A long, narrow table runner worked in a richly variegated autumn palette with a textured popcorn-motif mosaic. This pattern creates a dense, squishy fabric perfect for a kitchen island or console table and features a simple repeat that builds warm ridges and clusters. The finished piece in the photo shows deep golds, rusts, olive greens and charcoals in a hand-dyed style yarn that reads like fall leaves. Follow the row-by-row instructions and edging to recreate the clean rounded corners and even border.
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โ Runner :
Row 1 :
Chain 41. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (40)
Row 2 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in BLO in each st across (40)
Info :
Using the BLO on Row 2 creates a subtle shadow ridge that helps define the popcorn rows. Keep tension consistent; place a marker at the first stitch of each row if desired.
Row 3 :
Ch 1, turn. *Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep from * to end (40)
Row 4 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 5 :
Ch 1, turn. *Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep from * to end (40)
Row 6 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 7 :
Ch 1, turn. *Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep from * to end (40)
Row 8 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Popcorn stitch: work 5 dc into the same stitch, remove hook, insert hook into first dc, pull loop through to close the popcorn (popcorn counts as 1 stitch). Work popcorns with consistent tension so they sit evenly. Practice one popcorn before starting the runner if new to the stitch.
Row 9 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 10 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 11 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 12 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 13 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 14 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Keep the right side and wrong side consistent throughout. The right side will be the more textured popcorn side facing up. If you prefer the reverse look, work the tail end facing you as RHS.
Row 15 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 16 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 17 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 18 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 19 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 20 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
After every 8-row block you will notice the popcorn columns are staggered. This stagger creates the mosaic effect. Check your stitch count at the end of each row: you should always have 40 stitches.
Row 21 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 22 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 23 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 24 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 25 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 26 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
If your yarn color pools in an unexpected way, you can alternate skeins every other 8-row block to break pooling. We used one variegated yarn continuously for the pictured effect.
Row 27 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 28 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 29 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 30 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 31 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 32 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Every sc-only row should sit relatively flat and compress the popcorn rows slightly. When working long rows, occasionally run a finger along the row edge to ensure you haven't missed or added a stitch.
Row 33 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 34 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 35 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 36 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 37 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 38 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Take breaks every 20-30 rows to prevent hand fatigue. This runner is long โ keep your work on a flat surface to avoid stretching the fabric while you crochet.
Row 39 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 40 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 41 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 42 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 43 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 44 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
If your popcorns become too large, reduce to 4 dc popcorns to make them sit closer to the fabric. Keep counts unchanged; the popcorn still occupies one stitch position.
Row 45 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 46 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 47 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 48 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 49 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 50 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Measure your runner as you go. This pattern yields approximately 0.5" (1.3 cm) per two-row repeat in height with worsted yarn on a 5.0mm hook; after 120 rows you'll have a substantial runner approx 48-52" (122-132 cm) long depending on tension and yarn.
Row 51 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 52 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 53 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 54 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 55 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 56 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
To create a longer runner, continue repeating the 8-row block until desired length. For a shorter runner, finish after a smaller number of repeats; just be sure to end on an sc-only row before edging for a clean border.
Row 57 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 58 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 59 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 60 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 61 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 62 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
When changing skeins, join new skein at the beginning of a row or in a less-visible sc-only row and weave the tails into the underside of the work to hide them within the fabric.
Row 63 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 64 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 65 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 66 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 67 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 68 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Check the width occasionally against a ruler. If the fabric grows wider than expected, tighten your tension or switch to a slightly smaller hook. If too narrow, use a slightly larger hook for subsequent projects.
Row 69 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 70 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 71 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 72 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 73 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 74 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
At this point you have about half of the pictured runner length. Keep your workspace flat and roll the completed section loosely to avoid stretching while you continue.
Row 75 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 76 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 77 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 78 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 79 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 80 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
You may notice the variegation settling into bands; this is normal. If you want more contrast, switch to solid yarn for the border to frame the colors.
Row 81 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 82 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 83 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 84 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 85 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 86 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
If you want a denser runner for heavy-traffic surfaces, block lightly and then work the edging with a tighter tension to compress and stabilize the fabric.
Row 87 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 88 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 89 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 90 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 91 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 92 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
When you reach the last 10 rows, check for any loose ends that need weaving in and secure them before you begin the border to avoid shifting the edge stitches.
Row 93 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 94 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 95 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 96 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 97 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 98 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
End the body portion on an sc-only row (Row 98 here). Fasten off leaving a long tail if you plan to work a contrasting border with the same yarn; otherwise change color now for a framed look.
