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Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern

Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern
4.7★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
1.1K 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.

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

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

🍂

Autumn Vibes

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

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About This Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern

This table runner is a seasonal statement piece built from repeating motifs: textured pumpkin medallions, raised maple-style leaves and small filler flowers set into a cream lattice. The pumpkins are worked in relief to create ribbed lobes, while the leaves are sculpted with post stitches for depth. The motifs join in a tidy grid and finish with a scalloped three-color border that shifts from bright orange to deep chestnut.

Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern uses worsted weight cotton or cotton blend for crisp stitch definition and durability, making it perfect for a dining table. Instructions include motif construction, exact joining sequence and a multi-round scalloped edge to replicate the pictured look.

Why You'll Love This Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern

I love this pattern because it captures autumn in texture and color — the ribbed pumpkins pop against the cream lattice and the layered leaves add natural movement. I enjoy the slow rhythm of repeating motifs and the satisfying change of pace when adding the scalloped border. The finished runner feels both nostalgic and refined, perfect for evening tea or holiday hosting.

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

Switch Things Up

I absolutely loved designing this runner because it offers so many opportunities for creative customization while maintaining a structure that's fun and manageable to crochet. Swap the pumpkin color to a soft peach or deep terracotta to change the mood, or use variegated yarn for the leaves to add more depth.

Change the background lattice from cream to a neutral gray for a modern twist, or add metallic thread in the border for holiday sparkle. You can also adjust the runner length easily by adding extra motif rows – I often make a longer version for console tables. Finally, experiment with different hooks to subtly change motif density; a slightly smaller hook tightens the lattice and makes raised ribs more pronounced.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers at round starts can cause misaligned joins and uneven lattice spacing; always mark your start stitch ✗ Ignoring gauge for motif pieces leads to mis-sized motifs and gaps when joining; make a small test square first ✗ Changing tension or switching hook sizes mid-project creates inconsistent motif sizes and odd edges; keep tension steady ✗ Not weaving in tails as you work may make later joins bulky; secure and weave ends flat into the motif backs ✗ Forgetting to block motif pieces before joining can make the grid lumpy; lightly steam-block cotton motifs for flatness ✗ Joining motifs without pinning can result in skewed placement; always pin a full row before sewing them together ✗ Working post stitches too loosely will flatten raised leaves and pumpkins; use slightly firmer tension for post stitches ✗ Rushing stuffing for sculpted pumpkins results in flat lobes; stuff gradually and check shape before closing

Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern

A warm, textured table runner featuring puffed pumpkins and raised maple leaves on a cream lattice. Rich autumn tones—pumpkin orange, mustard, olive, burgundy and chestnut—are arranged in repeating motifs with a scalloped multicolor border. The runner lays flat and is perfect for a harvest table, entry console, or seasonal centerpiece. Detailed instructions guide motif construction, joining and an elegant scalloped edging for a polished finish.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Table Runner Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted weight cotton yarn (#4), approximately 250-300g in cream/ivory (background lattice)
  • 02
    150-180g in bright pumpkin orange (main pumpkins)
  • 03
    60-80g in deep orange/burnt orange (pumpkin shading and border)
  • 04
    40-60g in chestnut brown (stems and border shading)
  • 05
    30-40g in olive green (leaves)
  • 06
    30-40g in mustard/gold (leaves and small fillers)
  • 07
    20-30g in deep burgundy (accent leaves)
  • 08
    Small amounts (10-15g each) in accent colors for center details if desired

— Tools Required

  • 01
    4.0 mm (G) crochet hook for main work (or hook recommended for your yarn to get dense stitches)
  • 02
    3.5 mm (E) hook for slightly tighter details (optional)
  • 03
    Tapestry/yarn needle for sewing motifs and weaving ends
  • 04
    Small amount of polyfill stuffing for pumpkin texture
  • 05
    Stitch markers (at least 6-8)
  • 06
    Blocking board and pins (or towel and flat surface) for motif shaping
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Sewing pins for layout and assembly
  • 09
    Optional: Tailor's chalk or erasable pen for marking placement

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— Overview :

Info :

This pattern builds the runner from three primary motif types: pumpkin medallions (large, textured), maple-style leaves (raised, 8-point), and a small 4-petal filler motif. Motifs are worked separately and joined into a staggered rectangular grid. The cream lattice is achieved by working a joining round when assembling each motif into place. Finally a multicolor scalloped edging is worked around the assembled runner. Use worsted cotton or cotton blend for crisp stitch definition. Gauge is motif-dependent; adjust hook if needed to match motif sizes.

