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Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern

Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern
4.1โ˜… Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
3.5K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive crocheting.

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Autumn Vibes

Earthy tones with cozy textures inspired by falling leaves and the rich, warm colors of harvest season.

๐Ÿงถ Jump to Pattern โ†“

About This Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern

This pattern creates a long table runner featuring three dimensional gnome appliques and seasonal motifs worked in worsted weight yarn. The background is an open cream lattice created from repeating star/granny motifs that are joined to create the runner length. Individual appliques โ€” pumpkins, layered maple leaves, small trees and starburst flowers โ€” are crocheted separately and sewn on for texture and depth. A multicolored scalloped border in deep green, rust and mustard frames the entire runner for a finished, playful edge.

Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

This design mixes classic granny-syle openwork with plush textured applique elements to create a tactile centerpiece. Every motif is written as a small 3D piece so you can personalize placement and color choices easily.

Why You'll Love This Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern

I love this pattern because it mixes delicate openwork with chunky, playful appliques that pop off the background. The little gnomes have so much personality โ€” their tall curled hats and fluffy beards make them irresistible. The autumn palette feels warm and nostalgic; I enjoy the mix of neutral cream with vibrant pumpkin orange and forest greens that instantly transform a table for fall.

Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern step 1 - construction progress Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love using alternate colorways to create seasonal versions of this runner โ€” imagine warm reds and golds for Thanksgiving or frosty blues and silver for winter gnomes. Changing hat colors instantly changes the mood of each gnome.

I often swap the cream background for a deep neutral or warm taupe to make the autumn colors pop even more. You could also mix yarns with slightly different textures (a soft cotton for the base and a squishy acrylic for the appliques) to add contrast.

If you want a smaller tabletop accent, make a single 3x3 motif panel and one gnome applique; for a large dining table, repeat motif blocks and add additional gnome rows. You can also turn the gnomes into ornaments by leaving off the flat base and adding a hanging loop.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

โœ— Skipping stitch markers at round starts can cause misaligned motifs and uneven borders; always mark the first stitch of each round โœ— Inconsistent tension between motifs leads to uneven joining; block motifs lightly to match sizes before joining โœ— Not securing ends when changing color will cause loose tails; weave in ends and use a small knot for heavily handled motifs โœ— Overstuffing appliques (like pumpkins or noses) creates a lumpy look; stuff sparingly and in small increments โœ— Failing to pin appliques before sewing results in crooked placement; arrange and pin each piece and check spacing before stitching โœ— Using a hook too large for worsted weight yarn creates holey background; choose a hook one size smaller for tighter fabric โœ— Ignoring stitch counts when crocheting shells causes scallop border to distort; recount after each shell and when switching colors

Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern

This warm, detailed table runner features three plump autumn gnome appliques surrounded by pumpkins, layered maple leaves, tiny trees and starburst flowers on a cream lattice background. Rich fall tones of burnt orange, olive, deep green and mustard give a cozy harvest feel. A scalloped scallop border in alternating greens and oranges finishes the piece with a playful ripple. Perfect for dressing a dining table, sideboard or mantle during autumn gatherings.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Autumn Gnome Table Runner Pattern

โ€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight yarn (#4), approximately 350g in main background color Cream (e.g., ecru or light oat)
  • 02
    120-150g in Pumpkin/Orange (for gnome hats and pumpkins)
  • 03
    100g in Olive/Army Green (for gnome bodies and leaf accents)
  • 04
    80-100g in Deep Forest Green (for scallop edge and trees)
  • 05
    60-80g in Mustard/Gold (leaf accents and tiny stars)
  • 06
    60g in Warm Brown (feet and stem accents)
  • 07
    70g in White/Cream (beards and small puffs)
  • 08
    Small amounts (10-20g) of Black and Blush Pink for tiny details (buttons, noses)

โ€” Tools Required

  • 01
    4.0mm (G) crochet hook for main work (recommended)
  • 02
    3.5mm (E) hook for tighter appliques and details (optional)
  • 03
    Tapestry/yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 04
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing (small amount for nose, pumpkins and tiny 3D parts)
  • 05
    Stitch markers (at least 6)
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Pins for blocking and assembly
  • 08
    Measuring tape or ruler
  • 09
    Optional: blocking mats and spray starch for flattening motifs
  • 10
    Optional: removable stitch marker for counting long rounds

Progress Tracker

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โ€” Notes & Gauge :

Info :

This pattern is worked using worsted weight yarn (category 4) and a 4.0mm hook for the main lattice. Gauge is approximately 12 dc x 6 rows = 4 in on 4.0mm, but gauge is flexible for a decorative runner. For a snug amigurumi-style applique, use a 3.5mm hook to keep shapes defined.

