Crochet Table Runner: A Herringbone Runner with a Shell Edge
A table runner in herringbone half double crochet — a slanted, woven-looking stitch that lies flat — with a shell border on the short ends. Sizes for 36, 48 and 72 inch runners and every table.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton, about 550 yd (48 in runner)
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 12 hours
- Finished size
- About 13 × 48 in (33 × 122 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton — about 550 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- Tapestry needle
In this post
The best stitch for a crochet table runner lies flat, doesn't stretch and looks woven. Herringbone half double crochet (hhdc) does all three: each stitch slants slightly, so the rows form a herringbone texture like linen fabric. Make the runner a third of your table's width and 12 inches shorter than its length, then add a shell edge on the short ends.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The stitch: herringbone half double crochet
Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop and straight through the first loop on the hook (2 loops left). Yarn over and pull through both loops. That one extra pull-through is what slants the stitch.
Sizes
| Table length | Runner | Chain | Rows | Yarn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in (4-seat) | 13 × 36 in | 47 | 108 | About 420 yd |
| 60 in (6-seat) | 13 × 48 in | 47 | 144 | About 550 yd |
| 84 in (8-seat) | 14 × 72 in | 51 | 216 | About 900 yd |
Gauge: about 3½ hhdc and 3 rows per inch. The chain includes 2 turning chains.
The runner (13 × 48 in)
- Row 1: Ch 47. Hhdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and across. Ch 2, turn. (45)
- Rows 2–144: Hhdc in each st across. Ch 2 (doesn't count), turn. (45)
- Sides: Sc evenly along both long edges, 1 sc per row end.
- Shell ends: On each short end, sc in the first st, *skip 1, 5 dc in the next, skip 1, sc in the next* across — 11 shells. (11 shells)
- Fasten off and block the runner flat.
Seasonal runners
| Season | Colours | Add |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Oat with rust stripes | Crochet leaves scattered on top |
| Christmas | Cream with red and green ends | Poinsettias or snowflakes |
| Spring | Sage or blush | Matching placemats |
Common questions
How long should a table runner be?
About 12 inches shorter than the table, so 6 inches of table show at each end — or 12 inches longer if you want it to hang over both ends.
How wide should a table runner be?
About one third of the table's width: 12–15 inches for most dining tables.
How do I keep my runner from curling?
Use a flat stitch like herringbone hdc, keep the turning chains loose, and block it: wet it, pin it flat and let it dry.
What's your table set for this season? 🍂
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