Bring summer to your table with this richly textured Sunflower and Bee Table Runner. This pattern features three large layered sunflowers, cozy round braided mats, clusters of daisies, leaves in two green shades, and playful striped bees — all crocheted in soft worsted cotton for a warm, natural look. Modular motifs are made separately and joined to create a long, organic runner that can be adapted to any length. Detailed round-by-round instructions and assembly guidance make recreating this runner straightforward.
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— Sunflower Center (Make 3) :
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)
Info :
Work in dark brown. These rounds form a slightly domed center; maintain even tension to avoid ruffling. Place stitch marker at first stitch each round.
Round 7 :
(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
Round 8 :
(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
Round 9 :
1 sc in each st (48)
Round 10 :
1 sc in each st (48)
Info :
For more texture, you can work R9 in BLO to create a defined ridge between center and petals. Leave long tail for sewing to petal base when finished.
Round 11 :
(6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
Round 12 :
(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
Round 13 :
(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
Info :
Fasten off and weave tail to underside leaving a tidy edge to attach petals. Centers are slightly cupped: if you prefer flat, stop increasing one round earlier.
— Sunflower Petals — Single Layer Petals (Make 24 per sunflower) :
Round 1 :
With yellow, ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st to join to first ch base (counts create a long petal)
Round 2 :
Ch 1, turn to work along petal back: working back down the other side place sc, hdc, dc, tr in center top (2 tr cluster), dc, hdc, sc; sl st into base join to secure (petal is slightly 3D)
Info :
Make 24 identical petals per sunflower center. Block petals lightly with steam or pins to open shape. For layered sunflowers, make an additional 12 slightly smaller petals (ch 8 base).
Round 3 :
Use slip stitches along base edge to tidy; leave long tail for sewing onto the sunflower center perimeter so petals overlap slightly.
— Sunflower Petals — Layered Petal Row (Optional, Make 12 for second row) :
Round 1 :
Ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch, sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc, sl st to base (shorter, fuller petal)
Round 2 :
Work reverse side repeats as above, finish and leave long tail to sew in an offset layer behind main petals for depth
Info :
Sew larger petals first around center using evenly spaced marks. Then sew the smaller inner row staggered between outer petals to create fullness. Use the center rounds (Round 9-10 area) as reference for spacing.
— Sunflower Assembly (Each Sunflower) :
Info :
Pin the 24 petals evenly around the outer edge of the center (48-st circumference used as guide). Space every 2 stitches approximately: insert sewing needle through center and base of petal then through center underside for secure placement.
Step 1 :
Place a petal base into every second stitch around the outer round of the center (use 24 placements). Secure with yarn tail using a mattress stitch or whip stitch from back to front and back again through petal base and center perimeter.
Step 2 :
For a layered effect, attach 12 smaller petals behind the larger ones, positioning each small petal between two large ones and sewing only at the base so the tips lift.
Info :
Once sewn, lightly steam block or wet-block the assembled flower flat on a mat, shaping the petals outward so the sunflower lays slightly domed but not sharply cupped.
— Round Braided Mats (Make 2) :
Round 1 :
6 sc in mr with cream (6)
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)
Info :
These mats create a flat braided look by working alternating BLO rounds later. Keep tension looser than in sunflower centers so the mat sits flat against table.
Round 7 :
1 sc in each st (36)
Round 8 :
1 sc in each st BLO (36) — this creates a shallow ridge around the mat edge
Round 9 :
1 sc in each st (36)
Round 10 :
(4 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
Round 11 :
1 sc in each st (42)
Round 12 :
Work a decorative slip stitch round alternating sl st and ch1 to create a braided edge effect; finish off and hide tail on underside (42)
Info :
For a two-tone border, switch to light green for the last round, carrying cream inside or fastening off and rejoining for neat contrast.
— Daisy Flower (Make 6) :
Round 1 :
With cream, 6 sc in mr (6)
Round 3 :
1 sc in each st (12)
Round 4 :
Switch to yellow for center: (1 sc, inc) x 4 around a 12-st circle to make a small raised center (16) then sl st and fasten off (optional)
Round 5 :
Petal row: join cream at any stitch, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st into same base to form one petal. Repeat around to make 6 petals (6 petals)
Info :
Make daisies in two sizes by changing ch length: ch 6 for larger petals and ch 5 for a compact look. Leave long tails for sewing onto foliage base.
— Leaf Motif (Make 28-36) :
Round 1 :
With green A (darker), ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc; now working down the opposite side place sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sc; sl st into base and finish (leaf shape about 8 ch long)
Round 2 :
Ch 1, turn and work around leaf edges: sc evenly around the leaf, placing 3 sc at both tip and base to shape (approx 18 sc total). Finish and fasten off leaving long tail for joining.
Round 3 :
Vein row (optional): with contrasting green B, embroider a midline vein using a surface slip stitch from base to tip, or work a short chain of hdc along the center before final edging.
Info :
Vary leaf sizes: ch 6 for small, ch 8 for medium, ch 10 for large. Use both green shades and alternate orientation when pinning to the runner for natural effect.
— Small Rounded Leaf (Make 16) :
Round 1 :
With green B, mr, 8 sc in mr (8); sl st join and finish — small rounded leaf that sits well as filler
Info :
These little rounds tuck under flowers and along edges. Flatten slightly with finger and stitch in place.