Info :

All motifs are worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. We recommend blocking the flat motifs lightly before joining to ensure consistent edges.

โ€” Granny Star Motif (Make 9 in total; motif = openwork square) :

Round 1 :

ch4, join with sl st to form ring, ch3 (counts as dc), work 15 dc into ring, join to top of ch3 with sl st (16 dc)

Round 2 :

ch3, dc in same st, ch2, (2 dc in next dc, ch2) x 7, join to top of ch3 with sl st โ€” creating 8 groups with ch2 corners (32 dc, 8 ch-2 corners)

Round 3 :

sl st to first ch-2 space, ch3, (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) in same ch-2 space (corner made), *dc in each st across to next ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch2, 2 dc) in corner; rep from * around, join (approx 64 dc with 8 corners)

Round 4 :

sl st to first corner, ch1, sc in corner space, ch3, sc in same corner space; *sc in middle of side (work 8 sc evenly across side), ch3, sc in corner space twice; rep from * around, join (creates 8 picot-like clusters and ch-3 side spaces)

Round 5 :

sl st into ch-3 space, ch3, 2 dc in same space, ch2, 3 dc in same space (corner shell); *3 dc in each ch-3 side space, corner shell in each corner; join (shells form lacy square) (approx 96 dc total)

Info :

These motifs are slightly open to allow background airiness. Make 9 motifs (3 across by 3 down) for a runner section that fits three gnome rows. Adjust number for desired runner length.

Round 6 :

ch1, sc evenly around working 3 sc in each corner shell, place 1 sc in each dc across side spaces to create a solid outline, join, fasten off and weave ends (approx 100 sc)

Info :

Block each motif lightly to square up and make joining easier. Arrange motifs in 3 columns and 3 rows with gnome placement centered on the middle column motifs.

โ€” Joining The Motifs into Runner Base :

Round 1 :

Lay motifs in your chosen layout (recommended 3 across x 9 down for extended runner or 3x3 per panel and join panels end-to-end). Join motifs using join-as-you-go slip stitch method: align two motifs right sides up, sl st through corresponding sc on both motifs every 3-4 stitches until edge joined.

Info :

For a longer runner like the pictured piece, create three motif blocks (each 3 motifs long) and seam the blocks lengthwise so you have a long row of repeated motifs. Leave the center of each block to be embellished with a gnome applique.

Round 2 :

After joining all motifs into a single rectangle, go around the entire rectangle in cream with 1 sc in each st and 3 sc in each corner to even the edge. This creates a finished baseline for the border to attach later (approx perimeter sc count depends on layout)

Info :

Keep counts consistent across long edges. If motifs produce uneven edges, add or remove sc at corners to square the runner. Pin the runner on blocking mats and steam lightly to flatten before adding appliques.

โ€” Gnome Set (Make 3; each gnome assembled from separate parts) :

โ€” Head / Upper Body (rounded torso that the hat sits on) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, inc) x6 (42)

Round 8 :

1 sc in each st around (42)

Info :

This piece forms the top of the gnome torso/head combo that the hat will slip over. Use olive color here for body/torso. Place this element on the motif background aligning to the center of the motif square; positioning will be refined when appliques are sewn on.

Round 9 :

1 sc in each st around (42)

Round 10-12 :

1 sc in each st around (42)

Info :

Rounds 8-12 create height for a plump upper body. Keep an even tension so the hat fits snugly later. No stuffing required for this base; this piece is lightly stuffed once assembled with beard and nose attached for a slightly raised 3D effect.

