Create a beautiful holiday table runner featuring a warm cream textured center, glittering gold trim, a deep red inner border and a scalloped green edge studded with pearl beads. Two charming crocheted Christmas tree appliques sit at each end with tiny bead ornaments and a gold star topper. The pattern includes full row-by-row instructions, tips for beading and finishing, and suggestions for adjusting length to suit your table.
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— Notes & Gauge :
Info :
Gauge is flexible for a table runner; using worsted weight yarn and a 4.0mm hook, the center panel shown measures approximately 12" (30 cm) wide and 60" (152 cm) long. Adjust length by adding or subtracting center rows. Work tightly enough that beads and edging sit neatly without holes; but avoid pulling too tight on scallop rounds which will ripple the piece.
Info :
Pattern is worked flat in rows. You will make a long rectangular center panel, then add a narrow gold decorative row, a red band, and then a scalloped green border embellished with pearl beads. Two tree appliques are made separately and sewn to each end.
— Materials Prep :
Info :
Prepare beads before you begin border by threading them onto a beading needle or a length of fine thread/yarn so you can add beads as you work the scallop round. Using a thin beading needle makes it easier to slide beads onto yarn without interrupting the rhythm of stitches.
— Center Panel (work to desired length) :
Round 1 :
Ch 149 (multiple of 3 + 2) – this creates a center panel approximately 12" wide. (149)
Round 2 :
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc + ch1), *sk 1 ch, V-st in next ch (dc, ch1, dc)* repeat from * to end, ending with dc in last ch. You will have 49 V-st clusters across the row (49 V-st clusters)
Round 3 :
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in same V-st sp (work into the ch-1 space of first V-st), *sk next dc, V-st in next ch-1 sp*; repeat to last V-st, dc into top of turning ch. (49 V-st clusters)
Round 4 :
Row 3: Repeat Row 2. Maintain pattern by placing each V-st in the ch-1 space of the V below. (49 V-st clusters)
Round 5-12 :
Rows 4-11: Continue repeating Row 2 pattern to build a sturdy textured panel. Check width after Row 8 - the panel should remain flat. (49 V-st clusters each row)
Info :
If you prefer a more open look, use a 4.5mm hook for the center panel. If you prefer a denser fabric, switch to 3.5mm. Keep consistent tension for all center rows.
Round 13-24 :
Rows 12-23: Continue Row 2 pattern. At this stage you will be developing most of the runner length. The sample has 54 total center panel rows; add or remove rows to adjust length. (49 V-st clusters each row)
Round 25 :
Row 24: Continue pattern. If you are creating the sample 60" length, continue to Row 54. For shorter runner, count until desired length. (49 V-st clusters)
Round 26-48 :
Rows 25-47: Continue repeating Row 2 pattern. Keep an even edge by placing edge stitches consistently: the first dc sits in the first V-st space close to turning chain and the last dc sits on top of the turning ch so edges align straight. (49 V-st clusters each row)
Info :
Place two stitch markers 1" in from each long edge every 10 rows while working to keep the panel straight. When you reach the length where you want a tree applique at each end, leave approximately 8-10 rows at each end unworked for applique placement. For sample placement, allow 6-8 cream rows beyond the tree base so the tree sits comfortably inside the cream panel.
Round 49-54 :
Rows 48-53: Complete to your desired length. The original photographed runner uses 54 center rows for a 60" runner; your measurement may vary with tension and yarn. Finish the last center row and fasten off the cream yarn leaving a 16" tail for sewing appliques later. (49 V-st clusters)
Info :
Block the center panel lightly if desired so it lies flat before adding borders. Use a steam iron at a distance or pin to a blocking board and spray lightly. Allow to dry before continuing to border rows.
— Gold Decorative Row (thin metallic line) :
Info :
Use metallic gold yarn; carry it or switch color cleanly by fastening on at an edge stitch. This thin row creates a framed look between cream and red bands.
Round 55 :
Row 54: Join gold yarn with a sl st in corner stitch on one short end, ch 2 (counts as hdc), work hdc evenly across long edge in the top loops of each row (work 1 hdc into the top of each row end and place 3 hdc into the top of the turning ch on short ends). You will have 54-56 hdc across the long edge depending on exact row count; maintain even spacing. (approx 54-56 hdc)
Round 56 :
Turn and repeat hdc across the opposite long edge, working 3 hdc into turning ch on short ends for a neat corner. Fasten off gold and weave in ends. (approx 54-56 hdc)
Info :
Work the gold row in BLO of the cream rows if you prefer a slight ridge. For a flatter look work through both loops. Keep gold tension slightly looser–metallic yarn tends to break if pulled too tightly.
