This elegant table runner features lush purple lilac clusters with soft green leaves, set on a cream lace background with a pale green scalloped edge. A curving green stem joins the two bouquets, and strands of pearl beads drape across the lace for a romantic, vintage feel. It is perfect for spring tables, Easter brunch, weddings, and garden parties.
The runner is made in three parts. First you crochet the cream lace base with its rounded fan ends, then you add the green edging, and finally you make the lilac flowers, leaves, and stem and sew them on top for a raised, dimensional look. The pearls are threaded and stitched on last.
Materials
- Sport weight cotton yarn in cream, about 250 g
- Sport weight cotton yarn in sage green, about 60 g
- Sport weight cotton yarn in three shades of purple (light lilac, medium violet, deep plum), about 30 g each
- Crochet hook 3.0 mm
- About 120 glass or acrylic pearl beads, 8 to 12 mm
- Beading thread or clear nylon thread and a beading needle
- Tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers
Finished Size
About 35 by 100 cm (14 by 40 inches)
Stitches Used (US Terms)
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- hdc half double crochet
- dc double crochet
- tr treble crochet
- shell 5 double crochet worked into the same stitch or space
- V stitch double crochet, chain 1, double crochet in the same stitch
- picot chain 3 and slip stitch into the first chain
Part 1: The Cream Lace Base
With cream, chain 98.
Row 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. You have 96 stitches.
Rows 2 to 3: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet) and double crochet in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 4: Chain 4 (counts as a double crochet and chain 1), skip 1 stitch, and double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat across to make an open mesh. Turn.
Row 5: Chain 3, then work a V stitch in every other chain 1 space, with 1 double crochet in the spaces between. Turn.
Rows 6 to 60: Repeat Rows 4 and 5, working 3 rows of solid double crochet every 10 rows to create the textured bands you see in the photo. The center of the runner is worked mostly in mesh so the flowers sit on an open, airy background.
Rows 61 to 63: Chain 3 and double crochet in each stitch across. Do not fasten off.
Part 2: The Rounded Fan Ends
Work each short end the same way.
Row 1: Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, and work a shell in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat across. Turn.
Row 2: Slip stitch to the center of the first shell. Chain 3, skip to the next shell, and work 7 double crochet in its center stitch. Repeat across, leaving the first and last shell unworked to start shaping the curve. Turn.
Rows 3 to 6: Continue working larger fans into the centers of the previous fans, skipping one fan at each edge on every row. This gives the gently rounded end with the sunburst fans shown in the photo.
Fasten off and repeat on the other end.
Part 3: The Sage Green Edging
Join sage green in any stitch along a long side.
Round 1: Chain 1 and work single crochet evenly around the entire runner, with 3 single crochet at each sharp turn. Join.
Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, and work 5 double crochet in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around to make small scallops. Join.
Round 3: Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch around, working a picot at the center of each scallop. Join and fasten off.
Part 4: The Lilac Florets (make about 120)
Each lilac cluster is made of many tiny four petal florets in mixed shades.
With any purple, chain 3 and join into a ring.
Round 1: Chain 2, then work 1 double crochet, chain 2, and slip stitch into the ring. Repeat 3 more times to make 4 petals. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.
Make about 40 florets in each shade. Use a little yellow or cream thread to stitch a tiny dot in the center of some florets.
Part 5: The Lilac Buds (make about 40)
With deep plum, chain 3.
Row 1: Work a 3 loop puff stitch in the 3rd chain from the hook and close it. Chain 1 and fasten off. Leave a tail for sewing.
These small bobbles fill the narrow tips of each cluster.
Part 6: The Leaves (make 8)
With sage green, chain 16.
Round 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, hdc in the next 2 chains, dc in the next 3 chains, tr in the next 3 chains, dc in the next 3 chains, hdc in the next chain, and 3 sc in the last chain. Work back down the other side of the chain in the same order. Join.
Round 2: Slip stitch around the edge for a neat outline. Fasten off.
With a darker green, embroider a center vein and small side veins with backstitch.
Part 7: The Stem
With sage green, chain about 90 cm long.
Row 1: Slip stitch in the back bump of each chain across. This makes a firm cord that holds its curve.
Assembly
Place the runner flat and mark the center line.
Pin the stem in a gentle S curve from the top end down to the bottom end, following the photo.
Pin one large cross shaped bouquet just above the center and one smaller bouquet near the bottom fan end. Add a small sprig near the top end.
For each bouquet, sew florets in tight overlapping layers to form cone shaped clusters. Use light shades on top and deep shades at the tips, then finish the tips with buds.
Tuck two leaves under each cluster and sew them in place.
Sew the stem down with small stitches in matching green.
Thread pearls onto beading thread in long strands and stitch them in swags across the lace, tacking between every 3 to 4 pearls.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the runner and pin it flat with straight sides and evenly rounded ends. Open each fan and scallop with pins. Do not press the flowers so they stay puffy and raised. Add pearls after blocking if you use beads that should not get wet.
Ways to Use Your Lilac Runner
- Use it as a centerpiece runner for spring and Easter tables.
- Make matching round placemats with a single lilac sprig, as shown around the runner.
- Drape it across a dresser or buffet as a vintage style doily.
- Use it as a wedding or bridal shower table decoration.
- Make a shorter version as a piano or mantel scarf.
Color Ideas
- White lilacs with green leaves on an ivory background for a bridal look
- Pink lilacs on cream with rose gold beads for a soft romantic style
- Blue hydrangea style clusters on white for a coastal table
- Yellow forsythia sprays on pale green for an early spring theme
Tips for Success
- Keep your tension even in the mesh rows so the runner does not pull narrow in the middle.
- Mix the floret shades as you sew so each cluster looks natural, not striped.
- Pin every bouquet and pearl swag before sewing to check the layout.
- Use a smaller hook for the florets so they stay firm and hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
This lilac and pearl lace runner is a show stopping project that brings the beauty of a spring garden to your table. Pair it with matching placemats for a complete set. Share your finished runners in the comments below. We would love to see your spring makes!