Round 13 :

(5 sc, dec) x6 (36)

Round 14 :

(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)

Round 15 :

(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)

Round 16 :

(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)

Round 17 :

(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)

Round 18 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff with a small amount of fiberfill (the head is intentionally slightly flattened to make the hat sit crisply). Set aside for assembly.

โ€” Hat (Make 3 in Pumpkin Orange) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, inc) x6 (42)

Round 8 :

(6 sc, inc) x6 (48)

Round 9-14 :

1 sc in each st around (48)

Info :

These rounds create the main bell shape of the hat. Work tightly; hat should be slightly larger in circumference than the top of the head so it can be slipped over. For the curved tip seen in the photos, we will shape the final rounds to create a gentle curl rather than a straight cone.

Round 15 :

(6 sc, dec) x6 (42)

Round 16 :

1 sc in each st around (42)

Round 17 :

(5 sc, dec) x6 (36)

Round 18 :

(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)

Round 19 :

1 sc in each st around (30)

Round 20 :

ch1, sc in each st for 3 rows to build up brim if desired (30)

Round 21 :

For curled tip: *sc in next 5 sts, dec; rep around once, then sl st into next st, ch10 (for tail), sc back along the chain to tip, fasten off leaving long tail to sew into curl (24)

Info :

To create the distinct curled tip, flatten the last chain tail and sew down the curl into a soft spiral. Use stuffing sparingly inside the hat just to give body to the curve. The hat in the photo folds forward and down; experiment with shaping while sewing into position.

โ€” Beard (Make 3 in Cream White) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)

Round 6 :

1 sc in each st around (30)

Round 7 :

Switch to texture: ch2, *yo and pull up loop three times in same st (tr cluster/puff), yo and pull through all loops, sl st to lock; skip next st, sl st in next st; rep across to create scalloped puff beard (approx 15 puffs)

Info :

Beard is worked flat with prominent puff clusters to create the scalloped, layered look. After finishing, flatten and sew the top edge to the face area of the gnome base, allowing the puffs to hang down for a full beard effect.

Round 8 :

Fasten off leaving long tail for stitching. Trim and shape puffs gently with fingers to make them consistent. Block lightly if necessary.

โ€” Nose (Make 3 small round noses in Blush Pink) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3 :

1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 4 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Stuff lightly with fiberfill to create a small round nose. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Position just below hat brim and above beard center, sew through top few rounds to anchor.

โ€” Arms (Make 2 per gnome; small rounded mitts then short arm) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3-4 :

1 sc in each st around (12)

Round 5 :

(1 sc, dec) x4 (8)

Round 6-8 :

1 sc in each st around (8)

Info :

These are little fingerless mitten shapes for the gnome hands. Use black or dark chocolate for mitts as in photo. Lightly stuff the mitts for body and sew to sides of torso with the opening pointing toward body so they look tucked in.

โ€” Feet (Make 2 per gnome; little rounded booties) :

Round 1 :

mr, 6 sc in mr (6)

Round 2 :

inc x6 (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)

Round 4 :

1 sc in each st around (18)

Round 5 :

(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)

Round 6 :

1 sc in each st around (12)

Info :

Use warm brown for booties and add a small decorative ridge using BLO single crochet around the top for a cuff effect. Stuff lightly and sew to bottom of the torso piece so feet peek out beneath the beard.

โ€” Small Decorative Elements (Pumpkin โ€” Make 3 small pumpkins) :

Round 1 :

ch6, join to form ring, ch1, 10 sc into ring (10)

Round 2 :

inc x10 (20)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x10 (30)

Round 4 :

1 sc in each st around (30)

Round 5 :

Switch to puff ribs: ch1, *7-tr puff in same st (yo, insert hook, pull up loop 7 times total, yo, pull through all loops), sl st in same st to lock puff; sl st in next st to separate rib; rep around to form distinct ribs (approx 15 ribs)

Info :

After forming puff ribs, gather the top and bottom with a length of yarn through the center to create the classic pumpkin segments. Sew a short brown stem by making a small 6-sc tube or a short frogged ch-4 stem and sew to top.

Round 6 :

Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly first, then cinch center gathering and close. Sew to runner base where indicated by photo layout.