— Pumpkin Medallion (Make 3) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)

Round 6 :

(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)

Round 7 :

(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)

Round 8 :

(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)

Round 9-12 :

1 sc in each st around (48)

Info :

This establishes a flat circular base for the pumpkin. Use these rounds to check overall diameter. If your circle is significantly smaller/larger than pictured, change hook size accordingly. Place a stitch marker at the start of round and move it each round.

Round 13 :

BLO 1 sc in each st around (48)

Round 14 :

1 sc in each st around (48)

Round 15 :

Change to pumpkin orange. (1 sc in next 3 sts, 1 fpdc around next st) x 12 (48)

Round 16 :

Working fpdc from previous round: (1 sc in next 3 sts, 1 fpdc around corresponding post) x 12 (48)

Round 17 :

Repeat Round 16 to build post ribs (48)

Info :

These front post double crochets create the raised ribbing that forms pumpkin lobes. Keep tension slightly firmer on post stitches so ribs hold shape. There are 12 ribs created across rounds 15-17 — count groupings of 4 regular sts then a post stitch.

Round 18 :

(1 sc in next 3 sts, 1 fpdc) x 12 (48)

Round 19 :

1 sc in each st around (48)

Round 20 :

1 sc in each st BLO (48)

Round 21 :

(6 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (42)

Round 22 :

(5 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (36)

Info :

Begin gentle stuffing with small amounts of polyfill placed into the center; the ribs should start to puff. Stuff moderately — firm enough to hold lobes but not so firm that stitches stretch open.

Round 23 :

(4 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (30)

Round 24 :

(3 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (24)

Round 25 :

(2 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (18)

Round 26 :

(1 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (12)

Round 27 :

6 dec (6)

Info :

Fasten off leaving a 12–18" tail. Pull tail to close and weave into back of pumpkin to secure. Use tail to flatten and shape base if needed. Do not overstuff; the pumpkin should have visible ribbed lobes from the fpdc rows.

Stem (Make 3) :

Join chestnut/brown yarn to center of closed pumpkin.

Round 1 :

ch 2, 3 hdc in same st, turn (3)

Round 2 :

1 hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn (3)

Round 3 :

1 sc in each st, fold stem and sl st through back loops to form a short stem, fasten off, leave long tail for sewing

Info :

Sew stem to pumpkin center, angle slightly forward so pumpkin sits with stem visible; secure with several passes and weave tail into pumpkin interior.

— Raised Maple Leaf Motif (Make 12-16 depending on spacing) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Round 5 :

1 sc in each st around (24)

Round 6 :

ch 1, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in same st (picot cluster for leaf base), sk 2 sts, sl st in next st* rep around to create 6 points; sl st to join (12 clusters)

Round 7 :

Working into each cluster point: join yarn to a cluster ch-2 space, (ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) to form a petal base; rep for each cluster (6 large petals)

Round 8 :

Info :

Info :

For leaf texture, work alternating front and back post stitches along petal edges to simulate veins. Use slightly smaller hook if petals feel loose.

Round 9 :

Work each petal: (ch 1, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) all into same petal base. Repeat for all petals (6 petals)

Round 10 :

Return to central 24-st round with sl st into base, 1 sc in each st around to tidy join (24)

Round 11 :

Switch to contrasting tone for leaf center 'vein' detail. Using a tapestry needle and long tail, stitch a central vein across each petal with duplicate stitch or surface slip stitches; leave visible raised line.

Info :

Block each leaf flat after finishing to open petals and set shape. Leaves are raised but relatively flat for joining. Use pins to shape vein ridges during blocking.

Round 12 :

Fasten off and weave in ends. Leave a long tail for sewing into lattice when joining motifs into runner.