— Bumble Bee Body (Make 4) :
Round 1 :
With yellow, 6 sc in mr (6)
Round 3 :
1 sc in each st (12)
Info :
Work tighter here; insert a small amount of stuffing before completing stripes. Use black yarn to surface stitch stripes later or change color for rounds.
Round 4 :
Switch to black, 1 sc in each st (12)
Round 5 :
Switch to yellow, 1 sc in each st (12)
Round 6 :
Switch to black, 1 sc in each st (12)
Round 7 :
Switch to yellow, 1 sc in each st (12)
Round 8 :
(1 sc, dec) x 4 (8)
Info :
Fasten off leaving tail; finish stuffing to a firm but slightly rounded shape before closing. Attach tiny wings by sewing two small rounds or crocheted loops onto bee dorsal side.
— Bee Wings (Make 8) :
Round 1 :
With cream, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st to base; leave long tail for sewing. Sew two wings onto each bee slightly offset.
Info :
Arrange wings so they flare slightly upwards — sew through body with a few tight stitches to anchor wings; hide tails inside body or weave under stitches.
— Small Decorative Puff Flower (Make 6) :
Round 1 :
With yellow, 6 sc in mr (6)
Round 2 :
Join cream, ch 2, (yo, insert into stitch, pull up loop) x 6 to create 6 elongated loops, yarn over and pull through all loops, ch 1 and sl st to form a puff cluster (6 loops)
Info :
Make small puffs to tuck between leaves. Do not overfill with stuffing; simple flat puffs are decorative and lightweight for joining.
— Large Decorative Leaf Panel (Make 2) :
Round 1 :
Ch 36, join with sl st to form a ring being careful not to twist (36)
Round 2 :
Ch1, sc in each ch around (36)
Round 3 :
Ch1, (sc in next 5, inc) x 6 (42)
Round 4 :
Ch1, 1 sc in each st (42)
Round 5 :
Work BLO round: 1 sc in each st BLO (42) to create a defined crease line along panel
Round 6 :
Fasten off leaving long tail for seam; this panel provides a solid leafy bed for sunflowers and mats to sit on.
Info :
Make two of these panels to anchor the layout and reduce the number of seams when joining many small leaves. Place them under clusters of flowers for stability.
— Joining Motifs & Layout Preparation :
Info :
Arrange your three sunflowers, two round mats and clusters of daisies and leaves on your table or blocking board to form the long runner layout. Use a photo reference and alternate greens for natural variation; pin pieces as you go.
Step 1 :
Begin by placing a sunflower at each third of the runner length. Tuck a round mat between the sunflowers (above or below) so the runner has a repeating rhythm. Adjust spacing so the assembled runner is approximately the desired final length.
Step 2 :
Pin large leaf panels under each cluster to create a backdrop. Position small leaves and daisies to fill gaps and soften edges. Keep bees and puff flowers on top for a playful 3D effect.
Info :
Use safety pins or sewing pins to hold placement. Work from center outward when stitching motifs together so the runner stays balanced and flat.
— Joining Technique (Slip Stitch Join and Mattress Stitch) :
Round 1 :
Use strong matching thread or yarn. For adjacent motifs whose edges match stitch counts, use slip stitch join: place motifs RS together, insert hook through both loops and sl st through both, continue evenly to the end. For non-matching edges use whip or mattress stitch for an invisible seam.
Info :
When picking seam type decide if you want visible texture (sl st join) or invisible seam (mattress). Always pin motifs and test a short seam before committing.
— Joining Rounds & Edge Fillers :
Round 1 :
Edge filler round (worked after major motifs are sewed): with light green, work a single crochet round around the exposed inner seams to tidy edges. Work 1 sc in each exposed stitch or space; where there are gaps work 3 sc in a space to fill and shape edge.
Round 2 :
Optional scallop: (sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st) around to create a decorative scalloped border following runner perimeter. Adjust spacing so scallops are even.
Info :
Do not force a perfectly straight edge; the organic shape is part of the aesthetic. Aim for even spacing and gentle curves that mimic a natural placement of leaves and flowers.
— Final Blocking & Secure Finish :
Info :
Once all pieces are joined, wet-block or steam-block the entire runner. Pin it to shape on a blocking board or towel, gently stretching petals and leaves to flatten. Allow to fully dry before using on table to keep shape stable.
Step 1 :
Weave in all ends carefully, tucking tails under several stitches on underside. Reinforce high-wear joins with a second row of stitching if runner will be handled often.
Step 2 :
Optional: Add small backing felt pieces under center motifs to protect table surfaces and provide grip. Use fabric glue or hand stitch in place, being careful not to alter the front appearance.
Info :
Label your completed runner and photograph for placement reference; storing flat or rolled loosely will protect three-dimensional petals from crushing.
Finishing this Sunflower and Bee Table Runner is a joy — every sewn petal and tiny bee adds personality and sunshine to your table. The layered texture and thoughtful color palette make it both a decorative and tactile centerpiece. Display it for brunches, seasonal gatherings, or everyday charm — it’s a project that rewards patience with a beautiful, lasting result. 🌻🐝🧶