โ€” Maple Leaf Applique (Make multiple in varying colors) :

Round 1 :

ch6, sl st to form ring, ch1, 5 sc into ring (5)

Round 2 :

*(ch4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook to form point) twice to create first lobe, sl st into next sc; rep from * around to create 5 lobes, fasten off leaving tail to sew (leaf with 5 points)

Info :

Layer two or three leaf shapes in different sizes and slightly offset them to create the multi-colored layered leaf seen in the photos. Use small running stitch in center to tack layers and create veins with a contrasting color yarn.

โ€” Evergreen Tree Applique (Make several small trees) :

Round 1 :

ch6, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across to form a short strip of 5 sc, turn and work along one long side to create a triangle: ch1, sc2tog across the next two sts at the base, continue to decrease each row until tip formed; fasten off and sew a tiny brown stem (1 sc x3) at base

Info :

Or work a triangular motif: mr, ch3 (counts as tr), tr3, ch2, tr4 in same base for a layered effect; continue building layers by alternating tr and dc rows to create the evergreen silhouette. Use forest green and a small brown trunk.

โ€” Starburst Flower (Make many small starbursts) :

Round 1 :

mr, ch3, 12 dc into ring, join (12)

Round 2 :

*ch5, sl st into next dc to create spiky petal; rep around 6-8 times to create starburst; fasten off and sew onto runner inbetween other motifs

Info :

Use deep green for small starbursts as accent in the cream latticed spaces โ€” they emphasize depth and mimic little sprigs of foliage in the openwork background.

โ€” Scalloped Border (Worked around entire runner in rounds; uses three colors: Forest Green, Olive, Pumpkin) :

Round 1 :

With cream, sc evenly around edge of runner, placing 3 sc in each corner for neat turn; join with sl st (sc count varies by runner perimeter)

Info :

Keep stitch count even so scallops sit evenly. Use pins to mark every 8th or 10th stitch as guide for scallops depending on runner width.

Round 2 :

Change to Pumpkin color. *ch3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep around to create slight wave (this creates small arch markers for scallops); join with sl st

Round 3 :

Change to Olive. Work 1 sc around each arch space, then in each arch work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) to form shell scallop; rep around for entire edge; join with sl st

Round 4 :

Change to Forest Green. Work along edge of each scallop: sl st into center dc of scallop, ch1, 7 sc into center dc to create a puffed scallop ridge; sl st into next scallop center; rep around to create the bold green scallop rim

Round 5 :

Fasten off and weave in ends. If desired, add a final round of slip stitch in contrasting color along inner edge to emphasize scallops.

Info :

Alternate the order of colors if you prefer different accent layering. In the pictured runner the sequence creates a deep outer green rim, a mid olive shell and a bright pumpkin inner scallop for a layered look.

โ€” Final Assembly & Placement Notes :

Info :

Pin all appliques in place on the cream lattice base before sewing. Place gnome bodies centered within their respective motif squares, ensuring equal spacing from ends. Use a yarn needle and matching yarn to sew appliques securely with small whip stitches. For puffed elements (pumpkins, leaves), sew through the base rounds and anchor into the cream background at multiple points to prevent sagging.

Info :

For the gnomes: attach the beard first, then the nose, then the hat. Sew mitts to either side of the torso; sew feet under the beard so they peek out naturally. Adjust stuffing before final stitching for best silhouette.

Info :

Weave in all ends neatly and block the finished runner once assembled to set stitches. For heavy use, consider sewing an invisible fabric backing to protect the runner and appliques.

