— Deer Antlers (Make 2, mirror) :
Round 1 :
Using dark brown, ch6, starting in 2nd ch from hook sc, hdc, dc, sl st at top to create a short branch (4)
Round 2 :
Sew antler base to top of head between rounds 6-7 using yarn tail; shape branches up and out. Use embroidery to fix small prongs if desired.
Info :
Antlers can be made sturdier by crocheting over a short piece of floral wire, folding wire ends back to avoid sharp points, then slip-stitching over wire and sewing into head for poseable antlers.
— Mushroom Appliqu e9 (Optional) :
Cap Round 1 :
Using deep red, 6 sc in mr (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
Round 4 :
1 sc in each st (18) - fasten off leaving tail for sewing
Stem Round 1 :
Using cream, 6 sc in mr (6)
Round 2 :
1 sc in each st (6)
Round 3 :
Attach cap to stem and sew to oval panel beside deer for whimsical detail
Info :
Embroider tiny white dots onto cap using white yarn and surface embroidery to create classic toadstool look.
— Leaf Motifs (Make ~40 assorted) :
Round 1 :
Using mustard, ch6, sc into 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sl st to base to form a pointed leaf (6 stitches including sl st)
Round 2 :
Work 2nd row for fuller leaf: *sl st along center, 3 sc along one side, 3 sc back along other side* - shape leaf and fasten off
Info :
Vary leaf sizes by using ch7 or ch8 start chains and changing hook size to 3.5mm for smaller leaves. Make mustard, rust, burgundy and olive leaves and mix placement around medallion and outer border.
— Small Flower Cluster (Make ~30) :
Round 1 :
Using deep red, mr, ch2, 6 sc in ring, sl st to join (6)
Round 2 :
Join mustard, *(ch3, 3 dc cluster in next st, sl st)* repeat around to create 6 petals, fasten off (6 petals)
Info :
Sew tiny bead or French knot using embroidery floss in center of each flower for a polished look. Arrange flower clusters in groups of 2-3 along runner edges for visual weight balance.
— Connecting Rows & Runner Foundation :
Round 1 :
Create foundation strip by joining three oval-medallion assemblies with 1 sc through each adjacent sc of ovals: line up three oval panels and with cream yarn whip stitch or single crochet join through both layers along the sides to create continuous runner (use whip stitch or join-as-you-go sc)
Round 2 :
After joining ovals centrally, work one round of 1 sc in each st around entire runner perimeter to tidy seams (maintain even stitch count along straight sides and increase gracefully at rounded ends; expect approx 280-320 sc around full runner depending on tension)
Info :
Block assembled runner flat and pin medallions so centers sit level. Use a washable starch spray if you want a crisper table decor finish. Ensure joins sit smoothly on top of your surface; adjust by unpicking or adding small tucks if necessary.
Round 3 :
Work a decorative ladder row to anchor vine stems: *ch4, sl st in next st*, repeat around to create small arches for embroidering vines at later stage (approx 60 arches)
Round 4 :
Sc into each ch-arch to strengthen (approx 120 sc)
Info :
When working around joined seams, place markers at 1/3 and 2/3 positions to ensure medallions remain evenly spaced. Keep counts consistent on both left and right borders for symmetry.
— Outer Leaf & Flower Border :
Round 1 :
With mustard, join at runner end center, *ch2, sk 1, 5 dc shell in next st, ch2, sl st in next* repeat along entire edge to create a scalloped shell foundation (approx 48 shells depending on runner length)
Round 2 :
In each shell, work 3 sc, ch1, 3 sc to create a pointed petal, switch colors for alternate shells to create scalloped multi-color effect (maintain same number of shells) (approx 48 petals)
Info :
Add small flower clusters between shells by inserting a tiny 3-petal flower foundation with a few secure whip stitches. Alternate colors rust and burgundy for dynamic texture.
Round 3 :
Attach leaf motifs in the gaps between shell petals using mattress stitch and a matching tail; tuck leaves under shells slightly so they overlay edges naturally. Work leaf placement symmetrically on both sides.
Round 4 :
To finish edge, with cream yarn work a final row: *sc into base of each petal, sl st into space between leaf and shell* repeat. This neatens raw edges and stabilizes appliqu e9s (approx 220 sc)
Info :
For a lacy finish, substitute every 3rd sc with ch2 + sl st, creating intermittent open spaces. If runner will be used frequently, the solid sc finish is more durable.
— Embroidered Vines & Detail Work :
Info :
Use olive yarn and a blunt tapestry needle to couch chain-stitched vines along the rectangular spaces between medallions. Bring the yarn up from the back, make a small sl st on top to anchor, and couch long chain loops with small catch stitches every 6-8 mm.
Round 1 :
Embroider 2 parallel vines forming an oval frame inside each oval panel. Add small French-knot-style blooms by wrapping yarn around a needle and tacking down securely to mimic berry clusters (approx 6 clusters per medallion)
Info :
Keep embroidery sparse so it complements rather than competes with crochet texture. Embroider before firmly sewing appliqu e9s in place so you can see final layout and adjust spacing.
— Attaching Deer & Small Appliqu e9s :
Info :
Position deer centrally in each medallion oval. Pin head at approx round 5 of medallion and hindquarters around round 11 so deer stands naturally on medallion interior. Use ladder stitch/whip stitch with the long tail left from deer body to attach.
Round 1 :
Sew legs in place so hooves rest just above lower medallion arch. Sew mushroom beside deer using same method, and add small flower clusters and leaves around the base to create a woodland vignette.
Info :
Use small backstitches to embroider white spotting on deer backs and cheeks with white yarn for contrast. Embroider a tiny nose and smiling mouth on snout with dark brown yarn.
— Final Border Reinforcement :
Round 1 :
With cream, sc around entire runner edge through both border and base rounds to secure all appliqu e9 attachments and reduce curling. Work 1 sc per st, increasing gently around curved ends (approx 320 sc total)
Round 2 :
Slip stitch around edge using a small neat sl st so the runner edge lies flat and tidy; fasten off and weave all ends thoroughly on the back side.
Info :
Block entire runner now. Wet block or steam block as appropriate for your yarn. Pin edge into a smooth oval shape and allow to dry completely to set shape. This gives the runner a professional, flat finish.
— Finishing Touches & Care :
Info :
Weave ends on the backside of the runner, avoiding the decorative front. Use small invisible stitches where necessary to flatten any bulky joins. Press lightly with steam on a low setting if yarn allows.
Info :
Spot clean as needed; hand wash gently and lay flat to dry. If you used beads or glued items, avoid immersing; instead spot-clean and handle with care.
Info :
Now enjoy your autumnal runner! If desired, add a lightweight felt backing to the runner for extra protection on dining surfaces — use fabric glue or sew a running stitch around the edge to attach.
Congratulations — you made a stunning autumn table runner that combines vintage medallions with playful 3D deer detail. Each carefully placed leaf, flower and stitch brings the runner to life and captures the cozy essence of fall. Enjoy setting your table with this handmade heirloom and celebrate the texture and warmth you've created. 🧶🍂
