A warm, vintage-inspired sunflower table runner featuring three dimensional sunflowers, textured leaves, tiny buds and a lacy scalloped border. Worked on a delicate open mesh base in cream with bold autumn florals in golden yellow, deep orange, rust, and olive green. This pattern guides you through crocheting the lacy ground fabric, all floral appliques, stems and assembly for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Progress Tracker
0% Complete
— Materials & Notes :
Info :
This pattern is written in US terms. Gauge is not critical for the mesh base but affects finished size of appliques. Work with consistent tension. I recommend making and blocking one sunflower and leaf first to check scale against your table. The runner pictured measures approximately 36" long x 9.5" wide when using worsted weight yarn and a 3.5mm hook.
— Base Panel (Lacy Grid) :
Foundation :
Ch 121 (this foundation creates ~36" length - adjust by adding or subtracting multiples of 4 chains for longer/shorter runner)
Row 1 :
Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), *ch 2, skip 2, dc in next ch* across to last ch, dc in last ch. (Approx 60 dc and 59 ch-2 spaces depending on exact chain)
Row 2 :
Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in same st, *ch 2, skip ch-2 sp, dc in next dc* across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Maintain same number of ch-2 spaces across. (Count stays consistent)
Row 3-18 :
Repeat Row 2 for a total of 18 rows of mesh (this gives a height of approximately 9-10 inches before border; adjust rows to match desired runner length). Keep stitch counts steady and mark edge stitches with stitch markers to track turning points.
Info :
If you prefer a denser ground, work Row 2 in the BLO for a subtler ridge at the joins. For the pictured look keep stitches even and open to allow appliques to sit on top.
Row 19 :
Ch 3, turn. Dc in same st, *ch 2, skip ch-2 sp, dc in next dc* across. (Mesh continues - at this point measure and ensure the central mesh area will accommodate three sunflowers with space between)
Row 20-28 :
Repeat Row 19 for additional rows until you reach the base area where you will attach appliques; the total number of mesh rows on the pictured runner is 28. This creates a rectangular mesh with consistent ch-2 openings suitable for sewing motifs.
Info :
When working the base, place stitch markers at 12-ch intervals along the foundation and at each corner to help when centering the flower layout later. Blocking the base flat after finishing will help hosts lie flat when motifs are sewn on.
— Border Preparation :
Round 1 :
Work around entire rectangle: Join yarn at lower right corner, ch 1, sc evenly along edge into each dc and ch-2 space along sides. Place 3 sc in each corner to keep runner flat. (Maintain even counts along sides)
Round 2 :
Ch 3, *skip next 1 sc, dc in next sc, ch 1* across sides, placing 3 dc, ch 1 in each corner sc to form a gently scalloped first round. (Counts vary by side length)
Info :
This preliminary border evens the edge and prepares for the scalloped shell edges. Keep a consistent number of repeat shells along each side for symmetry; add or remove one dc,ch1 repeat per side if needed to adjust fit.
Round 3 (Shell Base) :
Ch 1, sl st into next dc to position, *5 dc in next ch-1 space, skip until next ch-1, sl st* around, placing 7-9 shells per long side and 2-3 shells per short end depending on length. Join with sl st to starting position.
Round 4 (Scallop Finish) :
Attach yarn at center of any shell; work *(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) into shell center* to create scallop edging. Repeat across shells. Fasten off and weave ends. Block border to shape scallops evenly.
Info :
Blocking the base and border now before creating appliques ensures the mesh is the correct final shape and makes placement of flowers precise. Leave the base pinned and dry before sewing on pieces.
— Sunflower (Make 3; two large, one mid-size variations explained) :
Note :
We detail rounds for a large sunflower that matches the pictured large flower (~5.5" diameter when worked in worsted on 3.5mm). For the middle-size sunflower, reduce rounds proportionally or use a smaller hook.
Round 1 :
With light brown (center base) work 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
Round 5 :
Change to dark brown. (2 sc in same st as join), *3 sc, inc* around (30) - work evenly to create thicker center.
Info :
Change to dark brown on the last stitch to create the dark central ring found in the photo. Work a tight tension here so the center sits slightly raised beneath the petal rounds.
