This title is close to the earlier table runner articles (flowers, cottagecore, sunflower, luxury lace, granny squares, diamond lace, and Christmas ripple), so I chose a new design: a classic shell stitch runner. The whole runner uses one two-row repeat, so you can memorize it after a few rows. It looks like vintage lace but works up quickly in DK cotton. Use it on a dining table, a dresser, or a console, or make it in one soft color for a timeless look.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate, with simple repeats and edging.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The runner is worked flat in turned rows from a long foundation chain, then edged with a scalloped border in joined rounds.
Estimated size: About 18 × 92 cm (7 × 36 in) after blocking, including the border. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and blocking.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Make a swatch first and adjust the hook size to your tension.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in cream, ecru, or soft sage, approximately 150–180 g as a starting allowance.
- A 3.5 mm hook as a starting point (adjust to your tension).
- Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and pins.
- Blocking mats and a spray bottle.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
The body is worked in turned rows. The border is worked in joined rounds. Numbers in brackets give the stitch count at the end of each row or round. Repeat asterisks the stated number of times.
Before You Begin
Work a swatch with a foundation chain of 38 (6 × 6 + 2). That gives you 6 shells in the first row. Check that the shells lie flat and the fabric is soft, not stiff or floppy. If it is stiff, go up half a hook size.
To change the length, use a foundation chain of 6n + 2, where n is the number of shells in an odd row. Each shell adds about 3 cm (1.25 in). The border counts will change with it.
Runner Body
Ch 182.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Skip 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch. Repeat from * 29 more times (30 repeats in total). Turn. [30 shells, 31 sc]
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc in the first sc. Sc in the center dc of the next shell, 5 dc in the next sc. Repeat from * 28 more times (29 repeats in total). Sc in the center dc of the last shell, 3 dc in the last sc. Turn. [29 full shells, 2 half shells, 30 sc]
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the top of the beginning ch-3. 5 dc in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell. Repeat from * 28 more times. 5 dc in the next sc, sc in the last dc of the half shell. Turn. [30 shells, 31 sc]
Rows 4–15: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 (even rows as Row 2, odd rows as Row 3), ending with an odd row (Row 15). Do not fasten off. [15 rows]
Why the counts hold: Every odd row has 30 full shells and 31 sc, and every even row has 29 full shells, 2 half shells and 30 sc. If your count differs, check the first and last stitch of the row, because that is where most mistakes happen.
Scalloped Border
Round 1 (foundation round): Ch 1, do not turn. Work 3 sc in the corner, then sc evenly along the short end (about 2 sc per row end, 30 sc). Work 3 sc in the next corner, then sc evenly along the long edge (about 180 sc, one in each stitch of the foundation chain except the skipped ones). Work 3 sc in the corner, 30 sc along the second short end, 3 sc in the final corner, and about 180 sc along the top edge. Join with a sl st to the first sc. [about 432 sc]
Note: the exact count depends on your tension, but the total should be a multiple of 6. Add or skip one or two stitches along a straight edge, not at the corners.
Round 2 (scallops): Ch 1, sl st in the same st. Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st. Repeat around, ending with a sl st in the first sl st. [72 scallops]
Round 3 (picot trim, optional): Sl st across to the 3rd (center) dc of any scallop. (Sc, ch 3, sl st in the first ch, sc) in the center dc, ch 3, sc in the sl st between scallops, ch 3. Repeat around. Join, fasten off, and weave in the ends. [72 picots]
Finishing and Blocking
Wash the runner gently in cool water with a drop of mild soap, then press out the water in a towel without wringing. Pin it flat on a blocking mat with the long edges straight and each scallop shaped. Spray lightly with starch for a crisp finish, and let it dry completely before unpinning.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The edges are wavy. Your first or last stitch of the row may be missed. Count the shells at the end of every row (30 on odd rows, 29 plus two half shells on even rows).
The shells look gappy. Go down half a hook size, or make sure you skip exactly 2 chains or stitches on each side of every shell.
The runner curls. Block it firmly and check that the tension is even between the sc and dc stitches.
The scallops do not lie flat. Check that Border Round 1 is a multiple of 6, and adjust on a straight stretch rather than at a corner.
The runner is too narrow. Add rows in pairs (one even row and one odd row) before the border. Each pair adds about 2.5 cm (1 in) in width. Remember to add 4 stitches to each short end of Round 1.
FAQ
Can I use thread instead of yarn? Yes. Use size 10 cotton thread and a 1.75 mm hook. The runner will be narrower, so add more rows and shells, and recalculate the border.
Can I use two colors? Yes. Work odd rows in one color and even rows in another, carrying the unused yarn up the side, or change color every 4 rows.
Can I make it longer? Yes. Increase the foundation chain by 6 for every extra shell, and recalculate the border.
Do I need to block it? It is recommended. Blocking evens out the shells and makes the scallops lie flat.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Cottagecore Crochet Table Runner Pattern
- Luxury Crochet Table Runner Pattern
- Free Crochet Table Runner Pattern (Christmas Ripple)
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Pin this Free Crochet Table Runner Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next home project. Happy crocheting!
