This lovely table runner combines soft lavender and cream in a flowing wave design that winds down the center like a gentle river. Three raised cream flowers with golden bobble centers and green leaves sit on top, and a bobble edging frames the whole piece. It brings a fresh, garden feeling to any dining table and looks beautiful all year long.
The runner is made in three parts. First you crochet the wave panels in cream and lavender, then you add the bobble border, and finally you make the flowers and leaves and sew them on top.
Materials
DK or worsted weight cotton yarn in cream, about 350 g
DK or worsted weight cotton yarn in lavender, about 250 g
DK or worsted weight cotton yarn in leaf green, about 60 g
DK or worsted weight cotton yarn in golden brown, about 30 g
Crochet hook 4.0 mm
Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and pins
Paper and pencil for a wave template
Finished Size
About 40 by 110 cm (16 by 43 inches)
Stitches Used (US Terms)
ch chain
sl st slip stitch
sc single crochet
hdc half double crochet
dc double crochet
tr treble crochet
sc2tog single crochet two together
bobble 5 double crochet worked into the same stitch and closed together
BLO back loop only
Part 1: Making a Wave Template
Draw a rectangle on paper the size of your runner. Draw a smooth S shaped wave down the center that crosses from side to side 4 times. This line shows where the lavender stripe will run. Draw a second line on each side of it, about 4 cm away, to show the width of the stripe. Use this template to check your shapes as you work.
Part 2: Cream Half Moon Sections
The cream areas are made as half circles that fit into the curves of the wave.
Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Row 1: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), work 6 double crochet in the ring. Turn. You have 7 stitches.
Row 2: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, then work 2 double crochet in each stitch across. Turn. You have 14 stitches.
Row 3: Chain 3, work 2 double crochet in the next stitch, then 1 double crochet in the next and 2 double crochet in the following stitch. Repeat across. Turn. You have 21 stitches.
Row 4: Chain 4, skip 1 stitch, double crochet in the next stitch, and chain 1. Repeat across to make an open lace row.
Rows 5 to 9: Continue increasing so the half circle stays flat. On solid rows, add 7 stitches evenly. On lace rows, work chain 1 and double crochet into each space.
Stop when the straight edge of the half circle matches the width of one wave curve on your template.
Make 8 half moon sections, 4 for each side of the wave. Make the two sections at each end slightly smaller so they fit the corners.
Part 3: Lavender Wave Stripe
Chain enough stitches to run the full length of the S shaped wave on your template, about 160 chains.
Row 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn.
Rows 2 to 5: Chain 3 and work double crochet in the back loop only across. This makes the ribbed ridges you see in the photo.
Lay the stripe on your template and shape it into the S curve. On the inside of each curve, work single crochet 2 together every few stitches if it ruffles. On the outside of each curve, add an extra stitch if it pulls tight.
Part 4: Joining the Runner
Lay the half moon sections into the curves on both sides of the lavender wave, following your template. Pin them in place.
With cream, join the sections to the wave using single crochet through both edges, or sew them together with a whip stitch.
Fill any small gaps at the sides with rows of cream double crochet so the outer edges become straight.
Outer Lavender Frame
Round 1: With lavender, work double crochet evenly around the whole runner, with 2 double crochet, chain 2, and 2 double crochet in each corner.
Round 2: Chain 4, skip 1 stitch, double crochet in the next stitch, and chain 1. Repeat around for a mesh round.
Rounds 3 and 4: Work double crochet in each stitch and space, with the same corner increase.
Part 5: Bobble Border (cream)
Round 1: With cream, work single crochet evenly around, with 3 single crochet in each corner.
Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch, then work a bobble in the next stitch and single crochet in the following stitch. Repeat all the way around. Join and fasten off.
Part 6: The Flowers (make 3)
Center (golden brown)
Chain 4 and join into a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1, work 8 single crochet in the ring. Join.
Round 2: Work a bobble in each stitch, with chain 1 between bobbles. Join. You have 8 bobbles.
Round 3: Work single crochet in each chain 1 space and each bobble top. Join and fasten off.
Petals (cream)
Round 4: Join cream in any stitch. Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch, chain 3, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around to make 8 loops.
Round 5: In each chain 3 loop, work single crochet, half double crochet, 5 double crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet. You have 8 rounded petals.
Round 6: For a second layer, work behind the petals. Single crochet around the post of each single crochet from Round 4, with chain 5 between. In each chain 5 loop, work single crochet, half double crochet, 7 double crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet.
Make the center flower slightly larger by adding 2 extra double crochet to each petal in Round 6.
Leaves (green, make 5 per flower)
Chain 12.
Along the chain, work single crochet, half double crochet, 2 double crochet, 3 treble crochet, 2 double crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet. Work 3 single crochet in the last chain to turn around the tip. Repeat the same stitches along the other side of the chain. Join.
Round 2: Slip stitch through the back loops all around the leaf to create a raised edge. Then slip stitch a line up the center for the vein.
Assembly
Place one flower in the middle of each wide cream area, with the largest flower closest to one end.
Arrange 5 leaves around each flower so they peek out from behind the petals.
Sew the leaves in place first, then sew the flowers on top.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Pin the runner flat on blocking mats, making sure the wave curves are smooth and the sides are straight. Spray lightly with water and let it dry completely. Do not press the flowers flat, so they keep their raised shape.
Color Ideas
Sage green and cream with white flowers for a calm farmhouse look
Dusty rose and ivory with pink flowers for a romantic table
Navy and white with yellow flowers for a bright summer style
Burgundy and cream with gold centers for the holidays
Care
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Press out the water gently, never wring, and dry flat. Reshape the flowers while damp.
Final Thoughts
This lavender wave runner is a relaxing project with a beautiful result. The flowing stripes and raised flowers make it a true centerpiece, and it also makes a special handmade gift for weddings, housewarmings, and Mother’s Day. Share your finished runner in the comments below. We would love