Knit Table Runner Free Pattern Lite: Blush and Bashful

Is it just me, or do table runners elevate your space? I mean, kitchen table, cool. Kitchen table with a table cloth, cool. Kitchen table with a table runner – oooh la-la! I Love table runners. And since I knit, I wanted to knit one. And that’s how I created the knit table runner free pattern lite!

A little back story…. I recently knit a table runner for some friends using the pattern Hearth by Margaret of Heidi and Lana. While I enjoyed the knit very much and love the finished piece, I wish I had selected better colors, tbh, but it’ done now.

But my table (entry table to be exact) is bare. It could sure use a lovely table runner to brighten up the darkness of the wood. And I just so happened to have 2 almost full skeins of Truboo yarn on hand. And, the just happened to be in complementary colors. How’s that for scoping up pretty yarns with no plan?!?!

I looked through the various table runner patterns available on Ravelry, but nothing seemed to fit what I had in mind. And there are plenty of knit table runner free patterns on Ravelry. But I started looking at stitch patterns, and thinking of how to make this table runner. 

In a flash, I started knitting and falling helplessly in love with how it was turning out. 

Mystery Knit-A-Long?

So I decided to make this not yet pattern into a mystery KAL. Honestly, the gauge isn’t super important on this, so I felt confident in just going for it. I can’t say that many people engaged in knitting with me. The actual number was 0. Zero people decided to cast-on at the last minute and knit a pattern that I was making on the fly. 

Imagine that…

via GIPHY

But it was fun for me. I basically did a video every other day and posted instructions and charts and just kept knitting. When I finished knitting I thought, this has got to be a pattern lite and eventually a knit table runner free pattern

Blush and Bashful a table runner

Because, personally speaking, as the person who designed and knit this item, I love it. I love it so much! I actually want to make another one but longer so it can fit on my big dining table. That’s how much I love it. I’m willing to make another larger one. 

And this pattern is really easy to adapt to what you want. I hope to have the full pattern (tech edited and test knit, of course) in 6 months or so, these things take time. And in that version, I will have multiple sizes available. 

But for now, if you also have a naked entry table that’s crying out for a table runner, I’ve got you covered! Er, I’ve got your table covered! Since, I’m launching this as a knit table runner free pattern lite version. 

What’s in a name? 

OK, I’m old, but if you haven’t seen Steel Magnolias with Julia Roberts and Sally Field, do it now. In the beginning, Shelby (Julia Roberts) is about to get married. She’s at Trudy’s (Dolly Parton) salon to get her hair and nails done with her mama (Sally Fields). As the gals get to talking they ask Shelby what her wedding colors are. 

Mama says “Her colors are pink and pink”

Shelby replies “My colors are Blush and Bashful mama, one is a much deeper shade of pink.” Because “Pink is my signature color.” (add gif if can)

via GIPHY

I love this movie. I love this quote. And when asking for names for the table runner, a lovely FB follower suggested Blush and Bashful. I hesitated a moment, because I don’t necessarily want to reference the colors that I used. Whenever that happens I feel like you’re dictating what colors someone can knit with, and honestly, I don’t care, you do you, boo! 

But then I thought, really, Blush and Bashful is just a vibe. It’s a lacy delicate vibe filled with femininity, and I definitely think that no matter what colors you use to knit this table runner with, it will be all those things. 

Blush and Bashful as a table runner. A nod to a fabulous movie with incredible quotable quotes. And when I first watched this movie, my favorite color was pink. It has changed over the years, but I still have a deep fondness for pink. 

Blush and Bashful Table Runner Pattern Details

I am so happy for you to use this knit table runner free pattern, and would be super grateful, if out in the wild you give me a shout out. On IG @ozzylosiknits and on FB OzzyLosi Knit Designs. (Hugs)

Materials

Yarn

Lion brand Truboo 100% Bamboo 3.5 ounce/100 grams 241 yards/220 meters in 2 colors 200 yds ea

Knitting Needles

4 mm to straight or circular to accommodate knitting approximately 18 inches flat

Notions

Scissors, Tapestry needle, 

Gauge

23 sts and 16 rows = 4 inch /10 cm square in Stockinette Stitch, not blocked

It is not necessary to match gauge

Finished Size

31″ long by 13″ wide

Pattern Notes

• The Table Runner pattern is in multiples of 12 stitches +6. You may choose to make your table runner wider or thinner by casting on more or less multiples of 12 plus 6.
• A 3 st i-cord runs along both sides of the table runner. To keep your i-cord from getting too loose of stitches on the first and last stitch of the row you will want to knit through the back loop.
• On all RS (or odd number rows), you will k1tbl, k2 at the beginning of the row. At the end of the row, when 3 sts remain, you will k2, k1tbl.
• On all WS (or even number rows), at the beginning of each row you will sl 3 purlwlise. At the end of the row, when 3 sts remain, you will slip 3 sts purlwise.
• Unless otherwise stated all slipped sts should be slipped purlwise.

