This beachy table runner brings the seaside to your table with flowing waves of turquoise and aqua, swirls of sandy beige, and a scattering of cream seashells. Three turquoise starfish dotted with sandy bobbles rest among scallop shells and spiral shells, and a soft cream scalloped border frames the whole piece. It is perfect for coastal homes, beach houses, summer parties, and nautical decor.
The runner is made in three parts. First you crochet the wave base in strips of turquoise, aqua, and beige and join them. Next you add the cream scalloped border. Finally you make the starfish and seashells and sew them on top for a raised, dimensional look.
Materials
Worsted weight cotton yarn in turquoise, about 120 g
Worsted weight cotton yarn in pale aqua, about 80 g
Worsted weight cotton yarn in sandy beige, about 100 g
Worsted weight cotton yarn in cream, about 180 g
Crochet hook 4.0 mm
Small amount of fiberfill stuffing
Tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers
Finished Size
About 40 by 120 cm (16 by 47 inches)
Stitches Used (US Terms)
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
dc double crochet
tr treble crochet
MR magic ring
FLO front loop only
bobble 5 double crochet worked into the same stitch and closed together
shell 5 double crochet worked into the same stitch or space
Part 1: The Wave Strips
The base is made of long curved strips that are pinned into waves and sewn together.
Mesh strips (make 3 turquoise and 2 aqua): Chain 12. Double crochet in the 6th chain from the hook. Chain 1, skip 1 chain, and double crochet in the next chain across. Turn. Repeat the mesh row until the strip is about 110 cm long. Fasten off.
Solid strips (make 2 beige and 2 turquoise): Chain 8. Half double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook and across. Turn. Work rows of half double crochet in the front loop only until the strip is about 110 cm long. Fasten off.
Part 2: Shaping and Joining the Waves
Draw the runner outline on paper, about 40 by 120 cm with rounded ends.
Lay the strips on the paper in gentle S curves, alternating mesh and solid strips, so they flow down the runner like waves. Let the beige strips swirl across the turquoise ones, as shown in the photo.
Pin the strips together where they touch and sew them with matching yarn. Trim the ends to fit the outline and sew them down.
Fill any small gaps with short rows of aqua mesh.
Part 3: The Cream Scalloped Border
Round 1: Join cream at one end. Chain 1 and single crochet evenly around the whole runner. Join.
Round 2: Chain 1 and single crochet in the first stitch. Skip 2 stitches and work a shell in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around. Join.
Round 3: Slip stitch to the center of the first shell. Chain 4 and single crochet in the next single crochet. Chain 4 and single crochet in the center of the next shell. Repeat around, then work 7 double crochet in each chain 4 space on the next round. Join and fasten off.
Part 4: The Starfish (make 3)
Make 2 pieces for each starfish in turquoise.
With turquoise, make a magic ring. Chain 1 and work 10 single crochet. Join. Increase to 20 stitches.
Arms: Single crochet in the next 4 stitches. Turn. Work rows of single crochet, decreasing 1 stitch every second row until 1 stitch remains. Fasten off. Rejoin in the next 4 stitches and repeat to make 5 arms.
Place the 2 pieces together and single crochet around the edge, stuffing lightly as you go.
With beige, make about 35 tiny bobbles (a magic ring with 4 single crochet, pulled closed) and sew them in a line down each arm and in a ring at the center.
Part 5: The Seashells
Scallop shells (make 7 in cream and beige): Chain 4. In the 4th chain from the hook, work 9 double crochet to make a fan. Turn. Chain 3 and work 2 double crochet in each stitch. Turn. Chain 3 and work double crochet in the front post of each stitch for ridges. Work 2 more rows the same way, increasing at the edges. Work 1 row of single crochet around the base and add 2 small triangle wings at the hinge.
Spiral shells (make 5 in cream): Chain 25. Work 3 double crochet in each chain to make a curly strip. Roll it tightly into a spiral and sew it in place.
Assembly
Sew one starfish near each end of the runner and one in the middle, angling them in different directions.
Sew the scallop shells along both sides and the ends, letting some overlap the border.
Tuck the spiral shells between the starfish and scallops.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the runner and pin it flat. Pin out the scallops on the border. Do not press the starfish or shells so they stay raised.
Ways to Use Your Ocean Runner
Use it as a centerpiece for summer and beach house tables.
Make single starfish and shells as coasters or ornaments.
Use the starfish as a wall decoration or bathroom accent.
Use it as a decoration for a beach wedding or mermaid party.
Make a shorter version for a coffee table or bathroom shelf.
Color Ideas
Navy and white waves with coral starfish for a nautical look
Soft blue and white waves with pink shells for a pastel beach style
Sea green and sand waves with white starfish for a calm coastal home
Turquoise and lime waves with orange starfish for a tropical party
Tips for Success
Draw the outline on paper so the waves fit together neatly.
Make the strips a little longer than needed. It is easy to trim and sew down the ends.
Stuff the starfish lightly so they stay soft and flat enough for a table.
Pin all the shells and starfish before sewing to check the layout.
Final Thoughts
This seashell and starfish ocean runner is a relaxing project that brings the calm of the beach to any table. Share your finished runners in the comments below. We would love to see your makes!