This elegant table runner features three graceful ivory orchids with soft beige centers and pearl stamens, set on a cream lace background. A smooth ribbon band winds down the length of the runner, linking the flowers with beige leaves and little bell shaped buds. A row of pearl beads around the scalloped edge adds a luxurious finishing touch. It is perfect for weddings, formal dining, anniversaries, and neutral home decor.
The runner is made in four parts. First you crochet the lace base made of joined scalloped circles. Next you add the winding ribbon band and pearl edging. Then you make the orchids, leaves, and buds. Finally you sew them on top for a raised, dimensional look.
Materials
Sport weight cotton yarn in ivory, about 250 g
Sport weight cotton yarn in beige or tan, about 60 g
About 150 pearl beads, 8 to 10 mm, for the edge
About 30 small pearl beads, 4 to 6 mm, for the flower centers and buds
Crochet hook 3.0 mm
Beading thread and a beading needle
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
fan 7 double crochet worked into the same stitch or space
FLO front loop only
Part 1: The Lace Circles (make 5)
With ivory, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet) and work 15 double crochet in the ring. Join.
Round 2: Chain 5 (counts as a double crochet and chain 2). Double crochet in the next stitch and chain 2. Repeat around. Join.
Round 3: Slip stitch into the first space. Chain 3 and work 3 double crochet in each space around. Join.
Rounds 4 to 7: Alternate rounds of chain 3 mesh and rounds of 3 double crochet in each space, adding 1 extra chain to the mesh each time so the circle lies flat.
Round 8: Chain 1 and single crochet in the first stitch. Skip 2 stitches and work a fan in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around. Join and fasten off.
Each circle should measure about 30 cm across.
Part 2: The Ribbon Band
With ivory, chain 10.
Row 1: Half double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. You have 8 stitches.
Rows 2 to 120: Chain 2 and work half double crochet in the front loop only across. Turn. This makes the ridged texture shown in the photo.
Fasten off when the band is about 110 cm long.
Join beige and work 1 row of single crochet along each long edge.
Part 3: The Orchids (make 3)
Large petals (make 5 per flower): With ivory, chain 10. Half double crochet in the 3rd chain from the hook, double crochet in the next 4 chains, half double crochet in the next 2 chains, and 3 single crochet in the last chain. Work back down the other side the same way. Work 1 round of single crochet around, with 3 single crochet at the rounded top. Fasten off.
Lip: With beige, make a magic ring with 6 single crochet. Increase to 12 stitches. Chain 3 and work 3 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches to make a frilled lip. Fasten off.
Arrange 3 petals in a triangle and 2 petals at the sides. Sew them together at the center, then sew the lip in the middle. Sew a cluster of small pearls to the center.
Part 4: The Leaves and Buds
Leaves (make 12): With beige, chain 15. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, hdc in the next chain, dc in the next 3 chains, tr in the next 4 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 the same way. Work front post slip stitches up the center for the vein. Fasten off.
Bell buds (make 10): With beige, make a magic ring with 6 single crochet. Increase to 12 stitches. Work 3 rounds even, then work 1 round of single crochet in ivory. Stuff lightly. Sew a small pearl to the open end like a clapper.
Assembly
Lay the 5 circles in a row so their fans overlap slightly. Sew them together where they meet.
Pin the ribbon band in a gentle S curve down the length of the runner and sew it in place.
Sew the orchids along the band, one near each end and one in the middle.
Sew 3 to 4 leaves around each orchid, and sew the buds in small trailing groups along the band.
With beading thread, sew a large pearl into the center of each fan around the edge.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the runner before adding the pearls and flowers. Pin it flat and open each fan. Do not press the orchids, leaves, or buds so they stay raised.
Ways to Use Your Orchid Runner
Use it as a centerpiece for wedding, bridal shower, or anniversary tables.
Make one lace circle with an orchid as a doily or placemat.
Use a single orchid as a brooch, hair clip, or gift topper.
Drape it across a dresser or vanity.
Make a shorter version with 3 circles for a coffee table.
Color Ideas
White with silver beads for a crisp bridal look
Blush pink orchids on ivory for a romantic style
Lavender orchids on white with pearl edging for a spring table
Gold orchids on cream for a luxurious holiday look
Tips for Success
Use mercerized cotton so the lace has crisp stitch definition.
Make all the petals first so every orchid matches in size.
Pin the band, flowers, and leaves before sewing to check the layout.
Sew the pearls on last so they do not get wet during blocking.
Final Thoughts
This ivory orchid and pearl lace runner is a timeless heirloom project that adds quiet elegance to any table. Share your finished runners in the comments below. We would love to see your makes!