A modern autumn-inspired crochet table runner made from large textured maple leaves and simple circular motifs. The alternating shapes create a striking natural rhythm down the centre of a table, while the chocolate brown, warm taupe and cream palette keeps the design elegant and neutral.
Finished length is approximately 120 to 145 cm and width approximately 30 to 38 cm, depending on yarn, hook size and the number of motifs used.
What you’ll need
DK or light worsted cotton yarn in dark chocolate brown, warm medium brown, taupe and cream
3.5 mm to 4 mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Blocking pins and mat
Abbreviations are US terms. 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 and BLO = back loop only.
Construction overview
The runner is assembled from two repeating motif types: round discs and large maple leaves. Crochet every motif separately, block them, then join them edge to edge in an alternating arrangement.
A balanced runner can use 3 large circular motifs and 4 to 5 maple leaves. Add or remove motifs to adjust the final length.
Round disc motif
With your chosen colour, make a magic ring.
Round 1. Work 12 dc into MR and join with sl st.
Round 2. Ch 3, dc in same stitch, then 2 dc in every stitch around. Join.
Round 3. Ch 3, *2 dc in next stitch, 1 dc in next stitch*. Repeat around.
Continue increasing evenly, adding one extra dc between increases on each round until the disc reaches approximately 16 to 19 cm across.
For the ridged spiral appearance, work selected rounds through the back loop only or finish with a round of surface slip stitches.
Maple leaf centre
Ch 5 and join to form a ring, or begin with MR.
Work 12 dc into the centre.
On the next round create five anchor groups with ch spaces between them. These become the five main leaf lobes.
Main leaf lobes
Into each anchor space work a rising sequence such as sc, hdc, dc, tr, dtr, then mirror the stitches back down.
For the three largest centre lobes, add extra chains and tall stitches so they extend farther than the side lobes.
Create pointed tips with ch 2 or ch 3 picots at the top of each lobe.
Leaf shaping and veins
After the basic leaf is complete, work sc around the edge, adding small picots at the lobe tips.
Surface crochet a central stem from the base to the top point.
Add diagonal surface-slip-stitch veins toward each lobe. This gives the strong ribbed appearance visible in the reference.
Stem
Join yarn at the base of the leaf. Ch 10 to 14, then sl st back along the chain.
For a wider stem, work a second row of sc along the chain before fastening off.
Colour arrangement
Alternate cream and brown leaves rather than grouping identical colours together.
Use the darkest shade for the circular motifs if you want maximum contrast.
For a softer version, make the circles taupe and use cream, camel and cocoa leaves.
Assembly
Lay the motifs in a straight line before joining.
Place one circular motif between groups of leaves, allowing leaf points to overlap the edge of the neighbouring circle slightly.
Sew through the back loops with matching yarn at 2 to 4 contact points per motif. Avoid sewing entire edges together so the runner remains flexible.
Blocking
Wet block the leaves carefully and pin each point into shape.
Block circles perfectly flat and round before assembly.
After joining, lightly steam from a distance without pressing the textured veins.
Variations
Autumn: rust, cream, cocoa and mustard.
Minimalist: black, ivory and camel.
Woodland: olive, tan, cream and dark brown.
Christmas: deep green, red, cream and gold.
Questions I get asked
Can I use acrylic? Yes, but cotton gives sharper leaf points and better stitch definition.
Can I make it longer? Yes. Add another circle and one or two leaves.
Do I need wire in the leaves? No. Firm cotton yarn and blocking are usually enough.
Pattern note
| This pattern is an original visual reconstruction inspired by the reference image, not a transcription of a published pattern. Exact stitch counts may need small adjustments depending on yarn, hook size, tension and desired finished dimensions. |