— Lotus Flower (Make 5 large, 6 small buds) :
Round 1 :
6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
Ch2, *dc in next st, ch2* around to create foundation for petals (18 ch-2 spaces)
Round 5 :
In each ch-2 space: (sl st, ch3, tr, ch3, sl st) to make first petal row (18 petals)
Round 6 :
Work second petal row: attach between petals and (sl st, ch4, dtr, ch4, sl st) for taller inner petals (18)
Round 7 :
Make third petal row offset: (sl st, ch5, tr into center stitch, ch5, sl st) — fan petals for fullness (18)
Round 8 :
Fasten off and shape petals by pulling inner rows slightly forward to give layered effect. For large lotus duplicate petal rounds for a second neck of petals (repeat R5-R7).
Info :
For buds (small flowers), work only R1-R5 and pull petals tightly to create closed bloom. Sew a small cluster of French knots or tiny loopy picot in warm peach at the centers to mimic pollen.
— Lily Pad (Make 8 medium, 4 small) :
Round 1 :
6 sc in magic ring with green (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 :
Work a decorative scallop: *skip 1 st, (5 dc in next st), skip 1 st, sl st* around to give lotus a leaf-lobed edge. Approx. 15 scallops
Info :
To create a notch typical of lily pads, after Round 5, choose one side and join with a short row of ch3 and sl st back into the next st to create a small gap. For larger pads, continue increasing to 36 sts before scallops.
— Reed & Tall Grass Clusters :
Round 1 :
Ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to make ring (4) — tall reed base
Round 2 :
Ch20 (or desired reed length), turn and sc back down chain into same foundation ring to create long stem. Repeat to make 3-5 stems bundled for a cluster.
Round 3 :
Make narrow leaf blades by chaining 8, sl st into ring, then sc around ring for three blades. Fasten off and block straight. Make 9 clusters total (3 per swan area).
Info :
If you prefer more realistic reeds, use BLO for the last round to create a ridged texture, and stiffen slightly with a starch spray or a tiny internal wire routed through the stem and wrapped in thread.
— Connector Mesh Motifs (joiners between swans) :
Round 1 :
Ch 12, join into ring (12)
Round 2 :
Ch3 (counts as dc), *ch3, dc in next st* repeat around to create open loops (12 loops)
Round 3 :
In each ch3 loop: (sc, ch5, sc) to create mesh arches (12 arches)
Round 4 :
Join mesh arches side-to-side with 1 sc in arch top, ch7, sc in next arch top to create an elongated openwork band.
Round 5-8 :
Repeat Round 4, enlarging ch spaces for lacey openness; work 4 rows total to achieve desired vertical distance between motifs.
Info :
These connector bands are worked to specific lengths to position three swans evenly. Make two long connector strips — one between Swans 1 & 2 and one between Swans 2 & 3. Each strip should be approximately the same length as the swan bodies to achieve a balanced look.
— Scalloped Lace Border (work around entire runner after joining motifs) :
Round 1 :
With main cream color, work 1 sc evenly around outer edge of assembled runner, placing 3 sc in each corner/point to maintain shaping (count will vary with assembled size)
Round 2 :
Ch3, *skip 2 sts, shell (5 dc) in next st, skip 2 sts, ch3, sl st into next st* around to create scallop foundation.
Round 3 :
In each shell: (sc in shell base, ch2, 3 tr, ch2, sc) to heighten scallops (approx. shells equal to number of scallops around)
Round 4 :
Picot-edge: *(sc, picot) across scallop peaks, sl st into valley between shells* around to create fine framed edges.
Info :
Work border after all motifs are sewn in place and connector mesh is attached. Pin the entire runner to blocking board to ensure scallops are symmetrical before working the final rounds. Use additional blocking to ensure scallops lay flat and curve outward gently.
Round 5 :
Optional decorative overlay row: in each scallop peak work (ch3, 2 dc, picot, 2 dc, ch3) to emphasize vintage look. Fasten off and weave ends.
— Finishing & Edging Details :
Round 1 :
Weave in all tails carefully using tapestry needle. For hidden joins consider sewing from wrong side for clean front appearance.
Round 2 :
Wet-block full runner, pinning each scallop and each lotus petal. Gently steam or spray and allow to dry completely; add light stiffener to lotus centers if petals droop.
Info :
Attach small nylon-tooth pads under raised lotus centers if placing on delicate surfaces to prevent snagging. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning; hand wash with gentle soap and re-block when dry.
— Quantity Summary & Repeats :
Info :
Make 3 Swan Units (each: Head, Neck, Body, 2 Wings), 5 large Lotus Flowers, 6 small buds, 8 medium Lily Pads, 4 small Lily Pads, and 9 Reed Clusters. Make two long Connector Mesh strips. After all motifs are blocked, position on blocking board and join as shown in reference photo before finalBorder rounds.
— Extra Texture & Advanced Stitch Variations :
Info :
To create even richer feather texture on the swan bodies, substitute some puff petals with elongated loops: yo twice, pull loop through, yo and pull through remaining loops to create tall loop stitches, then anchor loops with a sc round. These must be executed consistently to maintain even height across motif.
Info :
When working layered lotus petals, use a smaller hook (2.0mm) for inner rows to create more pronounced petal definition. Anchor inner petals to outer petal bases with sl st from wrong side for secure layering.
— Stitch Count Verification & Notes :
Info :
All increases and decreases shown are calculated per round for a symmetrical result. If your row counts vary, re-count the last two rounds and compare to expected counts to find the discrepancy. Use removable stitch markers to map motif centers prior to final joining.
— Pattern Variation Suggestions :
Info :
Use ecru or soft blush for slightly warmer look, or work with mercerized cotton for added sheen. Add metallic thread sparingly to petal edges if a shimmery holiday table is desired. For smaller runner, reduce connector rows and make only two Swan Units.
This White Swan Lake runner is a labor of love that transforms your table into a serene waterside tableau. Every motif — from the elegant swans to the layered lotus blossoms — adds texture and charm. The modular construction makes the process enjoyable in small sessions. I hope this project fills your home with handmade grace and becomes a treasured heirloom. 🧶🌿
