Celebrate the cozy beauty of autumn with this crocheted maple leaf table runner, a showstopping piece overflowing with texture, rich color, and handcrafted charm. The design is visually anchored by a series of large, bold maple leaves in shades of rusty red, burnt orange, and wheat gold. The leaves are joined with intricate lacy connectors in creamy neutral tones, forming a long rectangular runner. Bordering the piece is a lush arrangement of smaller leaves in muted olive, mossy green, copper, and gold, intertwined with decorative berry clusters in harvest hues. Together, these elements create a tapestry of fall color ideal for dining tables, sideboards, or festive gatherings.
This table runner makes a wonderful seasonal centerpiece. It adds autumnal flair to holiday spreads, family dinners, or everyday décor. Its mix of raised motifs, delicate lace, and realistic appliqués provides both visual and tactile interest. You’ll enjoy crafting the different elements, watching your own leafy landscape come to life stitch by stitch. The modular motifs make this project fun to personalize and assemble, and each piece is a little work of art in itself.
Project Overview
The table runner is formed by joining together multiple large maple leaf motifs with lacy rectangular connectors. Once the central strip is assembled, additional small leaves and berry clusters are crocheted separately and sewn along the border. Construction involves working motifs in rows and rounds, seaming pieces together, and adding layered decorative appliqués for a lush, dimensional effect.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project uses a variety of stitches, shaping techniques, and color changes. Basic familiarity with motif work, following stitch charts or written instructions, and simple sewing is recommended. The large leaf motifs involve precise increases and pattern reading. The border requires some patience for repeated appliqué pieces and layered assembly.
Materials
- Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (light worsted, category 3 preferred for crisp stitch definition and durability).
- Main colors:
- Maple leaves: 100g (approx. 220 yd) each of rusty red, burnt orange, wheat gold
- Background/lace: 200g (approx. 440 yd) natural/cream
- Border leaves: 50g (approx. 110 yd) each of olive green, moss, copper, tan
- Berries: Small amounts each of brick red, pumpkin, maroon, goldenrod
- Crochet hook: US G/6 (4.0mm) or size to obtain gauge
- Tapestry needle (for joining and sewing appliqués)
- Sharp scissors
- Stitch markers (helpful for motif placement and counting)
- Blocking board and pins (optional, for shaping motifs)
Finished Size
Approximate finished size: 35cm x 120cm (14 in x 47 in)
Width and length can be adjusted by making fewer or more maple leaf motifs in the center strip, or by varying motif size (see Customization section).
Gauge
Approximate gauge: 17 dc and 9 rows = 10cm/4 in in double crochet, worked flat with 4.0mm hook.
Small differences in gauge will affect finished dimensions; matching gauge is not critical but should be kept consistent throughout.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- dtr – double treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (2 sts in 1 st)
- dec – decrease (sc2tog, dc2tog, etc.)
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch 3 at the start of rows or rounds counts as a dc unless specified.
- Maple leaves and rectangles are worked individually and joined with whip stitch for neatness.
- Motifs are blocked before final assembly for crisp, even edges.
- Color changes: Change color in final yarn-over of last stitch of old color. Fasten off and rejoin as needed for motifs.
- Right side is the more textured, raised side of motifs; keep consistent throughout assembly.
- Use stitch markers to denote motif centers and ends for even spacing.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
PART 1: Large Maple Leaf Motifs (make 4–5 for main strip)
(Worked in rows and segments—with central stem, then lobes: refer to photo for shape guidance.)
With rusty red (or color of choice), ch 17.
- Row 1 (Stem): sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (16 sc).
- Rows 2–6: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (16 sts each row)
- Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 12, sc2tog. (14 sts)
- Rows 8–9: repeat as above, decreasing 1 st each end (finish with 10 sts).
- Do not fasten off; this is the spine. From here, the leaf lobes are worked separately directly onto the stem.
Large Center Lobe:
- With RS facing, join yarn in top center st of spine.
- Row 1: ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next st, dc in next, tr in next 2 sts, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next. (8 sts)
- Row 2: ch 2, turn, sc in first, hdc in next, dc in next 2, tr in next 2, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in last. (8 sts)
- Row 3: Repeat row 2, slightly increasing toward edge by 1 dc on each end.
- Fasten off. Leave tail for sewing if needed.
Side Lobes (make 2 each side):
- Rejoin yarn 2 sts down from center lobe, work as above, making slightly smaller lobes (skip final tr on each side).
- Shape edge lobes even smaller (6 sts along base; repeat as for center lobe with 1 less of each st type).
