Create a festive Halloween table runner made from linked crocheted motifs: purple spiderwebs, smiling orange jack-o-lanterns, black arched cats, and striped witch legs with curled boots. This pattern walks you through each flat motif and the lacy join-as-you-go assembly, with stitch counts and placement notes to reproduce the layered runner shown in the photo.
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— Spiderweb Motif (make 6-8 depending on runner length) :
Round 1 :
Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 (12)
Round 2 :
Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 (24)
Round 3 :
Ch 3, dc in next st, *ch 2, sk 1, dc in next 2 sts*; rep from * around to create small openwork ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 (24 dc worked, plus ch-2 loops)
Info :
Keep tension relaxed for the web loops so chains form elegant curved arcs. Block lightly after finishing when dry to flatten and open the lace.
Round 4 :
Switch to purple if not already. Join yarn in any ch-2 space. Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same ch-2 sp, ch 3, sl st into center of work (creates first spoke). Working around: in each ch-2 sp do: sl st in space at circle edge, ch 3, (tr, ch 3, tr) in same space, ch 3, sl st into center. Work 12 spokes total forming radial arms. Fasten off and weave ends (12 spokes)
Info :
Each spoke is anchored by a small slip stitch at the center and a pair of treble clusters at the outer ring; this builds the skeleton for the web.
Round 5 :
Re-join purple in the sl st at one spoke's outer treble cluster. Ch 1, sc around the outer cluster to make a tidy hub rim, sc into next ch-3 arc, *ch 5, sc into next outer treble cluster, sc into next ch-3 arc*; rep around. Join with sl st to first sc. This creates the first set of connecting loops (work 12 ch-5 loops)
Round 6 :
Sl st into first ch-5 loop. Ch 1, (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) all into the loop to make a fan; sl st into next ch-5 loop, rep fan motif in each. Join with sl st to first sc. This gives a scalloped look and strengthens the web's outer edge (12 fans)
Info :
If you prefer a more open web, substitute ch 7 for ch 5 in Round 5 and work (sc, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sc) in Round 6; be mindful of increased yarn use and slightly larger diameter.
Round 7 :
Ch 1, sc in each stitch and around each fan to create a stable border. Work 1 sc in each dc of fan center, and 1 sc in top of each tr cluster at inner spoke. Join (approx 96 sc depending on fan stitch count)
Round 8 :
Working into sc border, *ch 8, sl st into top of next fan (between fan petals)*; rep around to form decorative arches. Join with sl st, fasten off and weave ends. Final diameter approx 8-9 inches blocked.
Info :
Block spiderweb flat with the arches curved gently outward. These webs will be used as connectors between motifs, so keep their edges even to make joining easier.
— Pumpkin Motif (make 3-4) :
Round 1 :
With orange yarn, mr, ch 1, 6 sc in mr. Pull ring tight. Join with sl st to first sc (6)
Round 2 :
Inc in each st around (12)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Info :
Work increases evenly and keep rounds joined to stay flat. This forms the pumpkin base; later rounds will add additional rounds for the slightly squashed pumpkin shape.
Round 5 :
(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Round 6 :
(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
Round 7 :
1 sc in each st around (36)
Round 8 :
1 sc in next 2 sts, dec, (1 sc in next 4 sts, dec) x 6, 1 sc in last 2 sts (30) — gentle shaping to flatten slightly
Info :
Begin to visualize pumpkin grooves: later we will surface-slip-stitch or embroider vertical grooves with black yarn for contrast. Do not stuff; this motif is flat.
Round 9 :
1 sc around (30)
Round 10 :
Working in BLO, ch 1, 1 sc in each st around (30). This BLO round creates a subtle ridge to define the pumpkin edge
Round 11 :
Switch to green yarn for stem. Join at top center—find any topmost st and ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch back to base; join to base with sl st. Work 5 sc around the base of stem, sl st to join, fasten off (small curled stem)
Info :
Embroider face with black yarn: triangle eyes, small triangle nose, and wide grin. Use satin stitch or tight sc surface embroidery. Work from center outward to balance placement.
Round 12 :
Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider 3 vertical grooves by bringing yarn up at round edges and surface slip-stitching toward the center at three evenly spaced intervals: left, center, right. Anchor ends well and weave tails back through multiple stitches.
Round 13 :
Finish face embroidery: for grin work a chain of surface slip stitches or small scs to create a curved mouth. Add small black teeth detail by stitching short vertical bars inside the grin. Fasten off and weave ends invisibly (pumpkin diameter approx 4.5-5 in)
Info :
Block pumpkin lightly to flatten. Use pins to make a slightly flattened, round profile so the face reads clearly when placed on the runner.