Row 99 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 100 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 101 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 102 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 103 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 104 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
If adding a contrasting border, join border color in the first corner stitch now. We'll work in rounds around the runner. Make sure the last row of the body is an sc row for a tidy foundation for the border.
Row 105 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 106 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 107 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 108 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 109 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 110 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
When joining a new color for the border, join with a slip stitch and work the first round into the ends of rows and around the sides, adding 3 sc in each corner stitch to maintain rounded corners.
Row 111 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 112 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 113 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 114 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 115 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st; rep across (40)
Row 116 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Info :
Finish the body on an sc row so the border can be picked up cleanly along those sc stitches. Fasten off and weave in any long tails if not joining border color immediately.
Row 117 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 118 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40)
Row 119 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in next st, sc in next st, make a popcorn in next st, sc in next st; rep across (40)
Row 120 :
Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across (40). Fasten off, leaving a long tail if you will work the border in the same color (40)
โ Edging :
Round 121 :
Join border color with a slip stitch in any corner stitch. Ch 1, work 1 sc in same st. Work 1 sc in each end-of-row stitch along the long edge; when you reach the corner, work 3 sc in corner stitch to turn. Continue 1 sc in each side row-end across other short edge, 3 sc in corner, and 1 sc in each stitch across the opposite long edge. Slip stitch to join to first sc. Work evenly; counts will vary with length.
Info :
When working into the sides, work into the turned row ends (those little loops visible on the runner edge). Place 1 sc into approximately every 3-4 rows depending on how tight you want the edge; we found 1 sc per row end gives a neat framed look.
Round 122 :
Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in each sc around, placing 3 sc in each corner stitch (for a smooth rounded corner). Slip stitch to join and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Round 123 :
Optional: For a decorative finish, join same or contrasting color and work 1 round of reverse single crochet ( crab stitch ) around, working 3 stitches in corners. Slip stitch to join, fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
To keep corners rounded and neat, when working the first border round place 3 sc in each corner spaced evenly. For sharper corners, place only 2 sc; for rounder corners 4 sc. Adjust to taste.
โ Finishing & Blocking :
Info :
Weave in all yarn ends on the WS neatly with a tapestry needle. Wet-block the runner by laying flat on a towel, spritzing or submerging, and shaping to square edges. Pin into place and allow to dry completely. This evens out the popcorns and squares the runner for a professional finish.
Info :
For a stiffer runner insert a thin interfacing strip or lightweight fusible fleece on the underside before blocking, but be cautious: this will reduce drape and pile compression of the popcorns.
Assembly Instructions
- Block the runner flat after finishing all rows to square the piece and even out texture. Pin into shape and allow to dry completely for a crisp finish.
- Attach border by joining in a corner stitch; work evenly into row ends along the sides and place 3 sc in each corner to maintain rounded corners.
- Weave in ends on the wrong side with a tapestry needle, following the direction of the stitches so tails are hidden and secure.
- If you changed skeins mid-row, secure tails by weaving them along the underside for at least 4 inches and compress into stitches to avoid bulk.
- If adding a contrasting reverse single crochet edge, work this only after blocking for a neater appearance and consistent tension.
- Measure the runner during assembly to ensure the length matches your desired finished measurement; add or remove repeat blocks as necessary before edging.
- Use pins to position the runner on the table and check for drape; adjust blocking if edges are uneven before final finishing.
- Optional: attach non-slip felt pads underneath the runner if used on a smooth surface to prevent sliding.
Important Notes
- ๐กUse stitch markers or a small scrap of yarn at the beginning of each row to maintain accurate counts and avoid miscounts over long repeats
- ๐กStuff yarn tails into the fabric when weaving in ends to reduce visible bumps on the right side, especially where popcorns are near the edge
- ๐กWork popcorn stitches with consistent tension; too tight popcorns will pucker, too loose popcorns will flop and obscure the pattern
- ๐กWet-blocking is essential for a polished finished look; it evens the popcorn height and flattens slight waves in the fabric
- ๐กMaintain the same right side throughout the project; flipping the work inconsistently will change the look of popcorn placement
- ๐กIf substituting yarn, check gauge by making a 10x10 cm swatch in the pattern (popcorn rows included) to ensure width and drape match expectations
- ๐กFor long runners consider changing skeins at the beginning of a row to minimize visible joins; weave ends into the underside for a hidden finish
This autumn mosaic runner is a joyful mix of texture and color that will warm up any table setting. The cluster-and-sc repeat is meditative to crochet and the variegated yarn does the colorwork for you. Once blocked and edged, the runner looks like a cozy textile painting โ perfect for fall or year-round rustic decor. Enjoy the process of watching the stitch pattern build over many rows; the result is worth every popcorn! ๐๐งถ