This bright and cheerful table runner features a row of large orange hibiscus flowers with yellow stamens and deep green leaves, set on a cream lace background. A bold orange scalloped edge frames the whole piece, and little orange accents peek through the open lace for a warm, sunny look. It is perfect for summer tables, patio dining, tropical parties, and fall harvest decor.
The runner is made in four parts. First you crochet cream lace squares and join them into a strip, then you work the rounded fan ends and the orange edging. Finally you make the hibiscus flowers, stamens, and leaves and sew them on top for a raised, dimensional look.
Materials
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in cream, about 200 g
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in orange, about 120 g
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in dark green, about 60 g
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in deep red, about 10 g
- Worsted weight cotton yarn in yellow, about 10 g
- Crochet hook 4.0 mm
- Tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers
Finished Size
About 40 by 110 cm (16 by 43 inches), made from 5 squares plus 2 rounded ends
Stitches Used (US Terms)
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- hdc half double crochet
- dc double crochet
- tr treble crochet
- fan 7 double crochet worked into the same stitch or space
- cluster 3 double crochet worked into the same space
- bobble 5 double crochet worked into the same stitch and closed together
Part 1: The Cream Lace Squares (make 5)
With orange, chain 6 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet) and work 15 double crochet in the ring. Join. Fasten off orange. This small orange center shows through the lace under each flower.
Round 2: Join cream. Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, and chain 2. Skip 1 stitch, then work 2 double crochet in the next stitch and chain 2. Repeat around. Join. You have 8 groups.
Round 3: Slip stitch into the first chain 2 space. Chain 3 and work a fan in the same space. Single crochet in the next space. Repeat around. Join.
Round 4: Chain 5 (counts as a treble crochet and chain 1). In the center of the next fan, work 3 treble crochet, chain 3, and 3 treble crochet for a corner. Chain 3 and single crochet in the center of the next fan, then chain 3. Repeat to make 4 corners. Join.
Round 5: Slip stitch into the corner space. In each corner, work a cluster, chain 3, and a cluster. Along the sides, work a cluster in each space with chain 1 between. Join.
Round 6: Chain 1 and single crochet in each stitch and space around, with 3 single crochet in each corner. Join and fasten off.
Each square should measure about 20 cm across.
Part 2: Joining the Squares
Lay the squares in a row. With cream, join them with a slip stitch seam through the back loops on the wrong side. This gives a flat seam with a small ridge that frames each flower.
Part 3: The Rounded Fan Ends
Work each short end the same way.
Row 1: Join cream at the corner. Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, and work a fan in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat across. Turn.
Row 2: Slip stitch to the center of the first fan. Chain 5, then work a fan in the next single crochet. Chain 5 and single crochet in the center of the next fan. Repeat across. Turn.
Row 3: Work a large fan of 9 double crochet in each chain 5 space, with a single crochet in each fan center. Skip the first and last space to round the end.
Fasten off and repeat on the other end.
Part 4: The Orange Scalloped Edging
Join orange in any stitch along a long side.
Round 1: Chain 1 and work single crochet evenly around the runner. Join.
Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch, skip 2 stitches, and work 5 double crochet in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around. Join.
Round 3: Slip stitch into each stitch around, working a bobble at the top of every scallop for the beaded edge shown in the photo. Join and fasten off.
Part 5: The Hibiscus Flowers (make 5)
With deep red, chain 4 and join into a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1 and work 10 single crochet in the ring. Join. Fasten off red. This dark center gives the flower its natural throat.
Round 2: Join orange. Chain 1 and work 2 single crochet in each stitch around. Join. You have 20 stitches.
Round 3: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch, and chain 3. Skip 3 stitches and single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat around to make 5 loops. Join.
Round 4: In each chain 3 loop, work 1 hdc, 3 dc, 5 tr, 3 dc, and 1 hdc. Slip stitch in the next single crochet. Repeat around to make 5 large petals. Join.
Round 5: Chain 1 and work single crochet around each petal, with 2 single crochet in the top 3 stitches to make the edge ruffle. Join and fasten off.
With deep red, work a few long straight stitches from the center out onto each petal for the veins.
Part 6: The Stamens (make 5)
With yellow, chain 12.
Row 1: Slip stitch back down the first 6 chains. Then work a bobble in each of the next 3 chains and slip stitch in the last chains.
Fasten off and leave a tail. Sew the plain end into the center of each flower so the bobbly tip curves out over a petal.
Part 7: The Leaves (make 14)
With dark green, chain 14.
Round 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, hdc in the next chain, dc in the next 3 chains, tr in the next 3 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 in the same order. Join.
Round 2: Work front post slip stitches up the center to make the raised vein. Fasten off.
Assembly
Place the runner flat with one square under each flower position.
Center a hibiscus on each square, turning each one slightly so the stamens point in different directions.
Pin two or three leaves around each flower, angled toward the corners of the square, as shown in the photo.
Sew the leaves first, then the flowers on top, using matching yarn and small whip stitches around the base of each petal. Leave the outer petal edges loose so they stay raised.
Weave in all ends on the back.
Blocking
Lightly dampen the runner and pin it flat with straight sides and evenly rounded ends. Open each fan and scallop with pins. Do not press the flowers or leaves so they keep their shape.
Ways to Use Your Hibiscus Runner
- Use it as a bright centerpiece for summer and patio tables.
- Make single squares as matching placemats or coasters.
- Join three squares for a coffee table or console runner.
- Use it as a decoration for luau, Hawaiian, or tropical theme parties.
- Make a longer version for a buffet or sideboard.
Color Ideas
- Red hibiscus with an ivory background for a classic look
- Pink hibiscus on white with a pink edge for a soft tropical style
- Yellow hibiscus on cream with a green edge for a sunny kitchen
- Purple hibiscus on gray with a white edge for a modern twist
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches in each petal so all five flowers match in size.
- Block the squares before joining so they line up evenly.
- Use a firm cotton yarn so the petals and leaves hold their shape.
- Pin every flower and leaf before sewing to check the layout.
Final Thoughts
This tropical hibiscus lace runner is a bold, happy project that brings summer color to any table. It pairs beautifully with matching hibiscus placemats and coasters. Share your finished runners in the comments below. We would love to see your summer makes!