— Small Filler Motif (Make 18-24) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in magic ring (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4 :

ch 1, *sl st in next st, ch 3, sl st in next st* repeat 6 times to create small looped petals; fasten off (18)

Info :

These make the 4-to-6 petal filler pieces seen in the lattice intersections and help stabilize motif joins. Work in mustard, olive or burgundy for color pops.

— Background Lattice Join Motif (Make enough to connect motifs into rows) :

Round 1 :

With cream/ivory yarn, ch 6, join to form loop with sl st (or work a small ring: 6 sc in magic ring)

Round 2 :

ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring, sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc)

Round 3 :

ch 1, *1 sc in next dc, ch 3* around, sl st to join creating 12 ch-3 loops

Round 4 :

In each ch-3 loop: (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) to create a 12-petal motif; sl st to join

Round 5 :

Info :

Info :

These small lattice rosettes function as join points between pumpkin and leaf motifs. When assembling the runner, you will position a lattice motif at each intersection between motifs and whipstitch them together through back loops for an open lattice look.

Round 6 :

1 sc in each st around (60) - this creates a sturdier join surface

Round 7 :

Fasten off leaving a long tail for joining.

— Layout & Joining Sequence :

Info :

Layout for pictured runner: three pumpkin medallions arranged along the center spine spaced evenly. On each side of the pumpkins are alternating leaf motifs and small filler motifs arranged in a grid of 3 motifs across and 7 rows long (exact count depends on desired runner length). Use blocking to square motifs if needed so edges meet cleanly. Pin entire layout onto flat surface following photo reference before sewing.

Join Step 1 :

Begin by joining motifs row by row using whip stitch to connect corresponding outer sc rounds. Place lattice rosettes at intersections and sew each motif to adjacent motifs through back loops only to create the open lattice effect. Use cream yarn for most joins so it blends into background.

Join Step 2 :

Work across the first row: align three motif edges (pumpkin, leaf, pumpkin layout depending on row). Sew from center outward to prevent distortion. Make 5-6 small stitches per 1" of edge for secure seam (adjust for yarn thickness).

Join Step 3 :

After completing each row, sew the row below to the previous row by aligning lattice rosettes and securing with whip stitch through the back loops of both rosettes and motif edges. Keep tension even so runner lays flat.

Info :

As you join, periodically flip runner over and check for puckering. If seam is tight, take out a few stitches and redistribute; if loose, add a few extra securing stitches. Use pins to hold motifs in place while sewing.

— Scalloped Multicolor Border :

Info :

Border is worked in rounds around the entire assembled runner. Work 3-color gradient from bright orange to burnt orange to chestnut. For each color change, fasten off and join new color at the start of a round. Carry yarn along edge if you prefer continuous gradient without tails, but for crisp stripes change and weave tails.

Round 1 :

With cream yarn, single crochet evenly around entire runner edge placing 1 sc in every stitch and 3 sc in each corner or curve to keep edge smooth. Aim for a multiple of 6 stitches around to simplify scallops. (Estimate total stitches: measure as you go)

Round 2 :

Working into each st around, 1 sc in next 2 sts, ch 1 to create small picot points for texture; repeat around. Fasten off cream and join bright orange.

Round 3 :

With bright orange: *sk 1, 5 dc in next st (shell), sk 1, sl st in next st* — repeat around creating scallop shells at regular spacing; adjust spacing so shells fall over lattice openings (approx every 6 sts)

Round 4 :

1 sc in each st around to secure shells and even edge (work into shell peaks for consistent look)

Round 5 :

Change to burnt orange: in each shell peak work (ch 2, 3 tr, ch 2, sl st) to add height and ruffle; between shells work 2 sc for reinforcement

Round 6 :

Change to chestnut brown: working into shell bases, *1 sc, 1 hdc, 3 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc* to create a deep scallop with a raised ridge; repeat around

Round 7 :

Finishing round: slip stitch around to tidy edge, then weave in all ends. If desired, block entire runner again to make scallops lie flat and edges even.

Info :

For crisp gradient look, crochet entire bright orange round before switching. Use a tapestry needle to weave color change tails along backside of border so they are not visible from front.