Round 6 :
1 sc in each st around (30)
Round 7 :
1 sc in each st around (30) - this creates two rounds of dark brown to provide depth and a sandwich layer beneath the puffs of petals
Round 8 :
Change to golden yellow. Join yarn and sc around in BLO for a defined ridge: 1 sc in each st BLO (30)
Info :
Working the first petal foundation round in BLO provides a small ridge which helps petals sit cleanly and creates separation between center and petals.
Round 9 (Petal Foundation) :
*(ch 1, sc) into BLO of next st, ch 1, skip 0 sts* repeat around to create 30 foundation points for petals. (30)
Round 10 (Inner Petal - puff based) :
Working into each foundation point: ch 1, work 3-tr puff cluster (yo, insert, pull up, yo pull through 2 times) etc as 3-yo puff, secure with sl st into base. Repeat into each point to create 30 small puff petals forming inner petal layer. Maintain consistent puff height. (30 petals)
Round 11 :
1 sc in each st around behind petals to secure them and tidy the back (30)
Info :
Keep petals slightly overlapping. If you want a fuller look, make the puff stitch with 4 yos for a plumper petal but this will increase diameter; adjust by tightness.
Round 12 (Outer Petal Base) :
Change to golden orange (or rust for second sunflower). Ch 1, *sc in next st, ch 2* around to create 15 petal anchors (work two foundation chains together for larger petals). (15 anchors)
Round 13 (Outer Petals) :
Into each anchor: (sl st, ch3, 4 dc cluster into anchor, ch3, sl st) forming large elongated petal. Repeat 15 times around to create large showy petals. Fasten off leaving tail for sewing. (15 petals)
Round 14 :
Turn sunflower edge to back and sc around the back rim to flatten and tidy seam, approximately 45 sc evenly spaced across the back rim. Fasten off and weave ends. (Approx 45 sc)
Info :
For a two-tone petal effect as pictured, work the outer petals in two rounds: first a foundation of yellow, then overlay with orange petals worked into the foundation anchors. Slight blocking of petals with steam or spray helps shape each petal to curve outward.
Round 15 (Optional raised center details) :
With dark brown, make a small spiral surface decor on center using sl st spiral across dark brown rounds forming a textured core. Work 10-12 sl sts in spiral, fasten off. This creates the central textured seed look.
Info :
Make three sunflowers: two large (full rounds as above) and one with fewer outer petal anchors (work 12 anchors instead of 15) to create the smaller middle sunflower seen in the photo. Adjust color order for the second sunflower (rusty outer petals, bright golden inner).
— Small 6-Petal Flower (Make 3-4) :
Round 1 :
With cream yarn work 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 (Petal Formation) :
*Ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st into next st* repeat around to form 6 rounded petals (6 petals). Fasten off and weave ends.
Info :
Add a small brown seed center by working a 6-sc circle in light brown and sew to the cream flower center to replicate the photo daisies.
— Little 5-Petal Accent Flower (Make 2-3) :
Round 1 :
With deep red: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6)
Round 3 :
*Ch1, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next st, sl st into next st* repeat to form 5 small overlapping petals. Fasten off. Add tiny yellow french knot-style centers using small yarn wrapped stitch.
Info :
These small accents are shallow and flat; sew them onto the mesh after the leaves and stems are in place to mimic the layered look in the photograph.
— Leaves (Make 8-10; varied sizes) :
Leaf Size A (Large Leaf) - Repeat for 4 :
Ch 10.
Row 1 :
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc, sc across to end; turn. (Creates one half of leaf)
Row 2 :
Working on opposite side of foundation chain: sc, hdc, dc in next 3, hdc, sc across to meet beginning. (Full leaf formed, approximate count 18-20 sts)
Round 3 :
Working around edge: sc evenly around leaf, placing (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) at the tip to create a pointed edge. (Approx 24 sc total)
Info :
Work veins by couching a thin chain (see Stem section) down the center with a yarn needle or by stitching lines of back stitch in contrasting green for definition. For the pictured sculpted leaves use FLO on the last round to create ridges that mimic midrib and lateral veins.
Leaf Size B (Small Leaf) - Repeat for 4-6 :
Ch 7. Work as above but with fewer dc stitches in the middle to produce a smaller leaf. Finish with sc edging. (Approx 16 sts)
Info :
Use slightly tighter tension on leaves for structure. Block leaves pinned with a small curve to match the gentle arch evident on the runner.
