Lace Table Runner

Lace Table Runner by Sian Brown

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant lace table runner designed by Sian Brown. The finished piece measures 30 cm deep by 130 cm long, making it an ideal accent for table settings. The intermediate-level pattern combines classic lace techniques with straightforward construction, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore decorative stitch work.

What is Being Made

A rectangular lace table runner featuring openwork lace motifs throughout. The design includes garter stitch borders on the sides to frame the lace pattern and provide structural stability. This table runner serves as both a functional and decorative piece for dining tables, adding visual interest and texture to table settings.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The primary technique involves working flat in rows on straight needles, combining stockinette stitch as the base fabric with integrated lace patterning. The lace is created directly into the fabric rather than applied separately, requiring attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats throughout the work.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric and creating the garter stitch borders
• Purl (p): Used on wrong-side rows within the stockinette stitch sections to create smooth fabric between lace rows
• Yarn Over (yo): Creates the decorative openings and eyelets characteristic of lace work; increases stitch count and forms the delicate holes in the pattern
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs to maintain stitch count and shape the lace motifs
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, k1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used to balance k2tog decreases and create symmetrical lace patterns
• Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, k2tog, psso): A double decrease that creates more pronounced shaping within the lace design
• Slip Stitch (sl): Used in combination with other stitches to create the decrease sequences
• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row; forms the 4-stitch borders on each side that frame the lace pattern
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows; provides the smooth background for the lace motifs

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with casting on 69 stitches and working 6 rows of garter stitch to establish a stable foundation. The main lace pattern is then introduced as a repeating motif worked over multiple rows. Odd-numbered rows contain the lace pattern with yarn overs and decreases creating the openwork design, while even-numbered rows are worked with a 4-stitch garter stitch border on each side and stockinette stitch across the center. This alternating row structure continues throughout the piece, building the lace design row by row.

Materials

The pattern calls for Rico Essentials Cotton Glitz yarn in the shade Raspberry, requiring 5 balls of 50 gm each (250 gm total). This is a DK weight yarn, which is a medium-weight option suitable for creating defined stitch definition in lace work. The yarn is worked on size 4mm needles (US size 6), a standard needle size for DK weight yarn that produces the correct fabric density.

Tension and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches by 26 rows over a 10 cm by 10 cm swatch in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project to ensure the finished table runner reaches the intended measurements of 30 cm deep by 130 cm long. Swatching before beginning is recommended, particularly when working with lace patterns where tension directly affects the openness and drape of the final piece.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it requires competency with basic knitting stitches, the combination of lace techniques—including yarn overs, multiple decrease methods, and pattern repeats—makes it suitable for knitters progressing beyond beginner projects. The pattern demands careful attention to stitch