A dramatic lace runner featuring large rust-coloured medallions layered over a cream openwork framework. Pointed cream joins and rust scallops create a repeating diamond silhouette that works especially well for autumn, rustic and vintage interiors.
Finished size: Approximately 42 to 48 cm wide and 115 to 135 cm long.
What you’ll need
DK cotton or light worsted cotton in:
rust, terracotta or brick red
warm cream or ivory
Hook: 3 mm to 3.5 mm
Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers and blocking pins are also useful.
Abbreviations use US terms: ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, MR = magic ring.
Construction overview
Make three large rust medallions, then surround and connect them with cream lace. The outer edge alternates cream points with rust scalloped fans for a strongly decorative finish.
Rust medallion centre
Work 12 dc in a magic ring.
Increase in circular rounds using dc groups separated by chain spaces.
Introduce openwork by replacing selected dc groups with ch-3 or ch-4 arches.
Continue until the medallion measures around 22 to 26 cm across.
Pointed outer rounds
On the final two medallion rounds, form repeated fans using 5 to 7 dc.
Between fans, work ch-3 spaces or picots to sharpen the points.
Keep all increases symmetrical so the medallion remains flat.
Cream connector lace
Join cream yarn to several outer points of the rust motif.
Work chain arches and dc clusters outward to create a diamond-shaped cream frame.
At the midpoint between two medallions, join the cream arches directly to the neighbouring section.
Outer rust scallops
Along the outside edge only, attach rust yarn to selected cream arches.
Work broad shells of dc and tr stitches, finishing each shell with a small picot if desired.
Alternate the rust shells with cream pointed lace so the border keeps its layered appearance.
Assembly
Arrange three large medallions in a straight vertical line.
Join each with cream lace rather than sewing the rust circles directly together.
Keep the cream points aligned so the runner has a consistent zigzag silhouette.
Blocking
Wet-block the entire runner flat.
Pin every cream point and every rust scallop separately.
Because the lace is very open, blocking is essential for the final shape.
Colour variations
You can keep the same construction and change the palette to suit the season. For a softer look, use muted shades and natural cream. For a bolder version, choose stronger contrast between the motifs and the joining lace.
Questions I get asked
Can I make it longer? Yes. Add another repeat, connector or motif unit before working the final border.
Can I use acrylic yarn? Yes, although cotton usually gives cleaner stitch definition and holds lace shapes more crisply.
Is blocking necessary? For openwork runners, yes. Blocking makes the motifs lie flat and gives the border its intended shape.
Note
| This pattern is recreated from the visual design in the reference image rather than from an original written pattern. Exact stitch counts may need small adjustments depending on yarn, tension and desired finished size. |