— Cat Motif (make 3) :
Round 1 :
With black yarn, ch 15 (foundation chain). Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (14). Turn (14)
Round 2 :
Ch 1, sc in each st across, add 3 sc evenly along side of chain to create slight curve, then sc along opposite side of foundation chain to return to beginning, join with sl st. This creates a flat oval center (approx 34 sc)
Info :
This cat is worked in the round over a short strip to create a flattened body and legs; subsequent shaping will carve out the cat's arch and legs. Keep stitches dense for a solid silhouette.
Round 3 :
Ch 1, sc around the oval, increasing 6 sts evenly (work 2 sc in 6 evenly spaced stitches) (40)
Round 4 :
1 sc in each st around (40)
Round 5 :
(4 sc, inc) x 6 (46) — widen slightly to give room for leg shaping
Round 6 :
1 sc in next 6 sts, dec, 1 sc in next 12 sts, dec, 1 sc in next 6 sts, dec, 1 sc in remaining sts (43) — start forming narrower waist
Info :
To visualize leg placement, fold the oval: two narrow sections will become the legs; the center arch will be shaped by working rows back-and-forth to leave two leg slits.
Round 7 :
Ch 1, turn and work in rows for front left leg: sc in next 8 sts (8), ch 1, turn and repeat sc in 8 for 5 rows total (creates front leg tube worked flat). Fasten off leaving tail for sewing. Rejoin to body to work connecting round. (leg height ~5 rows)
Round 8 :
Continue around body with sc in next 10 sts, then repeat leg tube for front right leg working 8 sc for 5 rows, fasten off and rejoin to body. (now both front legs formed)
Info :
Block shape slightly with pins so the leg gaps are even and the arch stands away from the body. If you want a more three-dimensional cat, insert a tiny felt piece between layers before sewing but most photos show a flat silhouette.
Round 9 :
Work sc all around body to clean up joins, making sure to sc around bases of leg tubes to anchor them (approx 46 sc).
Round 10 :
To shape back arch: mark center back. From the next st after right leg, dec 1, sc next 6, dec, sc next 6, dec, sc around remainder (three decreases placed evenly) (43)
Round 11 :
1 sc around (43)
Round 12 :
Start tail: in the back center st, ch 1, sc in same st and next 2 sts, ch 10, sl st back along chain toward body placing sl sts into adjacent tail base sts to curl and anchor the tail in a spiral. Work 3 more sc into tail root to secure then continue sc around (adds decorative curled tail)
Info :
For a pronounced curled tail, make a longer chain (ch 12-14) and then work denser sl sts back along the chain. You can also lightly starch the tail to hold a curl if using natural fibers.
Round 13 :
Work additional shaping rows to create pointed shoulders and head area: 1 sc in each st for 2 rounds, then (sc, dec) around in three evenly spaced spots to form neck narrowing (approx 40)
Round 14 :
Head shaping: fold narrow neck area and work 1 sc in next 8 sts, decreasing toward the center to create a small head section of about 10 sts, leaving two small triangular ear points at the top by skipping 2 sts between ear points. Work in rows to shape ears (3 rows of 4 sc each) and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Round 15 :
Using white yarn, embroider two small almond-shaped eyes on the head area using satin stitch; add a tiny white dot for highlight. With black, add subtle whisker dots if desired. Fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
Keep the cat silhouette flat and block to shape. Secure all leg tube edges with a few whip stitches to prevent flaring at joins.
— Witch Leg & Boot Motif (make 3) :
Round 1 :
With black yarn, ch 18. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (17). Turn. (17)
Round 2 :
Ch 1, sc across, add 2 sc along one short side to form a small rounded heel, then sc along opposite side of foundation chain to complete a short oval. Join with sl st (approx 38 sc)
Round 3 :
Ch 1, sc around oval increasing 6 sts evenly (44) — this forms the sole and lower boot area
Round 4 :
1 sc in each st for 3 rounds to build boot height (44)
Info :
To make the curled toe, we will shape the front of the boot by gradually decreasing and then building a spiral tip with short chains anchored back to the toe.
Round 5 :
Work (6 sc, dec) x 6 across the toe area to narrow front (38)
Round 6 :
Work 1 sc in each st around for 2 rounds (38)
Round 7 :
Toe curl formation: at toe center, ch 8, sl st into 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each ch back toward base to create a short spiral; then sc across toe to anchor. Repeat once more offset slightly for a fuller curl. Continue sc around rest of boot (adds curled tip)
Info :
Make toe curl as tight or loose as you prefer. Tighter curls require shorter chains and more dense sl st anchoring; looser curls use longer chains and fewer anchors.