— Red Inner Band :
Round 57 :
Join red yarn with sl st into the same corner used for gold, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each hdc along the long edge, 3 dc in turning ch on short end, dc in each hdc down opposite long edge, 3 dc in turning ch to close. (approx 54-56 dc per long side, 3 dc on corners)
Round 58 :
Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across, placing 3 dc in each corner stitch to maintain square corners. Work 2-3 rows of dc in red to build the visible red band. (2nd red round: approx same stitch count)
Round 59-60 :
Row 59-60: Repeat dc rows in red to desired band height. The sample uses two rows of red after the gold line to create a bold color stripe. Fasten off red and weave in ends. (dc across)
Info :
If you want a narrower red stripe, work only 1 row in red. To intensify color, work 3 rows. Make sure to count and keep corners shaped by working 3 dc into each corner stitch.
— Green Scalloped Border with Beads :
Info :
This green scalloped edge is worked around the entire runner perimeter. You will add one bead per scallop on the long sides and one bead on each scallop of the short ends. Pre-thread 34 pearl beads onto a piece of fine thread or slide onto a beading needle for easier placement; you will need about 30-36 depending on scallop count.
Round 61 :
Join green yarn with sl st in a corner stitch, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire runner working approximately 1 sc into every visible stitch/row end; work 3 sc into each corner to keep shape. (approx 220-230 sc around perimeter)
Round 62 :
Ch 3 (counts as dc), *skip 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc (shell made), skip 1 sc, sl st in next sc* repeat across long edges; make 5 dc shell clusters in the 3 sc corner groups to turn. This creates an evenly spaced scallop pattern. Count shells: approx 16-18 shells per long side, 3-4 shells per short end. (approx 36-44 shells total)
Info :
To keep scallops even, mark the first shell and last shell on each side with a removable marker, then distribute shells evenly; adjust spacing by adding or removing 1-2 sc between shells if needed so that shells sit evenly around corners.
Round 63 :
Working behind the shells, attach beads: Using yarn needle and short thread, sew a bead to the center front of each shell by stitching through the bead hole and securing through the center of the shell cluster. Tie off thread knots on the back of work and weave in. Space beads so they sit centered on each shell. (one bead per shell)
Round 64 :
With green yarn, work one more round of sc behind each shell to reinforce beads: sl st to the back loop area behind a shell, ch 1, sc in each back loop along the scalloped edge, making 3 sc in shell bases at corners to maintain curve. Fasten off and weave in ends. (approx 220-230 sc)
Info :
If you want larger scallops, work 7 dc instead of 5 in each shell. If you prefer smaller scallops, use 3 dc. Adjust bead size accordingly; larger beads will need larger scallops to sit neatly.
— Tree Applique (Make 2, identical) :
Info :
Each tree applique is worked in rounds/rows from bottom trunk up to star. Use forest green for foliage, brown for trunk and metallic gold for star. Appliques are worked flat and sewn to the cream center. Each tree measures approximately 4" wide by 6" tall after blocking.
Round 1 :
Trunk foundation: With brown, ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5 sc). Ch 1, turn. (5)
Round 2 :
Sc across 5 sts, ch 1, turn. Repeat for 6 rows to make trunk height approx 6 rows. (5 sts x 6 rows)
Round 3 :
Fasten off brown and join green at top center of trunk to begin lowest tier of tree.
Round 4 :
Lowest tier (Row 1 foliage): With green, ch 3, turn; skip first st and work 5 dc across the next 3-5 sts of trunk top edge to create a small flare; alternatively pick up 5 sts across the top to anchor. Fasten off green end or continue depending on method. (5 dc)
Round 5 :
Row 2 foliage: Join green at one stitch above previous tier center, ch 3, dc in same st, *skip 1, (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) in next st (small shell)* repeat to create a slightly wider tier (approx 7-9 dc clusters). (7-9 dc/shell groups)
Round 6 :
Row 3 foliage: Continue joining and increasing each tier so tiers get progressively wider: work shells of 5 dc (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) with 1 sc between shells to shape a triangular tree: Row will have approx 11-13 small shells making a triangular silhouette. Fasten off green and weave ends. (approx 11-13 shells)
Info :
If you prefer a crocheted texture similar to the sample, create tiers by making 3 tiers that increase in width, each tier using clusters (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) anchored into previous rows' spaces. This creates pretty ridged branches that lay flat when sewn in place.
