Bright sunflower motifs and leafy filigree join together to form a long, airy table runner perfect for dining tables and sideboards. This pattern features large and small sunflower motifs, textured brown centers, sage-green leaves, and neutral circular motifs connected with lacy chains. The finished runner has a handcrafted, cottage-style look that lays flat and sparks conversation.
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β Materials & Gauge :
Info :
Gauge is not critical for motif assembly, but for consistent motif sizing, 4.0mm hook with worsted cotton should give approx 2.5-3in diameter for small flower center rounds shown. Keep consistent hook and yarn for all motifs. Wash and block samples to check finished size.
β Large Sunflower Motif (Make 3 to assemble runner) :
Round 1 :
Make a magic ring. 6 sc into MR (6)
Round 2 :
Inc in each st around (6 inc) (12)
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)
Round 7 :
(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
Round 8 :
(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
Round 9-11 :
1 sc in each st (48)
Info :
These rounds form the flat brown center disc base. Keep stitches tight for a dense center so the petals sit neatly on top.
Round 12 :
(6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
Round 13 :
(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
Info :
Change to sunflower brown if you are working two-tone center, or continue with deep chocolate as shown. Fasten off brown and join yellow/gold yarn with slip stitch for petal foundation (if using second brown round, weave tail to hide).
Round 14 (Petal foundation) :
Join yellow. *ch2, sk next st, sl st in next st* around attaching a ch2 loop every 2 sts to space out petals (24 loops). If using 48 base sts, you will form 24 petal loops. (24 loops)
Info :
Petal loops mark where full petals will be worked. Adjust loops to create 16 or 24 larger petals depending on desired fullness; to make 16 petals, place a loop every 3 stitches instead.
Round 15 (Base for petals) :
*Into each ch2 loop: (sc, ch2, sc)* repeat around to create a small anchor for petals (24 anchors) (24)
Round 16 (Petal row - puff petals) :
*In anchor: (puff5, sl st) in same anchor; ch1, move to next anchor* puff5 = [yo, insert hook, pull up loop] repeat 5 times then yo and pull through all loops, ch1 to close puff. Repeat around to form 24 puff petals (24)
Info :
Make puff stitches with consistent tension. Puff5 gives tall, full petals β if your puff is too tall for your yarn, reduce to puff4. After completing, gently flatten and shape petals with fingers or a warm steam block.
Round 17 :
Flip work to the back side. Attach yellow to the base of every 2nd puff and make a reverse row of 5 dc clusters behind the existing petals to add fullness: *(ch1, 5 dc cluster in same anchor, sl st to next anchor)* repeat around (24 clusters)
Round 18 (Finish petal edge) :
On right side, join yarn at base of first petal, *sc in base, hdc in puff top, sc in next base* repeat around to tidy petal edges and secure petals to center (approx 72 stitches depending on repeats)
Round 19 :
Optional decorative round: *ch3, sk 1 petal, sl st in next base* to create small lacy scallops between petals. Repeat around to finish edge.
Info :
Fasten off, weave in ends. Block motif flat to open petals and shape. Large sunflower finished diameter should be approx 7.5-9 inches depending on yarn and hook.
β Medium Sunflower Motif (Make 4) :
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Round 5 :
1 sc in each st (24)
Info :
Keep this center slightly smaller than the large sunflower - work only one even round to create a shallower center.
Round 6 (Petal markers) :
Join petal color. *ch2, sl st in next st* around forming 12 loops (12)
Round 7 (Petal anchors) :
Into each loop: sc, ch1, sc (12)
Round 8 (Petals) :
*In each anchor: puff4, sl st; ch1 to move to next* repeat around to form 12 petals (12)
Round 9 :
sc around petal bases to tidy (approx 36 sc)
Info :
Medium sunflower will measure about 4.5-5.5 inches across. Leave long tail for sewing to the lattice when assembling.
Round 10 (Optional outer petal row) :
Make small dc shells between petals: *ch2, 3 dc in base between petals, ch2, sl st at next base* repeat to add more fullness
Round 11 :
Fasten off and weave ends. Block gently to open petals.
β Small Sunflower Motif (Make 8) :
Round 3 :
1 sc in each st (12)
Round 4 (Petal anchors) :
Join petal color: *ch1, sl st in next st* around to make 12 tiny anchors (12)
Round 5 (Petals) :
*In anchors: (hdc, puff3, hdc)* repeat around to make tiny puff petals (12)
Info :
Small sunflowers are accent flowers; keep petals smaller and more compact. They will measure approx 2.5-3in diameter.
Round 6 :
sc around petal bases to tidy and secure (approx 36)
Round 7 :
Fasten off and weave in ends. Block lightly.
β Leaf Motif (Make 28-36 leaves) :
Round 1 :
ch7. Row 1 along chain: in 2nd ch from hook sc, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sc (7 stitches across chain)
Round 2 :
Work along opposite side of foundation chain to mirror: sc in each st returning to starting point (14 total around foundation chain including both sides)
Round 3 :
Along the edge, make an increase curve: *sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc* shaping the leaf point (add 2 sts across tip to form peak) (approx 18)
Info :
Alternatively work leaf in the round from a magic ring for a closed leaf. The flat leaf works well for overlaying and joining into lattices. Maintain symmetrical stitch counts when shaping both sides.