— Stems & Corded Branches :
Stem Method A (Crocheted i-cord) :
With green, make a foundation ch of desired stem length (approx 20-30 ch for long stems between sunflowers). Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. Row 2-20: ch 1, turn, sc across; fold cord and sc through both layers to create a firm rounded cord. Fasten and leave long tails for sewing.
Info :
I-cord style stems are robust and lie smoothly across the mesh. For very thin stems use a 3-chain cord twisted and sewn down with a few invisible stitches.
Stem Method B (Braided) :
Make 3 loose chains of the same length and braid them, knotting both ends. Steam set the braid if you wish it to stay flat, then sew to the base using invisible stitches.
Info :
Position stems before sewing motifs; pin in place to ensure they follow a graceful sweeping path as in the photograph.
— Small Berry Buds (Make 12-18) :
Round 1 :
With bright yellow, make 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2 :
1 sc in each st around (6)
Round 3 :
Dec x3 (3) - lightly stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill if desired
Info :
These tiny round buds are sewn in clusters to the stem with short green thread stalks of 4-6 ch to lift them slightly from the mesh. Do not overstuff; these are primarily surface ornaments.
— Assembly & Placement Preparation :
Info :
Before sewing any appliques, lay the blocked base flat on your work surface, position each sunflower and leaf roughly as pictured: one large at each end and one medium near the center. Use pins to mark placement. Place leaves alternating along the stems to create a natural flow. Take a photograph of your pinned layout for reference while sewing.
Info :
Sew stems first so that flowers can be attached over them and the sewn lines hide seam work. Use a yarn needle and matching yarn; use long sewing tails left when fastening off each applique. Sew through the mesh intersections (dc rows) to anchor firmly without distorting the mesh squares.
Sewing Step 1 :
Position stem cords and baste them lightly with a few loose whip stitches. Once happy with placement, stitch across the stem at 1" intervals using invisible ladder stitches to secure.
Sewing Step 2 :
Pin sunflower bases over stem ends and sew through the back rim sc round (Round 14 of sunflower) into the mesh foundation using the yarn tail: work evenly spaced stitches around the back rim into the dc rows of the mesh until the flower is flat and stable.
Info :
When sewing petals, catch only back rim stitches and mesh threads; avoid pulling petals into the mesh to maintain 3D profile. For extremely secure attachment, add a central tack stitch through the sunflower center into the mesh and tie off on the underside.
Sewing Step 3 :
Arrange leaves around flowers and stems: slip the leaf midrib under the stem slightly and sew along the edge of the midrib line. Anchor at both the leaf base and tip with a few tight stitches to avoid flipping.
Sewing Step 4 :
Sew small accent flowers and buds last in clusters. Use small stitches and a matching thread color. Tuck small buds at stem junctions and around leaves for a natural clustered appearance.
Info :
Weave in all tails on the underside of the runner. Use small neat stitches and clip close. Optionally reinforce critical attachment points with a tiny dab of fabric glue under the knot for extra security (test first on scrap yarn).
— Finishing Touches :
Info :
Block the entire runner flat after all pieces are sewn on. Pin scalloped edges and steam lightly (or spray with water) to set petals and leaves. Allow to dry fully. Trim stray fibers and feel for any loose pieces — resew as necessary.
Optional Embellishment :
Embroider small seed details in the sunflower centers with brown embroidery thread to add texture. Use french knots or small tightly wrapped yarn knots in concentric rows to emulate sunflower seeds as desired.
Final Care :
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap and reshape while wet. Dry flat. Excessive heat will block or distort appliques, so avoid tumble drying.
Info :
This pattern provides flexible sizing. To lengthen the runner add multiples of 4 chains to the foundation and repeat mesh rows proportionally; adjust the number of border shells to maintain symmetry.
Completing this sunflower table runner brings a lovely handcrafted centerpiece to your home — every petal and stitched leaf tells a story of careful making. The layered appliques and lacy base create a beautiful contrast that brightens any table setting. Take pride in the slow, meditative process and enjoy the warm glow it adds to your space. 🧶🌻 Your finished runner will be a cherished seasonal accent for years to come! 🎨
