This crochet autumn sunflower & maple leaf table runner is an open cream diamond-mesh runner centered with exactly three large layered sunflower motifs and framed by twelve rust, burgundy, mustard, and olive maple leaves, eight textured acorns, and eighteen berry-style bobbles. The construction is designed specifically for the named project rather than adapted from a generic table-runner template.
A 47-stitch cream diamond-filet strip is worked for 92 rows and bordered with olive chain arches. Three separate twelve-petal sunflowers are sewn along the center line, twelve shaped maple leaves alternate along the sides, and small acorn and berry motifs fill the spaces without blocking the open mesh.
Why You’ll Love This Project
The diamond filet mesh, layered sunflower motifs, maple leaf applique create a distinct table accent with clear checkpoints, practical drape, and strong handmade texture.
Materials
- Approximately 620 yards cream DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 260 yards mustard DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 150 yards rust DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 140 yards burgundy DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 170 yards olive DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 90 yards dark-brown DK cotton yarn
- Thirty locking stitch markers
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Gauge, Measurements, and Planning
Make a generous swatch in the main stitch. The target gauge is seven diamond-mesh spaces and 8 rows = 4 inches after blocking; change hook size if needed before beginning the full runner.
Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
- yo: yarn over
Special stitch guidance: Diamond mesh: repeat [dc, ch 3, skip 3] across, offsetting the anchors on the following row. Sunflower petal cluster: [hdc, 3 dc, hdc] around one chain loop. Maple point: work dc, ch 3, slip stitch in the first chain, dc in the same space. Berry bobble: work five unfinished half double crochet in one stitch and close all loops together.
Before You Begin
- Maintain the stated 47-stitch construction count at every checkpoint.
- Beginning chains count only where explicitly stated.
- Block components before final assembly or border work.
- Use US crochet terminology throughout.
Instructions
Crochet the Cream Diamond-Mesh Base
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Foundation Row: With cream, ch 50. Dc in the fourth chain from the hook and across. Turn. (47 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 3, dc in the next 3 sts, then repeat [ch 3, skip 3, dc in the next 3 sts] across, ending with dc in the final stitch.
- Row 3: Ch 3, dc in the next stitch, ch 1, then work [dc, ch 3, dc] around each chain-3 arch; finish symmetrically and turn.
- Rows 4–92: Alternate Rows 2 and 3, maintaining 47 edge positions. Block the strip to 14 by 50 inches.
Make Three Large Sunflowers
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- With olive, work 12 dc into a magic ring and join. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Change to burgundy and work 2 front-post dc around each stitch. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Change to mustard and work twelve chain-6 loops, anchoring each loop over two center stitches.
- Rounds 4–5: Fill every loop with one sunflower petal cluster, then add a second offset layer of twelve rust-and-mustard petals behind it. Block each flower to 9 inches across. Make exactly three.
Crochet Maple Leaves, Acorns, and Berries
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Make twelve maple leaves over chain-15 center spines: three rust, three burgundy, three mustard, and three olive.
- Shape five pointed lobes on each leaf with graduated sc, hdc, dc, and maple-point groups, then surface-slip-stitch the center vein.
- Make eight dark-brown acorn cups from 12-sc rings and add mustard or rust oval nut sections beneath them.
- Make eighteen burgundy berry bobbles with short olive joining tails.
Assemble and Finish the Autumn Runner
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Center the three sunflowers at Rows 18, 46, and 74 and sew each through its burgundy center and outer petal bases.
- Arrange six maple leaves along each long side, alternating color and direction while leaving at least one mesh diamond visible between motifs.
- Distribute four acorns and nine berry bobbles along each side, anchoring every detail through mesh intersections.
- Work one olive chain-arch border around the full runner, add a cream picot at each short-end point, and block to 16 by 52 inches.
Assembly and Shaping
Follow the project-specific assembly sequence for diamond mesh sunflower maple runner. Pin or mark every component before joining and keep the layout centered inside the border.
Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.
Finishing
- Weave every tail through matching stitches and reverse direction once.
- Inspect all joins, motif anchors, and border corners.
- Block to 16 inches wide by 52 inches long.
- Allow the runner to dry completely before styling.
For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.
Helpful Tips
- Use locking markers at every construction checkpoint.
- Record row and motif counts as you work.
- Keep joins and color changes relaxed enough to lie flat.
- Photograph the complete layout before final assembly.
Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I omit the acorns and berries?
Yes. The three sunflowers and twelve maple leaves still create a complete autumn composition.
Can I make the runner shorter?
Yes. Remove eighteen mesh rows and place the three sunflowers at evenly spaced centers before arranging the leaves.
How do I keep the mesh from stretching during assembly?
Block the base first and keep it pinned while sewing the heavier motifs through several mesh intersections.
Conclusion
The finished crochet autumn sunflower & maple leaf table runner showcases diamond filet mesh, layered sunflower motifs, maple leaf applique in a construction that matches the project from foundation through border.
Printable Crochet Pattern Card
Project: Crochet Autumn Sunflower & Maple Leaf Table Runner
Skill level: Intermediate Hook: 3.5 mm Yarn: DK
Finished size: Approximately 16 inches wide by 52 inches long
Card Materials
- Approximately 620 yards cream DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 260 yards mustard DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 150 yards rust DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 140 yards burgundy DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 170 yards olive DK cotton yarn
- Approximately 90 yards dark-brown DK cotton yarn
- Thirty locking stitch markers
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Card Instructions
- Crochet the Cream Diamond-Mesh Base: Foundation Row: With cream, ch 50. Dc in the fourth chain from the hook and across. Turn. (47 sts) Row 2: Ch 3, dc in the next 3 sts, then repeat [ch 3, skip 3, dc in the next 3 sts] across, ending with dc in the final stitch. Row 3: Ch 3, dc in the next stitch, ch 1, then work [dc, ch 3, dc] around each chain-3 arch; finish symmetrically an
- Make Three Large Sunflowers: With olive, work 12 dc into a magic ring and join. (12 sts) Round 2: Change to burgundy and work 2 front-post dc around each stitch. (24 sts) Round 3: Change to mustard and work twelve chain-6 loops, anchoring each loop over two center stitches. Rounds 4–5: Fill every loop with one sunflower petal cluster, then add a second offset layer of twelve rust-and-mu
- Crochet Maple Leaves, Acorns, and Berries: Make twelve maple leaves over chain-15 center spines: three rust, three burgundy, three mustard, and three olive. Shape five pointed lobes on each leaf with graduated sc, hdc, dc, and maple-point groups, then surface-slip-stitch the center vein. Make eight dark-brown acorn cups from 12-sc rings and add mustard or rust oval nut sections beneath them. Make eig
- Assemble and Finish the Autumn Runner: Center the three sunflowers at Rows 18, 46, and 74 and sew each through its burgundy center and outer petal bases. Arrange six maple leaves along each long side, alternating color and direction while leaving at least one mesh diamond visible between motifs. Distribute four acorns and nine berry bobbles along each side, anchoring every detail through mesh int
Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.
