How to Learn Crochet Basics: Make a Table Runner

Table runners, for those who don't know, are like scarves for your table. Simple and easy as a scarf, but usually they're made with cotton yarn and lace techniques. This doesn't have to be the case- in fact, as long as it fits your table, you can use any sort of stitch or yarn that you choose. Don't let the patterns of old box you in- let your creative juices flow!!

Instructions

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Just like scarves, table-runners have endless options and variations. You can use solid stitch patterns, or lace patterns. You can use one color, or different colors in stripes. With crochet, you can also do what's called "granny-squares" and connect them with contrasting (or coordinating yarn) depending on the look you are going for. Granny squares can be done in one or many colors, leaving plenty of options.

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Many table runners are basically long-doilies, or filet crochet. As you look at the many variations, you will get your own ideas, and you will be inspired by the many out there. Some are quite simple, and others are very ornate...this all depends on your skill-set and time constraints.

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You can make a table-runner by crocheting the length, and then adding each row to make it as thick as you want. You can also use a doily pattern, and attach these together, making a long "scarf" of doilies. Your imagination is the limit. I would recommend using cotton yarn, or a cotton-wool blend yarn, or an acrylic and cotton blend yarn for durability. Another way to make a crochet table-runner is to chain the required for your pattern, and then work in the pattern until it is long enough. You can do stripes in this way too. There are so many options, I'd be here forever writing out the variations that you can use to make a crochet table-runner.

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For a simply constructed table-runner, start with a foundation chain, or foundation-less single crochet (fsc) for as long as you want your table runner to be. Now change colors, leaving a tail as long as you want the fringe to be (usually about 7" long). Keep going in this way for as long as you want (usually you will want to have a table runner that is about 8-12 inches wide. Each row that you create will make your table runner wider.