CROCHET TECH: 🌼 How to Crochet a Runner Table Flower

Creating a "Runner Table Flower" is a lovely way to add a touch of handmade elegance and nature-inspired beauty to your dining or console table. This tutorial will guide you through crocheting a beautiful, textured flower motif that can be repeated and joined together to create a stunning custom-length table runner.

How To Crochet a Runner Table Flower Tutorial (Puff Stitch Motif)

Project Overview: This pattern focuses on creating a charming, slightly dimensional flower motif (approximately 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm in diameter) using the lovely puff stitch for its petals. You'll crochet multiple identical motifs and then join them together to form your unique table runner. The texture of the puff stitches makes this flower both visually appealing and pleasant to the touch.

Skill Level: Intermediate (Requires comfortable knowledge of basic stitches, working in the round, and creating puff stitches).

Finished Motif Dimensions (Approximate):

Diameter: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)

Materials You'll Need:

Yarn:
- Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton Yarn: Approximately 30-40 yards (27-37 meters) per flower motif.
- Why cotton? It's durable, washable, heat-resistant, and holds its shape well, which is perfect for a table runner.
- Color: You can use a single color for a classic look, or choose 2-3 colors per flower (e.g., one for the center, one for petals, one for the outer round) for a more vibrant runner.
Crochet Hook:
- Size H/5.0mm (or the hook size that gives you a firm but not stiff fabric that lies flat).
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in loose ends and joining motifs.
Scissors
Measuring Tape: Useful for checking motif size and overall runner length.
Stitch Markers (Optional): To mark the beginning of rounds or specific stitches.

Gauge (Important for Consistent Motif Size!):

Maintaining a consistent gauge is crucial if you're making multiple motifs to join. It ensures they are all the same size and will connect neatly without distortion.

With your H/5.0mm hook and chosen yarn, after Round 3, your motif should measure approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter.

Abbreviations Used:

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
st(s): stitch(es)
ch-sp: chain space
MR: Magic Ring (also known as Magic Circle or Adjustable Ring)
Puff St (Puff Stitch): [Yo, insert hook into st/sp, yo, pull up a loop] 3 times in the same st/sp (7 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 7 loops on hook. Ch 1 to close the puff stitch. (The ch 1 closing chain often counts as part of the stitch for spacing).
FO: fasten off

Understanding Flower Motif Construction:

This flower motif is built in rounds, starting from a central core, then forming a distinct ring of puff stitch petals, and finally creating a solid outer ring that allows for easy joining to other motifs.

Let's Start Crocheting Your Runner Table Flower Motif!

Part 1: Flower Center

Option A: Magic Ring (Recommended for a tight center)

Make a Magic Ring (MR).
Round 1: Ch 2 (does NOT count as a stitch). Work 12 dc into the MR. Pull the tail tight to close the ring. Sl st to the top of the first dc to join. (Total: 12 dc).

Option B: Chain 4 Method (Alternative)

Ch 4, sl st into the 1st ch to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (does NOT count as a stitch). Work 12 dc into the ring. Sl st to the top of the first dc to join. (Total: 12 dc).

Part 2: Puff Petals

This round creates the distinctive textured petals of your flower.

Round 2 (Puff Petals):
- Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Sc in the same st as join.
- (Ch 2, work Puff St in the next dc. Ch 2, sc in the next dc). Repeat from * to * 5 more times. You will have 6 puff stitches and 6 sc between them.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (Total: 6 Puff Sts, 12 ch-2 sps (6 before, 6 after puffs), 6 sc).

Part 3: Final Shaping & Joining Base

This round creates a solid base around your flower, making it flat and easy to join to other motifs.

Round 3:
- Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Sc in the same st as join (the sc from Round 2).
- Work 3 sc into the next ch-2 sp (before the puff st).
- Work 1 sc in the top of the Puff St.
- Work 3 sc into the next ch-2 sp (after the puff st).
- Work 1 sc in the next sc (between the puff sts).
- Repeat from * to * 5 more times around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (Total: 48 sc).
Round 4:
- Ch 2 (does NOT count as a stitch). Dc in the same st as join.
- Dc in each of the next 7 sc.
- (2 dc in the next sc, dc in each of the next 7 sc). Repeat from * to * 5 more times.
- Sl st to the first dc to join. (Total: 54 dc).
- FO, leaving a long tail (approx. 10-12 inches / 25-30 cm) if you plan to seam your motifs together. If you plan to use a join-as-you-go method, you might not need a long tail on the last motif you make.

Part 4: Finishing (for a single motif)

Weave in All Ends: Thread any remaining yarn tails onto your yarn needle. Carefully weave them through several stitches on the back side of your motif, securing them invisibly.
Blocking (Recommended!): Blocking will help your flower motif lie perfectly flat and define the puff stitches beautifully, making it easier to join.
- Method: Gently wet your finished motif (by misting with water or a quick dip and gentle squeeze – do not wring). Lay it flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel. Gently shape it into a perfect circle, ensuring the petals are well-defined. Pin it if necessary. Allow it to air dry completely.

Part 5: Creating the Table Runner (Joining Multiple Motifs)

Once you've made several identical flower motifs (the number will depend on your desired runner length), you'll join them together.

Joining Method: Simple Whip Stitch (Recommended for beginners)

Arrange your motifs: Lay out your crocheted flower motifs in a row to determine the desired length of your runner.
Prepare for seaming: Place two motifs side-by-side with their edges touching where you want them to join. You can use stitch markers or pins to hold them in place.
Seam:
- Thread your yarn needle with a length of matching yarn (or the yarn used for the outer round).
- Using a whip stitch (or mattress stitch for a more invisible seam), stitch through the corresponding stitches along the edge of both motifs. Go through both loops of the stitches on each motif for a secure seam.
- Seam across the entire edge where the two motifs touch.
- Secure the yarn and weave in the tail.
Continue joining: Repeat this process to join all your motifs together in a straight line, forming your runner.

Alternative Joining Methods:

Slip Stitch Join: Place motifs wrong sides together and use your hook to sl st through corresponding stitches.
Single Crochet Join: Similar to slip stitch, but using sc for a more pronounced ridge.
Join-As-You-Go (JAYG): An advanced technique where you crochet the last round of a new motif while simultaneously joining it to the previous motifs. This results in seamless joins but requires careful attention to the pattern.

Finishing the Runner: Once all motifs are joined, give the entire runner a final blocking. This will even out the seams, define all the petals, and give your runner a professional, polished look.

Enjoy your beautiful, handmade crochet table runner adorned with lovely textured flowers!

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🌼 How to Crochet a Runner Table Flower – Step-by-Step