months ago, I revisited this design, which I had created not long after I started designing crochet patterns. As I worked with the stitches again, I remembered how much I enjoyed their texture and simplicity. Around the same time, we were in the process of purchasing a new stone farmhouse, and the rustic feel of the stitches seemed to fit perfectly with our new home.

As we moved into this beautiful, charming home, I felt inspired to create more pieces that would complement its rustic charm.

The extended half double crochets and crossed double crochets felt like the perfect match for our new space. The texture they create is both pretty and practical, lending itself beautifully to home decor.

That’s why the Pomander Collection has continued to grow, with each new design feeling like a natural extension of this beloved stitch combination. The Pomander Table Runner, in particular, is a piece I love to use in my own home. It captures the cozy, rustic feel I love, while adding a touch of handmade beauty to everyday spaces.

Construction of the design

The Pomander Crochet Table Runner is worked flat from short side to short side, making it easy to customize the length to fit your table perfectly. With a simple 3-row repeat, this pattern works up quickly and becomes a relaxing, enjoyable project once you get into the rhythm of the stitches. The design offers flexibility, so whether you’re making a small runner for a coffee table or a longer one for your dining table, adjusting the length is as simple as adding or subtracting rows.

The pattern looks great in a solid color, but it also shines when using multiple colors, yarn cakes, tweeds, or variegated yarns, allowing you to get creative with your choices. Plus, since the stitch combination has such a beautiful texture, it pairs well with most yarn types, giving you endless possibilities for making this table runner truly your own.

The Yarn

While you can use just about any yarn from your stash to make the Pomander Crochet Table Runner if it’s purely decorative, I highly recommend using cotton yarn or a cotton-blend if you plan to place plates, cups, or other hot items on it. Cotton is thicker and absorbs heat better, protecting your table from potential damage. It’s also far more durable than acrylic, which can lose its shape, look limp, and even melt under the heat of a hot cup or plate. If you’re planning to gift this table runner, cotton is a much better option for longevity and functionality.

I used 100 yards (5 skeins) of Lionbrand’s Re-Spekt for my dusty pink version. Now this is classed as a 3 weight cotton, but it is on the thicker side. When I worked out my wraps per inch it did hit the 4 weight category for me. This yarn is a recycled polyester blend (45%) with 25% cotton and 30% acrylic. But I knew that I would not be using the runner for hot plates and dishes.

Unfortunately, since I have designed this item the Re-Spekt yarn is now discontinued! But you can use Lionbrand’s 24/7 as a great substitute. I used this in my Ava table runner pattern and the matching placemat and coaster set.

Get the PDF pattern!

You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:

Get the Lion Brand yarns I recommend!

Want to get the exact supplies that I used? You can get them by clicking the images below! (Note: each link is an affiliate link, with which I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

The Pomander crochet table runner specifics:

Materials:

Any 4 weight cotton yarn of your choosing – I used approximately 1000 yards of Lion Brand Re-Spekt but you can also use Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton . 5mm hook  Scissors Tapestry Needle Stitch Markers optional to mark first or last stitch of the row.

Gauge:

Not important for this project. However, for reference my gauge was 8 sts and 4 rows of repeat in 4”

Sizing:

My crochet table runner was approximately 12” wide by 70” long unblocked.

Abbreviations used:

Ch(s)–chain(s) St(s)–stitch(es) rep–repeat XS – Cross stitch sc–single crochet ss–slip stitch sk – skip ehdc – extended half double crochet hdsc – Foundation half double crochet *to* – repeat between the * and * FO—fasten off YO—yarn over

Other notes:

·      Written in US terms. ·      This table runner is worked in short rows so it is easy to adjust the length. ·      To amend the length of your table runner simply adjust the number of repeats. ·      To adjust the width of your table runner adjust your starting row by multiples of 2 stitches. ·      There is no right and wrong side to this pattern.

Special Stitches:

Alternate double crochet (alt dc) – sc in the first st, yo and pull through (creating a sc and a chain which counts as one st).

Cross Stitch (X st) – this is worked across 2 stitches. *sk one st, dc into next st. Working into missed st and behind the dc you have just made, dc in the missed st.* You can find my tutorial for the X st at https://youtu.be/fT5lUQ0rI1M

Extended half double crochet (ehdc) – YO, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, YO and pull through one loop on your hook, YO and pull through 3 hoops on hook.

Foundation half doubles crochet (fhdc) – 

I find this has a more aesthetically pleasing finish than the chain start to projects. You will find the foundation hdc at 14:22 into these videos:

Right-handed video tutorial –

Left-handed tutorial – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqkTFzCja-A&t=347s

The Pomander Crochet Table Runner Pattern:

** This is a free pattern on the SunflowerCottageCrochet.com blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**

Row 1 Ch 55 and hdc in second ch from hook (ch1 does not count as a st) and each ch across (54)

OR

Fhdc 54 (54)

Row 2: Turn, Alt dc in first st, X st across next 52 sts, dc in last st. (1 atl dc, 1dc, 26 X st)

Row 3: Turn, Alt dc in first st, ehdc in each of the next 53 sts. (1 alt dc, 53 ehdc)

Row 4: Rep row 3.

Rows 5-on: Rep rows 2-4 until your table runner is almost 70” long (or as long as desired).

Row 6: Rep row 2

Row 7: Turn, ch1, hdc in first st and each st across. (54)

For a more rustic look you do not need to edge your table runner. However, if you prefer a simple edging follow the instructions below:

Edging: 

Round 1: Ch1, turn, sc in each st to the corner. Work [sc, ch2, sc] in the corner stitch, turn your work and work single crochets evenly down the side of your table runner until you reach the next corner. Note: if you place too many sc’s down the side your edging will start to ruffle. Too few and your table runner will cinch in.

[sc, ch2, sc] in the corner stitch, turn your work and work a sc into each st across to the last corner.

Then you will [sc, ch2, sc] in the corner stitch, turn your work and work single crochets evenly up the side of your table runner until you reach the corner that you started in. [sc, ch2] and then ss to the first sc to join.

Round 2: Ch1, do not turn. Work a sc into the top of each sc around making sure to work [sc, ch2, sc] into each ch2 space. SS to join.

Note: you may repeat round 2 until your edging is as wide as desired.

FO and weave in ends.

How to Style Your Crochet Table Runner

This crochet table runner is versatile enough to suit a variety of home decor styles. Whether your dining room has a rustic, farmhouse feel or a modern minimalist vibe, the subtle texture and clean lines of the Pomander design will fit right in. Drape it over your dining table for everyday use or reserve it for holiday gatherings when you want to add a handmade touch.

Plus, since it’s made with durable cotton yarn, it’s easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that it stays looking great for years to come.

I can’t wait to see your versions of this project – don’t forget to share your finished table runners on social media using the hashtag #PomanderTableRunner and tag me in your posts on Facebook and Instagram!