Round 4 (Vein detail) :
Switch to BLO for this round: 1 sc in each st BLO around to create a ridge for the central vein (approx 18)
Round 5 (Vein embroidery) :
Using same yarn or contrasting green, embroider a central vein with surface slip stitch: bring yarn up at leaf base, sl st up the center to tip and back down, secure at base.
Info :
Blocking the leaf pinned with slight curve helps shape it to sit naturally when sewn. Make a mix of larger and smaller leaves by varying the foundation chain length (ch5 for small leaves or ch9 for extra large leaves).
Round 6 :
Edge finish: sl st around edge to tidy. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
β Round Neutral Medallion (Make 4) :
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 8 (24)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 8 (32)
Round 5 :
1 sc in each st (32)
Info :
This medallion is worked flat and remains neutral to break up floral density. Work in oatmeal/cream color to match the sample runner. Make three or four depending on runner length.
Round 6 :
1 sc around in BLO to create a subtle ridge (32)
Round 7 :
Optional: *ch3, sk 2, sl st* around to lace the edge or work a final round of sc for a neat finish. Fasten off and weave ends.
β Lacy Connector Motif (Make multiple to join motifs) :
Round 1 :
Using oatmeal/cream, ch6, join to form ring with sl st (6 ch ring)
Round 2 :
Ch3 (counts as dc), 15 dc into ring, join with sl st to top of ch3 (16)
Round 3 :
*ch4, sl st into next dc* repeat around forming 8 lacy loops (8)
Round 4 :
Into each ch4 loop: (sc, ch3, sc) to create small 8 petal lace points (each group = 3 sts) (approx 24)
Info :
These little connector motifs are used as junction points between flowers and leaves; they give the runner an airy look. Make a number proportionate to the number of flower motifs: roughly one connector per motif junction (approx 10-14).
Round 5 :
Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Block with pins to keep lace open while assembling.
β Decorative Round Leaf Cluster (Make many for filler) :
Round 1 :
ch8, join to ring, 16 sc around ring (16)
Round 2 :
Attach green yarn to one stitch, *ch3, sl st in 3rd sc to make tiny leaf loop* repeat around forming 8 mini loops (8)
Round 3 :
Into each mini loop work: (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) to form rounded mini-leaves around the cluster (approx 40 sts after completing all leaves)
Info :
Use these clusters to fill negative space between large motifs and medallions. They help transition shapes and make joining simpler by providing many attach points.
Round 4 :
Fasten off and weave ends
β Edge Finish: Scallop Border Around Runner (Worked after assembly) :
Round 1 :
With oatmeal yarn and right side up, sc evenly around outer edge of assembled runner placing approx 1 sc per 0.25in of edge. Place extra sc at points to maintain even shape (count varies by runner size)
Round 2 :
*Skip 2 sc, in next sc make 5 dc shell, skip 2 sc, sl st in next sc* repeat around to form scalloped edge
Info :
Make shells only where there is room; avoid scallops that extend beyond leaves. Alternatively, work a picot edge for a smaller finish.
β Assembly & Joining Motifs :
Info :
Lay out all motifs on a flat blocking board or towel in the desired runner formation before sewing. Arrange large sunflowers spaced evenly (in sample: 3 large along the runner), med./small sunflowers and medallions filling gaps. Use connector motifs at 3-way joins to anchor pieces. Block each motif so edges are flat and consistent prior to joining.
Joining Technique 1 (Slip-stitch join) :
Hold two motifs right sides together and work sl st through corresponding outer loops/edge stitches to join. Use a contrast or matching yarn as preferred. Secure with knot and weave ends.
Joining Technique 2 (Sewing with yarn needle) :
Sew motifs with mattress stitch or whip stitch using matching yarn tail. Insert needle through back loops of both motifs for a flatter seam. Reinforce junctions with additional passes where motifs will be handled frequently.
Info :
Use connector and leaf ends to disguise seams; overlap a leaf over a seam and tack with a few stitches to hide joins. Pin motifs first, then sew so placement remains exact.
Final Steps :
Once all motifs are joined and seams secured, trim and weave in all tails. Give the entire runner a final blocking to even out shape and open lacy joints. Press with a damp cloth or steam lightly from a distance if yarn allows.
Info :
If runner will receive frequent use, consider applying a small amount of fabric glue to high wear seam backs or attach felt protectors under the runner's high points to avoid snagging.
Completing this Sunflower Wreath Motif Table Runner is so rewarding β every petal, leaf, and medallion adds personality and warmth to your table! The modular design makes it satisfying to stitch few motifs at a time, then watch them transform into a cohesive runner. Whether for seasonal tables or everyday charm, itβs a joyful addition to any home. π»π§Ά