Farmhouse Style Table Runner with Knitted Edge

I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to spend these long hours at home (due to coronavirus pandemic) in a productive way. Keeping vigilant & calling extended family have been the priority, but keeping myself busy has provided a sense of normalcy. Craft projects have always been enjoyable to me, but now they are also giving a sense of peace & distraction. I do hope you have also found a way to weather this storm in a comforting way.

Easter is around the corner, but it doesn’t look likely we’ll be able to celebrate the Resurrection in a public way. This won’t stop our family from rejoicing at home. When I was planning for a lovely Easter table setting this year, I got the idea to add a handmade knitted edge to a plain table runner. I envisioned a farmhouse style table runner with white linen and gray yarn lacing on the edges. The crisp white would provide simplicity, while the gray knitted edge would add unique texture. There’s just something special about handmade linens in a table setting, harking back to times when they were much more common. This sense of connecting with tradition is especially important in these times. Would you agree?

My table runner idea has come to fruition, and I’ve got the sewing and knitting patterns for you here today. My goal is to provide simple projects here at A Box of Twine, yet I want the simple design to include a big impact. I think the textured knitted edge of the runner gives that special touch, and you could modify it with any color yarn you prefer.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - on kitchen table, view from afar

If you’d like to try knitting the table runner edge, but you don’t want to sew a runner, feel free to purchase a white table runner instead (see my options below). You can attach the knitted edge to that (by hand-sewing or quickly sewing on a machine).

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Supplies

To sew the simple table runner, you will need:

2 yards of white linen or a cotton/linen blend
white thread, scissors
sewing machine

If you don’t sew or would rather use a pre-made table runner, you can purchase a white table runner online such as these:

To knit the edging, you will need:

approx. 80 yards of gray cotton yarn (to make two edges). I used Premier Home in the color ‘Gray’. You can find a similar (darker) color ‘Pewter’ online.
size 6 knitting needles
scissors, yarn needle

Knitting Pattern for table runner edge

Abbreviations

K – knit stitch

P – purl stitch

Sl – slip stitch

rep – repeat

sts – stitches

RS – Right Side (side that faces you when finished)

k2tog – knit 2 together (knit 2 stitches together)

yo – yarn over once (wrap yarn over right needle once)

yo2 – yarn over twice (wrap yarn over right needle twice)

Steps to make knitted edge for table runner:

Cast on 10 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Sl1, k2, yo, k2tog, *yo2, k2tog; rep from * once more, k1. (12 sts)

Row 2: K3, [p1, k2] twice, yo, k2tog, k1.

Row 3: Sl1, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, *yo2, k2tog; rep from * once more, k1. (14 sts)

Row 4: K3, p1, k2, p1, k4, yo, k2tog, k1.

Row 5: Sl1, k2, yo, k2tog, k9.

Row 6: Bind off 4 sts, k6, yo, k2tog, k1. (10 sts)

Repeat rows 1-6 about 16 more times for a total of 102 rows. You’ll want to finish the edging when the length matches the short edge width of your table runner. My edging ended up being 14″ long.

Bind off and weave in loose ends.

Repeat all the steps above for another knitted edge for your table runner. Each of these edges took me about 1.5 hour total to knit. I’m sure you can find that kind of time on your hands. 🙂

Below you can see a close-up of the edging in process:

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - knitted edge in process, closeup

And here is a look at the edging when it was almost done:

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - knitted edge in process

Sewing Pattern for Farmhouse Style Table Runner

Steps to make table runner:

Cut the white linen fabric into one long rectangle, 76″ long by 15″ wide.

Fold the long edges in 1/4″, then press. Fold the same edges in 1/4″ more and press.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - pressed long edges

Sew seams down the long edges of the runner at these folds, with approx. 1/8″ seam allowance.

Fold each of the short edges in 1/4″, then press. Fold these same edges in 1/4″ more and press.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - pressed short edge

Attach knitted edge to white table runner:

Align the knitted edge along each short edge, placing it on the right side of the runner’s short edge. Pin in place.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - pin knit edging — (this view shows the wrong sides of the runner & edging facing up)

Next sew a seam down each short edge, attaching the knitted edge to the white runner edge.

Lastly, trim loose threads and you’re done!

Showcase your farmhouse style table runner!

This table runner is sure to be an inviting feature at future gatherings this spring. It will definitely be part of our family’s Easter table. I can envision it set with rustic wood bowls & chargers, as well as ironstone. The runner would also look festive as part of a meal outdoors.

For now, I’m enjoying featuring it on our kitchen banquette table.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - on kitchen table, view from above

The simplicity of the white fabric, complimented by the gray knitted edge, pairs well with our wood stained farmhouse table.

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - on kitchen table, closeup

Speaking of farmhouse style, I couldn’t help but include my DIY Faux topiary and farmhouse tassel pillows in this scene. Adding some of my favorite vintage blue and white china makes it a quintessential farmhouse table setting!

Farmhouse Style Table Runner - on kitchen table, with topiary

Friends, I’m hoping you will find time to make a lovely craft during these trying days. It’s so helpful to create with our hands and heart in a productive way. I’m praying for all of you. Let me know if you give this project a try – I’m always excited to see your creations!