Assembly Instructions

  • Arrange the nine motif block layout on a flat surface (3 motifs across x 3 motifs long per panel). For a long runner, repeat blocks to reach desired length. Pin motifs to hold position before join-as-you-go slip stitching.
  • Attach gnome torso (head/base) to the center of the central motif in each gnome area. Align the top center of the torso with the motif centre, pin then sew around the edge using whip stitch through back loops for a snug attachment
  • Sew the beard to the top edge of each torso: place beard so the top row aligns with round 6 of the torso, stitch across top edge, then tuck beard puffs downward. Use a strong yarn tail to secure.
  • Position and sew the nose directly above the center of the beard. Sew through several top rounds of the nose and into the torso to anchor. Stuff lightly before final stitch to ensure round fullness.
  • Slip the hat over the top of the torso and nose. Adjust curl and stitch hat to the torso at a few anchor points hidden inside the brim so it does not shift. Use small stitches to keep the brim neat.
  • Pin mitts at sides of the torso (approx rounds 10-12 of torso) and sew with small ladder stitches. Sew feet to underside of torso aligned so they peek from beneath the beard (approx position where torso was decreased)
  • Sew pumpkins, leaves and trees around each gnome using the photo as guide: tack through base rounds and into the lattice background with a few anchor stitches so 3D pieces stay upright
  • Once all appliques are attached, add scalloped border by single crocheting around runner edge in cream then change colors per border instructions. Weave in ends and block the piece flat to finish

Important Notes

  • ๐Ÿ’กUse stitch markers at the beginning of each round โ€” long rounds and motifs make it easy to lose track
  • ๐Ÿ’กStuff small appliques (nose, pumpkins) lightly and in small amounts to avoid splitting stitches
  • ๐Ÿ’กWhen changing colors, fasten off or carry yarn on the wrong side for short floats; for long color runs weave in ends securely
  • ๐Ÿ’กPin and arrange all appliques before sewing to ensure even spacing and correct visual balance
  • ๐Ÿ’กUse slightly smaller hook for appliques than for base to make appliques firm and dimensional
  • ๐Ÿ’กWhen sewing puff stitches, pass the needle through several loops or the base to secure them against pulling free
  • ๐Ÿ’กFor a durable runner, consider a lightweight fabric backing fused or hand-sewn to protect stitches during use
  • ๐Ÿ’กIf runner looks slightly wavy after joining, block it gently with pins and a steam iron on low to even out

This autumn runner blends delicate openwork with plush, cheerful appliques to bring a heartwarming seasonal accent to your home. Each gnome tells a story of cozy evenings and harvest gatherings, and the tactile pumpkins and layered leaves add irresistible texture. I hope this pattern brings you as much joy making it as you will feel displaying it โ€” stitch by stitch, you create a little fall wonderland for your table. Happy hooking and enjoy those warm autumn vibes! ๐Ÿ๐Ÿงถ

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What is the finished size of this table runner?

Using the specified layout of motif blocks and worsted weight yarn with a 4.0 mm hook, the pictured runner measures approximately 12-14 in wide by 36-42 in long per 3x3 panel block. You can extend length by adding more motif blocks (each motif is roughly 4.5-5 in square unblocked).

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes. If you use a lighter weight yarn (DK), the runner will be smaller and more delicate โ€” reduce hook size by one or two sizes for tighter stitching. For chunkier look use bulky yarn but ensure appliques are made on a slightly smaller hook for dimension consistency.

Do I need to sew appliques or can I attach via hot glue?

Sewing is recommended for durability and a neat finish. Hot glue may be tempting for speed but can be stiff and may not withstand laundering. Use small neat stitches to anchor puff stitches and 3D elements securely.

How much yarn will I need overall?

Approximately 900-1100 grams total across all colors for a long runner similar to the image: cream dominance ~350g, orange ~140g, olive/greens combined ~230g, small browns and whites combined ~150g. Exact amounts vary with runner length and tension.

Can I machine wash this runner?

Hand washing on gentle cycle and laying flat to dry is safest to preserve appliques. If you add a fabric backing, follow its care instructions. Test a small sample if using colorfast dyes.

Can I make the gnomes poseable?

This pattern makes appliques that are sewn flat to the runner; for poseable limbs you'd need to incorporate wire or pipe cleaners inside an arm tube before stuffing and then secure ends to hide them. Keep safety in mind for decorative items.

What if my stitch counts don't match?

Unwind to the last round where counts matched and rework carefully. Counting after each increase/decrease round helps prevent later mismatches. Blocking motifs can also alter counts slightly, so check counts after blocking.

How do I achieve a consistent scallop border?

Mark points every 8-10 stitches along the perimeter before working scallops. This ensures scallops are evenly spaced. Adjust number of sc between shells to fit the exact perimeter when necessary.