Round 8 :
Now build the upper stocking in stripes: switch to orange for stripe round. Join orange to top edge of boot and work 1 sc in each st around for 1 round (38)
Round 9 :
Change to white. Work 1 sc in each st around (38)
Round 10 :
Change to orange. Work 1 sc in each st around (38)
Round 11 :
Change to white. Work 1 sc in each st around (38)
Round 12 :
Change to orange. Work 1 sc in each st around (38)
Round 13 :
Finish top edge: switch to purple and work 1 sc in BLO around to create a neat ridge, then ch 2, turn and work 12 dc evenly across top to form a decorative scalloped cuff. Fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
Keep color changes tidy by fastening off and rejoining, or carry floats if you prefer but be mindful of thickness. For multiple stripe rounds you may work in stripes of 1 round each as shown.
— Joining Lace & Runner Assembly :
Info :
Lay out your motifs in the arrangement seen in the photo: alternating spiderwebs and large motifs (pumpkin/cat/boot) so each motif overlaps the web edges slightly. Plan the runner length by arranging motifs edge to edge; typical layout for a table runner uses 3-4 clusters of three motifs across the center.
Round 1 :
Choose one spiderweb as a central connector. With purple yarn and RS up, position a pumpkin to overlap one web edge by about 0.5 in. Join with sl st to outer web arch and the round 10 BLO ridge on pumpkin using sl st across 6 evenly spaced points. Repeat for cat and boot attaching them to sequential arches on the same web resulting in three motifs anchored to one web.
Round 2 :
Join adjacent spiderweb to outer arches of the anchored web by working sl st through corresponding outer arches of both webs, creating a lacy seam. Work across 8-10 points per web seam depending on arch count. Fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
Use a tapestry needle to sew more securely through thicker motif edges where needed. Pin motifs together first to check spacing, and optionally block the joined row again for an even look.
Round 3 :
Continue adding motif clusters along the runner: add another spiderweb, attach three motifs (pumpkin, cat, boot) to its arches in the same staggered pattern. Repeat until runner reaches desired length (recommended 3 cluster repeats for a centerpiece of approx 34-38 in).
Round 4 :
When all motifs are attached and webs connected, reinforce joins by working a crocheted chain lace between motifs where there are small gaps: with purple yarn, join at an outer arch, ch 10, sl st into corresponding arch on next web or motif, repeat to bridge gaps and tidy edges.
Info :
These chain bridges allow the runner to flex and drape but still hold motifs in place; adjust chain length to avoid pulling motifs together tightly.
Round 5 :
Edge finishing: with black yarn pick up sts along outer edges of boots, cats and pumpkins and work 1 sc around entire outer perimeter to create a uniform border. Where web arcs meet motifs, work sc evenly to integrate edges (this also hides cut yarn tails). Fasten off and weave long tails through 6-8 rows of stitches to lock.
Round 6 :
Optional decorative edging: With purple, work a picot border along both long sides of runner. Attach in first outer stitch, *sc, ch 3, sl st in first ch to make picot, sc in next 4 sts* rep along entire side. Repeat on opposite side. Fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
Blocking the whole assembled runner is recommended. Pin flat on a blocking mat, shape gently, and steam or wet block according to yarn instructions to open the lace and set joins.
— Finishing Touches & Variations :
Round 1 :
Face finishing: check pumpkin faces and reinforce embroidered lines with a second pass if stitches look thin. For cat eyes, add tiny safety beads or French knot centers with thick white thread for added sparkle.
Round 2 :
Secure motifs: wherever motifs feel loose at joins, use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to sew a few invisible mattress stitches through both motif layers to strengthen points of contact without visible bulk.
Info :
Consider making extra spiderweb motifs and using them as coasters, or swap purple webs for black or blood-orange webs for different looks. You can scale motif sizes by using a larger hook and thicker yarn for a chunky runner.
Round 3 :
Care instructions: hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry. Avoid vigorous machine washing as the lace joins may long-term loosen on frequent agitation.
Info :
Store flat or rolled loosely to avoid creasing and keep the runner in shape for the season.
This Halloween table runner brings playful spooky charm to any table with its pumpkin smiles, arched black cats, striped stockings and lacy spiderwebs. Each motif is quick and satisfying to crochet, then assembled into a dramatic, eye-catching centerpiece. Whether for a party or seasonal decor, this runner adds warmth and character to your home. 🎃🕸️ Happy stitching — enjoy the cozy process and the festive payoff!