Pattern Instructions

Cast-on

Using preferred co and CC1, co 78 sts

Set-up Rows

Row 1 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,

Ruffles and Lace Rows

Row 1 RS: *K1tbl, k2, *K*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 3: RS: k1tbl, k2, k1, *yo, p2tog,  k2*, until 6 sts remain, k3, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 4 WS: Sl 3, *p* until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 5 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 6 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 7 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 8 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 9 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 10 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 11 RS: k1tbl, k2, k3, *yo, p2tog,  k2*, until  sts remain, k1, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 12 WS: Sl 3, *p* until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 13 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 14 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 15 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 16 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,

Repeat Ruffle and Lace Rows 1-16 three times more time. Ruffles and Lace worked a total of 4 times for 64 rows.

Future Stripes

Row 1 RS: K1tbl, k2, K1 attach a slip marker to this stitch, *k* until 1 st remains, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *P* until 3 sts remain, sl3, turn,

Repeats Future Stripes Rows 1&2 two times. Future Stripes worked a total of 3 times for 6 rows.

Ruffles Waves #1

Row 1 RS: CC1 k1tbl, k2, *CC1 k1, CC2 k9, CC1 k2* repeat until 3 sts remain, CC1 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *CC1 k2, CC2 k7, CC1 k3* repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 3 RS: CC1 k1tbl, k2, *CC1 p1, k2, CC2 k5, CC1 k2, p2* repeat until 3 sts remain, CC1 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 4 WS: Sl 3, *CC1 p1, k1, p2, CC2 p3, CC1 p2, k1, p2* repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 5 RS: CC2 k1tbl, k2, *k1, CC1 k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, CC2 k2* repeat until 3 sts remain, CC2 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 6 WS: Sl 3, *CC1 p1, k11, p3, k1, p1, CC2 p3*, repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 7 RS: CC2 k1tbl, k2, *p1, k2, CC1 K1, p3, k1, CC2 k2, p2* repeat until 3 sts remain, CC2 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 8 WS: Sl 3, *CC2 k1, p1, k2, CC1 k3, CC2 k2, p1, k2*, repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 9 RS:  CC2 k1tbl, k2, *CC1 k1, CC2 k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, CC1 k2*, repeat until 3 sts remain, CC2 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 10 WS: Sl 3, *CC2 p1, CC1 p1, CC2 p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, CC1 p1, CC2 p2*, repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 11 RS: CC2 k1tbl, k2 *k2, CC1 k1, CC2 k1, p3, k1, CC1 k1, CC2 k3*, repeat until 3 sts remain, CC2 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 12 WS: Sl 3 *CC2 p3, CC1 p1, CC2 p3, CC1 p1, CC2 p4*, repeat until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 13 RS: CC2 k1tbl, k2 *k4, CC1 k3, CC2 k5*, repeat until 3 sts remain, CC2 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 14 WS: Sl 3, *CC2 P*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,

Lace Petals 

Note: All stitches in this section are worked with CC2. When wrapping the stitches on Rows 7 and 21, you will use the CC1 to wrap those stitches.  All even or WS rows will be purled across.

Wrapping Instructions: Move the three stitches to be wrapped to a cable needle, with CC1 wrap the three stitches 5 times, tie a knot on the WS of the fabric, cut a 5 inch tail, slip 3 sts from cable needle to RH needle. 

I-cord Chart ONLY Instructions: Remember when working from the chart to knit your i-cord following these instructions: 
ALL RS Rows: K1tbl, k2, work from chart until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
ALL WS Rows: Sl3, work from chart (or *p*) until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,

Row Instructions

Row 1 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, p1*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 3 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk, p1*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 4 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 5 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k2tog, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, ssk, p1* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 6 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 7 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k2tog, yo, k2, (wrap 3 sts with CC1), k2, yo, ssk, p1* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 8 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 9 RS:  K1tbl, k2, *k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2, p1*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 10 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 11 RS:  K1tbl, k2, *k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, p1*, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 12 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 13 RS:  K1tbl, k2, *k4, yo, (sl 1 knitwise, k2tog, psso), yo, k4, p1*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 14 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 15 RS:  K1tbl, k2, *yo, k3, ssk, p1, k2tog, k3, yo, k1*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 16 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 17 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k1, yo, k2, ssk, p1, k2tog, k2, yo, k2*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 18 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 19 RS: K1tbl, k2, k2, yo, k1, ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, *wrap 3 sts with CC1, k1, yo, k1, ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1*, repeat until 17 sts remain, (wrap 3 sts with CC1), k1, yo, k1, ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yo, k3 k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 20 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 21 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k3, yo, ssk, p1, k2tog, yo, k4*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 22 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 23 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p1, k2, yo, ssk, k2*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 24 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 25 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k2tog, yo, k3, p1, k3, yo, ssk, k1*, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 26 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,
Row 27 RS: K1tbl, k2, k5, p1, k4, yo, (Sl 1 knitwise, k2tog, psso), *yo, k4, p1, k4, yo, Sl 1 knitwise, k2tog, psso* repeat until 15 sts remain, yo, k4, p1, k4, yo, ssk, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 28 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain Sl 3, turn,

Repeat Rows 1-28 two more times (total of three full pattern repeats). Then work rows 1-14 one additional time. Total of 98 rows worked.

