Deck the table with handmade holiday cheer! This cream-colored table runner is worked in easy, textured rows and finished with delicate scalloped edges, then adorned with dimensional green holly leaves and bright red bobble berries at both ends. It sets a stunning, festive scene for Christmas dinner, holiday parties, and cozy winter gatherings alike.
Holly Leaf Crochet Table Runner Free Christmas Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: 14 inches wide by 56 inches long (35.5 cm x 142 cm)
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) in Cream, Dark Green, and Red
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sc, hdc, dc, tr, sl st, bobble, shell
- Time to make: 12 to 15 hours
What Makes This Crochet Holly Table Runner Special
This design combines classic filet crochet mesh with solid textured rows to create a balanced, elegant fabric that drapes beautifully over dining tables or sideboards. The true magic lies in the handmade appliqués: plump, tactile bobble stitch berries paired with deeply ribbed, pointed holly leaves that are stitched securely to both ends over a sweet scalloped border. Every detail is designed to mimic fresh winter foliage without the maintenance!
Skill Level
- Required skills: Working in rows and foundation chains, basic increases and decreases, making bobbles and textured shells, sewing appliqués securely.
- If you know your basic stitches and love a fun weekend project with rewarding results, you are ready to tackle this free crochet pattern!
Finished Measurements
- Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
- Length: 56 inches (142 cm)
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Color | Details / Weight | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Yarn | Cream | Worsted / Category 4 | 900 yards / 823 meters |
| Leaf Yarn | Dark Green | Worsted / Category 4 | 150 yards / 137 meters |
| Berry Yarn | Red | Worsted / Category 4 | 75 yards / 68 meters |
| Hook | – | 5.0 mm (H/8) | 1 hook |
| Notions | – | Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers | As needed |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caron Simply Soft | Worsted (4) | 315 yds / 288 m | Excellent stitch definition and soft sheen |
| Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice | Worsted (4) | 170 yds / 156 m | Holds its shape wonderfully for home decor |
| Premier Everyday Worsted | Worsted (4) | 203 yds / 186 m | Durable, anti-pilling acrylic |
Gauge
- Runner Body: 16 sts x 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern mesh using a 5.0 mm hook.
- Holly Leaf: Approximately 3.5 inches long by 2 inches wide at widest point.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- bobble: 5-dc bobble stitch
- shell: 5-dc shell in one stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
UK terms equivalent: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- 5-dc Bobble: [Yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 5 times in the same stitch, yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
- 5-dc Shell: Work 5 dc into the same indicated stitch or space.
- Pointed Holly Leaf: Worked in joined rows with shaping using hdc, dc, and tr stitches to create sharp leaf points.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes
- The runner body is worked flat in rows from end to end.
- Turning chains do not count as stitches unless explicitly stated.
- Bobble berries are worked separately in small rounds and then stuffed or cinched shut before sewing.
Section 1: Runner Body (Cream)
Foundation Chain: Ch 59.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn (58 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 2, sk 2 st, sc in next st across, turn (20 sc, 19 ch-2 spaces).
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in first st, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next sc across, turn (20 dc, 19 ch-2 spaces).
Rows 4 to 135: Rep Rows 2 and 3 alternately 66 more times, ending with a Row 2 repeat (39 sts).
Row 136: Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-2 space across, turn (58 sc).
Row 137: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off cream yarn (58 sc).
Section 2: Border Trim (Cream)
With RS facing, join cream yarn in any corner of the runner body.
Rnd 1: Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the runner, placing 3 sc in each corner to turn smoothly, join with a sl st to first sc (388 sc).
Rnd 2: Sk 1 st, 5-dc shell in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st repeat around the entire edge, working adjustments at corners as needed. Fasten off, weave in all ends (480 dc).
Section 3: Holly Leaves (Dark Green, make 24)
Foundation Chain: Ch 11.
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch, rotate to work along opposite side of foundation chain: sl st in first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Join with sl st to first st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (18 sts).
Section 4: Bobble Berries (Red, make 24)
Rnd 1: Magic ring, work 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (6 sc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc2tog) 6 times around, join with sl st (6 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Gather the remaining 6 stitches tightly with your yarn needle to form a plump round berry.
Assembly
- Arrange clusters of 3 holly leaves and 3 red bobble berries at each of the four corners of the runner, as shown in the photos.
- Pin the holly leaves securely to the cream background just above the scalloped border.
- Stitch the leaves in place using matching green yarn and neat whip stitches.
- Cluster the 3 red berries tightly in the center overlap of each leaf trio, sewing them securely through both the leaves and the runner base.
Size Customization Tips
- To make your runner wider, add chains in multiples of 3 plus 1 to your foundation chain.
- To adjust the length, simply work more or fewer repeats of Rows 2 and 3. Each two-row repeat adds approximately 0.8 inches (2 cm) to the total length.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water using mild wool wash.
- Do not bleach or tumble dry.
- Lay flat on a clean towel, block to exact dimensions, and allow to dry completely before placing on your table.
FAQ
Can I use cotton yarn instead of acrylic?
Yes! 100% cotton yarn (such as Drops Paris or Lily Sugar’n Cream) works wonderfully for home decor projects, offering a crisp stitch definition and easy machine washing.
How can I make the table runner shorter or longer?
You can easily adjust the length by adding or subtracting pairs of mesh rows in the main body section before adding the border and appliqués.
Are the appliqués removable?
The holly leaves and berries are securely hand-sewn to the runner, making them permanent fixtures that withstand holiday wear and tear while remaining fully washable.