A beautifully crafted table can instantly elevate your dining space, adding a touch of handmade charm to everyday meals and special gatherings. This free crochet table runner pattern combines openwork mesh with the striking Jacob’s Ladder technique, creating a stunning texture that is both elegant and eye-catching. Finished with delicate decorative edges, this table runner is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home decor or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this pattern is a delightful project to work on.
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Materials Used in this Free Crochet Table Runner:
#3 DK cotton
US G Hook (4.5 mm)
Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Yarn Used
I used Animation 100% mercerized cotton by WeCrochet 139 yds/50 grams in “Linen”
This was my first time using this yarn, and I must say I really liked it. It was easy to work with. Anyone who knows me, knows one of my favorite mercerized cotton is Lion Brand’s 24/7. This yarn gave it a run for it’s money. I felt it was actually a little softer than 24/7. I would absolutely use it again!
Gauge
18 sts x 14 rows = 4”
Skill Level
Intermediate
Finished Size for this Free Crochet Table Runner
This free pattern includes size 12″ x 72″ only. The premium, ad-free, downloadable pattern includes 3 additional sizes. Purchase in either of my shops below.
Abbreviations Used: US Terms
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
Fdc = foundation double crochet
JL = Jacob’s Ladder
RS = right side
sc = single crochet
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
st(es) = stitch(es)
WS = wrong side
Special Stitches For This Free Crochet Table Runner:
Jacob’s Ladder (JL): Worked on RS, dc in st, ch 10, sl st in the side of the top bar of the same dc {Check out this post for the Jacob’s Ladder Tutorial}
Stacked Sc: (optional to replace the beginning ch 3) sc in first st, insert hook into the left loop of the sidebar, yo, pull through, yo over pull through 2 loops {essentially creating a second sc on top of the first, mimicking the height of a dc}
Notes:
- Ch 3 counts as a stitch
- You can wait until right before the final single crochet row before looping all the Jacob’s ladder together, or you can work it as you go.
Helpful Hints:
- Using a stacked sc instead of a ch 3 helps keep your row ends tidy and even.
- When working the sc row, push the Jacob’s ladder loop forward allowing it to stay on the right side of the work.
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Pattern Instructions For Free Crochet Table Runner:
Row 1: {RS}Fdc 55 Or ch 56, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [55]
Row 2: {WS} ch 1, sc in each st across, turn
Row 3: {RS} ch 3 (or stacked sc), dc in next 3 sts, JL in next st, dc in next 5 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 5 sts, JL in next st, dc in next 5 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 5 sts, JL in next st, dc in last 4 sts, turn [43 dc, 12 ch, 3 JL loops]
Row 4: {WS} ch 1, sc in next 10 sts, ch 3, sc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sc in next 11 sts, ch 3, sc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sc in last 10 sts, turn [43 sc, 12 ch]
Rows 5-248: Rep Rows 3-4
Row 249: you will not work the JL for this row, ch 3 (or stacked sc), dc in next 9 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 11 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 3, sk 3 sts, dc in last 10 sts, turn [43 dc, 12 ch]
Create Your Jacob’s Ladder
If you haven’t already, interlock all your Jacob’s ladder loops, leaving the last one. You will secure the last loop in the next row. SEE VIDEO HERE
Row 250: ch 1, work a sc in each st and each ch st across, when you come to the JL, insert hook in stitch and loop of the JL to secure the final loop, turn [55]
Row 251: ch 3 (or stacked sc), dc in each st across, do not turn, do not fasten off, continue to border
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Border for Free Crochet Table Runner:
Ch 1, working in ends of rows, 2 sc in end of each dc row, sc in end of each sc row, (sc, ch 1, sc) in corner st, sc across Row 1, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next corner st, working up other side, 2 sc in end of each dc row, sc in end of each sc row, (sc, ch 1, sc) in next corner st, sc across final row, (sc, ch 1, sc) in last corner st, join to 1st st with sl st
Fasten off. Weave in the ends.
Decorative Edges: Optional
This section is for adding tassels to your table runner.
You will be working on each short end. Join yarn with sl st to 1st st, ch 8, sl st in same st, (sl st in next st, ch 8, sl st in same st) 4 more times, *sl st in next 5 sts, (sl st in next st, ch 8, sl st in same st) 5 times; rep from * across, at end fasten off and weave in ends [30 loops, 25 sl st]
Tassels: Make 12
Use your favorite method to make 12 tassels. I used a 3” cardboard and wrapped the yarn around 30 times. Cut 6” piece of yarn and slide under the yarn at top of cardboard. Tie tightly. Cut the yarn on the other end of cardboard. Cut another 6” piece of yarn to tie around the top of tassel about 1” down from tie off. Trim tassel to desired length. Add a bead to tassel if desired.
Attaching tassels to loop fringe:
Thread one strand of yarn from top of tassel to tapestry needle, slide through each of the five loops. Remove strand from needle. Thread the other strand and slide through each of the five loops in the opposite direction. Pull slightly tight creating a triangle shape with the loops. Tie off and weave in ends. {See video below}
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This Free Crochet Table Runner Featured In 2025 International Crochet Month Blog Hop
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Check out my other table runner:
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