- Repeat for both sides (left and right), so you have 5 lobes total radiating from top of stem.
Lower Smaller Lobes:
- Join yarn 2 rows up from leaf base; work 2 short lobes (as for side lobes, but in hdc and dc only).
Leaf Edge:
- With matching color, sc evenly around entire leaf for a crisp outline, placing 2 sc in points and sc2tog at valleys between lobes.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Block leaf flat to final shape (helpful for a crisp finish).
PART 2: Lacy Rectangular Connector (make 4 for between leaves, plus 2 end panels)
With cream or natural:
- Ch 37 (adjust for your desired width).
- Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and each across. (35 dc)
- Row 2: ch 3, turn, *dc in next 3, ch 1, skip 1, dc in next 3* repeat to end (creates mesh pattern).
- Rows 3–8: repeat row 2.
- Row 9: ch 3, turn, dc in each dc and ch-sp across. (35 dc)
- Edging: Working around entire rectangle, sc evenly around all sides, placing 3 sc in each corner.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Block rectangles to even sizing.
PART 3: Assembling Center Strip
Lay maple leaves and rectangles in alternating sequence, starting and ending with a rectangle. With RS facing, use cream yarn and whip stitch (or preferred method) to join each leaf to next rectangle along the short ends. Do not stretch or distort shapes. Repeat until central runner strip is formed.
PART 4: Small Leaf and Berry Border (make as many as required, see guide below for numbers)
(A) Small Leaves (different greens and tans):
- With green or tan, MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull tight. (6 sts)
- Row 1: ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in last, sl st to center. (6 sts)
- Edge: ch 3, sl st in next st, repeat around for points if desired. Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Make approx. 16–18 small leaves, varying color and slightly altering stitch size for a natural look.
(B) Berry Clusters:
- With berry color, MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st. (6 sts)
- Optional: For a larger berry, work 2 rounds, increasing with 2 sc in each st in round 2.
- Make small clusters by sewing 2–3 berries to a thread.
- Make approx. 12–15 clusters in varying color blends.
(C) Connecting Branches:
- With brown or dark green, ch varying lengths (20–40) for branch stems.
- Sl st back along ch to thicken, fasten off with long tail for sewing.
- Sew leaves and berries along these chains, then attach entire branch-assemblies to border afterwards.
PART 5: Decorative Edge Lattice and Border Assembly
With cream, sc or hdc along the long sides of the runner, spacing 1 sc/hdc into the edge of each motif/join. At intervals, join small leaves, berry clusters, and stems to this edge, using the photo as a visual guide. Vary direction and spacing for a naturalistic, “scattered” autumn effect, letting a few leaves overlap the central panel for depth.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in all yarn ends securely on the WS.
- Pin the completed table runner to a blocking board, shaping all leaves and the entire runner to final measurements. Wet block or steam as appropriate for the yarn used; allow to dry thoroughly.
- Arrange and pin border leaves and berries before sewing, checking symmetry and distribution. Securely sew each onto the border stitches and branch chains.
- Re-block if needed after final assembly, especially if sewing caused distortion.
- Lay flat to store to keep motifs neat and border from curling.
Customization Ideas
- Switch up the colors for spring (fresh greens, pastels) or winter (white, silver, evergreen leaves).
- Use heavier weight yarn (worsted) for a larger, thicker runner, or fingering yarn for a delicate, lace-like version.
- Make fewer motifs for a shorter runner or more for a dramatic, long centerpiece.
- Turn a single motif into a trivet, placemat, wall hanging, or pillow front.
- Work motifs with sparkle or metallic threads for a festive, holiday look.
- Add a solid backing fabric if extra durability or contrast is desired.
- Curling: Ensure even stitch tension, block all motifs before assembly, and avoid pulling edges too tight while joining.
- Uneven edges: Use stitch markers and blocking for exact motif placement. Trim with extra border rows if needed.
- Motif too large/small: Adjust hook size, yarn, or number of base chains. Consistent tension across motifs is important.
- Loose color changes: Always finish a final yarn-over of last stitch in the new color and tighten transitions.
- Uneven tension: Pause and relax your hands; blocking can help even up minor inconsistencies.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed.
- Avoid wringing or twisting to prevent stretching motifs or appliqués.
- For cotton yarn, steam lightly to refresh shape if needed.
Final Notes
Double-check stitch counts for each motif, and adjust tension for consistent results. Don’t be afraid to adapt color placements and motif sizes to suit your taste. Use the provided photo as a visual assembly reference throughout your project. With patience and careful finishing, your handmade autumn table runner will become a cherished seasonal accent for years to come.