Round 7 :
Garland & bead placement: Using thin gold thread or metallic yarn, stitch a loose garland across tiers by sewing a gentle diagonal line from left to right. Sew small seed beads: stitch 3-4 red beads and 3-4 silver beads evenly across the tree body and secure tightly on the reverse side. (approx 6-8 beads per tree)
Round 8 :
Star: Using metallic gold, ch 6 and work a small 5-point star motif: make a tiny picot star by joining to center with sl st and working (ch 3, sc in next ch to make each point) or create a crocheted star roughly 1" diameter using 5 small points. Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew to top of tree. (star approx 5 points)
Info :
Alternatively, use a small wooden or metallic star button and sew to top for a cleaner finish. Make sure the star is secured firmly by stitching through the body of the tree several times and knotting on the back.
— Alternative Simplified Tree Applique (for speed) :
Round 9 :
Ch 7, sl st to form a small loop, ch 3, work 3 dc into loop for top tier, fasten off; join again and work 5 dc into same loop for middle tier, fasten off; join again for bottom tier 7 dc into loop; join trunk below and secure. This quick method produces a stylized layered tree. (3 tiers)
Info :
When attaching trees to runner, position them centered along width approximately 1.5-2" from the short ends. Block applique flat and sew through multiple points to secure so the appliques lay flat on the cream panel.
— Star Applique (if crocheting separately) :
Round 10 :
Using gold metallic yarn: Ch 6, join to form a ring, *ch 3, (sc into ring), ch 3, sl st into ring* repeat 5 times to form 5 points; shape points and fasten off leaving tail for sewing. (5 points)
Info :
Work star with a small hook (3.5mm) to keep it tight. You may also use a bead or small button for the star instead of crocheting one.
— Attaching Appliques :
Info :
Position tree applique on the cream center: place the bottom of the trunk approximately 2 rows up from the seam where the gold decorative line begins at each short end (this centers the tree in the inner cream panel). Use pins to hold in place and check symmetry by measuring equal distances from runner ends and edges.
Round 12 :
Sew tree to center: Using matching cream or invisible thread, stitch around the trunk and several stitches along each tier to secure the tree. Stitch through the back of the tree to the cream panel in multiple places then knot and weave ends on the back side. Attach star to tree tip with metallic gold yarn. Add extra reinforcing stitches where beads are attached. (secure with multiple passes)
Info :
Hide sewing tails on the backside of the runner before final blocking. If you used bead thread, reinforce beads by sewing through the bead hole twice and tying a small knot on the back between stitches before trimming thread closely.
— Final Finishing Rounds & Edge Cleanup :
Round 14 :
Trim any stray fibers and weave in long ends. If metallic threads were used, weave ends in a few times to secure them as metallic slips more easily. Do a final blocking to square the runner; pin scallops evenly and steam lightly or mist with water and let dry flat.
Round 15 :
Optional: Add a row of slip stitch backstitch in contrasting color along the gold line to emphasize the frame. Use metallic gold embroidery thread and couch it lightly across the top of the gold hdc row with small invisible stitches. This is purely decorative and optional. (work along top edge)
Info :
For extra durability, sew a hidden running stitch along the inner edge of the scallops on the back of the runner to secure the border to the center panel. This prevents stretching along the join and helps keep the runner flat after washing or use.
— Pattern Variations and Adjustments :
Info :
Length Adjustment: To lengthen, add additional V-stitch center rows in multiples of 1. For each additional inch of length add approximately 3-4 V-stitch rows depending on tension and yarn. To shorten, simply stop earlier and finish with the gold and red border rows as instructed.
Round 17 :
Color Variation: Swap the cream center for a neutral beige or deep red center for a bolder look. Swap gold metallic for silver for a different seasonal palette. Ensure to change bead colors to match.
Info :
Care: Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry to protect metallic yarn and bead attachments. If machine washing is desired, place runner in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water, then reshape while damp and pin flat to dry.
Completing this festive table runner is a truly satisfying holiday project — the textured cream center, gleaming gold trim and scalloped green edge studded with pearls make a striking seasonal centerpiece. The little trees add personality and charm, and the whole piece comes together with simple finishing touches. 🎄🧶 The runner is modular so you can adjust length and colors to suit any table and holiday palette. Enjoy every stitch and take pride in your gorgeous handmade holiday decor! ✨
