Eyelet Knitted Table Runner

Eyelet Knitted Table Runner by Made By Lilian

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted table runner designed as a decorative table setting accessory. The finished piece measures approximately 38 inches long by 13 inches wide, making it an ideal size for centering on dining tables or accent surfaces. The runner features an elegant eyelet pattern that creates openwork details throughout, adding visual interest and texture to any table setting.

Craft and Technique Overview

This project uses the knitting craft, which involves interlocking loops of yarn using two needles to create fabric. Knitting is an accessible fiber art technique that builds fabric row by row, making it suitable for crafters of all experience levels. This particular pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, meaning it uses fundamental knitting techniques without complex shaping or advanced stitch work.

Stitches Used

The Eyelet Knitted Table Runner employs several essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (k) — the basic stitch that forms the foundation of knitted fabric
• Purl (p) — the reverse of a knit stitch, used to create texture and pattern variation
• Yarn Over (yo) — a stitch that creates deliberate holes or eyelets in the fabric, essential to the pattern's decorative openwork design
• Slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skp) — a left-leaning decrease stitch that reduces stitch count while maintaining pattern balance
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease stitch that works in conjunction with yarn overs to create the eyelet motif

The eyelet pattern itself (rows 5-8) repeats a sequence of knit, yarn over, decrease, and knit stitches that form small decorative holes throughout the runner. This four-row repeat is worked 30 or more times depending on desired length.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The pattern begins with 35 cast-on stitches (or multiples of 7 for wider variations). The first four rows are worked entirely in purl stitches to create a finished edge. The main eyelet pattern then begins and repeats across rows 5 through 8, with row 5 containing the decorative stitch sequence and rows 6-8 consisting of purl and knit rows that allow the eyelets to develop. This four-row repeat continues for approximately 30 additional repeats to achieve the 38-inch length, though crafters can extend this for longer runners. The piece finishes with three rows of purl stitches for a neat edge, followed by casting off purlwise and weaving in all yarn ends.

Techniques and Materials

This project uses chunky weight yarn, specifically 2 skeins of Bulky Cat 5 yarn in ButterCream Roving (230 yards total). Chunky yarn works quickly and creates bold texture, making this an efficient project for beginners. The pattern calls for 9mm/US 13 knitting needles, which are appropriately sized for bulky yarn to achieve proper gauge.

The gauge for this pattern is 11 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches, which helps determine the finished dimensions and ensures consistent results. Blocking is recommended after completion, particularly if using wool or cotton yarn, to even out stitches and enhance the eyelet details.

Pattern Notes

The pattern is adaptable — crafters can adjust width by using multiples of 7 stitches beyond the base 35, and length by repeating the four-row eyelet sequence additional times. All standard knitting abbreviations are provided within the pattern for reference. The designer requests that finished products not be photographed for commercial resale purposes.