*If you wish to make your table runner longer than written, you may continue to knit this section until you have your desired length minus 8 inches. Choosing to knit the pattern longer or shorter will result in more or less yarn being used.

Ruffles Waves #2

Row 1 RS: CC2 K1tbl, k2, *k* to 3 sts before m, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: CC2 Sl 3, *p5, CC1 p3, CC2 p4* until 3 sts remain, sl 3, turn,
Row 3 RS: CC2 K1tbl, k2, *k4, CC1 k1, CC2 k3, CC1 k1, CC2 k3* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1bl, turn,
Row 4 WS: CC2 Sl3,, *p3, CC1 p1, CC2 p1, CC2 k3, p1, CC1 k1, CC2 k2* until 3 ts remain, sl 3, turn,
Row 5 RS: CC2 K1tbl, k2, *k2, CC1 k1, CC2 k1, CC2 p1, k3, p1, k1, CC1 k1, CC2 k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 6 WS: CC1 Sl 3, *p2, CC2 p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, CC1 k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, sl3, turn,,
Row 7 RS: CC2 K1tbl, k2, *k2, p1, k2, CC1 k3, CC2 k2, p1, k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 8 WS: CC2 Sl3, *k2, p2, CC1 p1, k3, p1, CC2 p2, k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, sl3, turn,
Row 9 RS: CC2 K1tbl, k2, *K3, CC1 k1, p1, k3, p1, k1, CC2 k2* repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 10 WS: CC2 Sl3, *p2, CC1 p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, CC2 k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, sl 3, turn,
Row 11 RS: CC1 K1tbl, k2, *k2, p1, k2, CC2 k3, CC1 k2, p1, k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 12 WS: CC1 Sl 3, *k2, p2, CC2 p5, CC1 p2, CC1 k1* repeat until 3 sts remain, sl 3, turn,
Row 13 RS: CC1 K1tbl, k2, *k3, CC2 k7, CC1 k2, repeat until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 14 WS: CC1 Sl 3, *p2, CC2 p9, CC1 p1* repeat until 3 sts remain, sl 3, turn,

Future stripes

All “Future Stripes” rows worked with CC1.

Row 1 RS: K1tbl, k2, K1 attach a slip marker to this stitch, *k* until 1 st remains, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *P* until 3 sts remain, sl3, turn,

Repeats Rows 1&2 two times to work 6 total rows of “future stripes”.

Ruffles and Lace Rows

All Ruffles and Lace rows worked with CC1.

Row 1 RS: *K1tbl, k2, *K*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *p* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 3 RS: k1tbl, k2, k1, *yo, p2tog,  k2*, until 6 sts remain, k3, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 4 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 5 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 6 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 7 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 8 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 9 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 10 WS: Sl 3, *p* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 11 RS: k1tbl, k2, k3, *yo, p2tog,  k2*, until  sts remain, k1, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 12 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 13 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 14 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,
Row 15 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k* until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 16 WS: Sl 3, *p*, until 3 sts remain, Sl 3, turn,

Repeat 1-16 three times, total 64 rows worked.

Finishing rows

All finishing rows are worked with CC1.

Row 1 RS: K1tbl, k2, *k*, until 3 sts remain, k2, k1tbl, turn,
Row 2 WS: Sl 3, *k* until 3 remain, Sl 3, turn,

Repeat Rows 1&2 once more. 

Bind-Off

Using preferred bo method, bind-off all stitches.

Adding Stripes

Measure and a length of CC2 yarn that is the width of your table runner times 4. Using a tapestry needle weave CC2 yarn over and under the stockinette stitches in the “Future Stripes” section. These stripes should be visible. Once you have completed one stripe, begin working on the second, and then the third.

Follow these instructions for the top and bottom section of “Future Stripes”. When your stripes are sewn on, proceed to finishing instructions.

Finishing Instructions

Cut an 8 inch tail. Weave in ends.

Block with boards and pins if possible to stretch the lace open as desired.

Using your table runner

Now that it’s complete, show it off! Use it on your entry table, dresser, dining room table, cabinet, whatever. But don’t keep it hidden. When we get a knit table runner free pattern we must show it off. Who doesn’t like a bargain?

Ideally you would want to have about 6 inches of fabric hanging off the side of your table. As I knit this with the yarn I had, it ends up barely covering my entry table from end to end. But, I still like it. In this photo I did pull the side down so you could see how it would look in an ideal situation, at least on one end…

The instructions for this table runner are a bit more involved than normal, but I think that if you can get into a rhythm for each section it won’t feel so overwhelming. Just take it one piece at a time.

This table runner is very easy to customize to fit your size needs as everything is on a 12 stitch repeat. Simply add or subtract your cast-on number by 12 to get a thinner or wider table runner. To make it longer or shorter, simply add or remove pattern row repeats. The best section to add and remove pattern repeats is in the “Lace Petals” section.

If you knit this pattern, let me know! I’d love to see how it worked out for you. If you have questions, ask any time.

If you enjoy the free pattern and want more like it, comment below with “More!”

You may also like these free patterns available on my website:

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