— Finishing Touches :

Info :

Inspect the runner front and back for any loose tails. Weave each tail at least 2" into the fabric and trim. Lightly steam-block the assembled runner on a protected surface using steam or a warm iron on low with a cloth between iron and crochet; do not press hard to preserve texture. If desired, secure a thin non-slip fabric strip to underside center to prevent slippage on wooden tabletops.

Round 1 :

Optional surface embroidery: Use small stitches in mustard and burgundy to add central leaf veins or pumpkin highlights. Use two strands of cotton for clear surface embroidery on worsted cotton yarn.

Info :

Care instructions: Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry for best color retention and to preserve shape. Cotton tends to soften and may relax after washing — reshape gently while damp.

Assembly Instructions

  • Lay out all motifs in the desired arrangement on a large flat surface. Place pumpkin medallions down the center and alternate leaf and filler motifs to each side to match the photo spacing. Pin motifs in place before joining.
  • Sew motifs row by row: align edges and whipstitch through back loops only to create the open lattice look. Start at the center of each edge and work outwards to keep edges flat and prevent puckering.
  • When two motifs meet at a lattice rosette, sew the rosette to both motifs by stitching through the rosette and the edge round of each motif. Use cream yarn for joining to blend with the lattice.
  • Attach pumpkin stems by sewing through the center of the pumpkin medallion at the final stage. Anchor with multiple passes and hide ends into the underside of the pumpkin.
  • After all motifs are joined and seams secured, work the scalloped border around the entire runner. Use stitch counts from the edge rounds to place scallops evenly and adjust shell spacing so scallops fall centered over lattice openings.
  • Weave all ends on the back of the runner, then gently block the entire assembled piece to even out edges and open lacework. Allow to dry fully before use.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers consistently at the beginning of each round to avoid counting errors and maintain proper shaping
  • 💡Stuff pumpkin centers gradually as you work rather than waiting until the end to allow shaping of ribs and prevent overfilling
  • 💡When joining motifs, pin and check alignment continuously to avoid a crooked runner; sew small temporary stitches and test flatness
  • 💡Maintain consistent tension throughout the project; slightly firmer tension is recommended for post stitches so raised ribs and veins hold definition
  • 💡Block each motif as you complete it if your cotton yarn tends to relax; blocking makes joining far easier and neater
  • 💡Weave tails flat along the backs of motifs before joining to avoid bulky seams and to keep the front neat
  • 💡For a longer runner, repeat additional motif rows following the same join pattern and maintain symmetry for a professional look

Completing this runner is such a satisfying autumn project — the textured pumpkins and layered leaves bring seasonal coziness to any table. Each motif is a tiny moment of craft, and the scalloped edge ties everything together beautifully. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing the layout. 🍁🧶 Add fresh warm colors and layering for a perfectly styled harvest table. Happy stitching!

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FAQs

What is the finished size of this runner?

Based on the specified materials and motif sizes, the finished runner measures approximately 12" wide by 36" long for the layout shown. Adjust number of motif rows to change length.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes! You can use other yarn weights, but adjust hook size accordingly and expect motif sizes to change proportionally. Thicker yarn yields a larger, heavier runner and may require fewer motifs.

Do I need to stuff the pumpkin motifs?

Yes, a small amount of polyester fiberfill inside each pumpkin helps create the raised lobes. Stuff lightly and evenly as you decrease so ribs remain defined.

How do I prevent gaps when joining motifs?

Block motifs to accurate shape prior to joining, use consistent stitch tension, and pin pieces before sewing. Join using whip stitch through back loops for a neat lattice appearance.

Is this safe to use on a dining table?

Yes — cotton yarn is absorbent and durable. For extra protection, place a thin heat-resistant mat under hot dishes and avoid prolonged wetting. Spot clean and hand wash as needed.

Can I make this machine washable?

If you use a superwash cotton or cotton/acrylic blend and secure tails well, you may machine wash on gentle in a mesh bag. However hand wash and flat dry is recommended to preserve shape and texture.

Can I make the runner longer or wider?

Absolutely. Extend by adding additional motif rows or columns. Keep the same grid pattern and maintain symmetry by expanding evenly from the center.

How much yarn will I need for a custom size?

Yarn needs scale with motif count; use the listed yarn amounts as a baseline and add 10–20% extra for border and joins or if changing size significantly.