The Gilded Fern Table Runner: A Textured Knit Free Pattern
Introduction: Bring Nature to Your Table with the Gilded Fern Table Runner
Elevate your dining table with this elegant, nature-inspired table runner, featuring a delicate fern stitch pattern that catches the light beautifully. Knit in a soft, earthy palette, it adds a touch of handcrafted luxury to any room. The Gilded Fern Table Runner is an intermediate-level project that combines textured lace knitting with a clean, ribbed border for a refined, organic look. Whether you're dressing up a farmhouse table or adding a rustic touch to modern decor, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, heirloom-quality piece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the suggested yarns will help you achieve the exact look and feel shown in the pattern.
Yarn
- Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC): Soft sage green – approximately 400 yards. Suggested: Lion Brand Heartland in 'Olympic'.
- Contrast Color (CC): Warm cream or ivory – approximately 200 yards. Suggested: Lion Brand Heartland in 'Great Smoky Mountains'.
Tools & Notions
- Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) – or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
- Stitch markers (optional, for keeping track of pattern repeats).
Gauge
20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your finished piece matches the dimensions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 14 inches wide x 60 inches long (can be adjusted by adding or repeating pattern sections).
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- YO: Yarn over (creates an eyelet)
- Sl: Slip stitch purlwise (with yarn in back on RS, yarn in front on WS)
- MC: Main Color (sage green)
- CC: Contrast Color (cream/ivory)
Pattern Notes
- The runner is worked flat in two halves, starting from the center and working outward to the edges. This creates a mirrored fern pattern.
- The center panel is worked in MC, then the border is added in CC.
- Always slip the first stitch of each row purlwise to create a neat, chain-like edge. This makes picking up stitches for the border much easier.
- Blocking is essential to open up the lace pattern and achieve the final dimensions.
Center Panel (Make 2 identical pieces)
With MC, CO 50 stitches.
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, K across. (50 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, P across. (50 sts)
Row 3 (RS): Sl 1, K2, *YO, K2tog, K3, SSK, YO, K1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3. (50 sts)
Row 4 (WS) and all even rows: Sl 1, P across. (50 sts)
Row 5 (RS): Sl 1, K1, *YO, K2tog, K1, SSK, YO, K3; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4. (50 sts)
Row 7 (RS): Sl 1, *YO, K2tog, K3, SSK, YO, K1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2. (50 sts)
Row 9 (RS): Sl 1, K2, *YO, K2tog, K1, SSK, YO, K3; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3. (50 sts)
Row 11 (RS): Sl 1, K1, *YO, K2tog, K3, SSK, YO, K1; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4. (50 sts)
Row 12 (WS): Sl 1, P across. (50 sts)
Repeat Rows 3-12 until piece measures approximately 30 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row (Row 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12). Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as they appear, but since all stitches on RS are knit, simply bind off knitwise loosely).
Border (Worked in CC)
Long Edges:
With RS facing, using CC, pick up and knit stitches along one long edge of the center panel. Pick up approximately 1 stitch per row. You should have about 140 stitches (adjust as needed to maintain a straight edge). Knit 1 row (WS) to set up the ribbing.
Border Pattern (1x1 Ribbing):
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, P1.
Repeat these 2 rows for 1 inch. Bind off in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls).
Repeat for the other long edge.
Short Edges:
Pick up and knit 50 stitches along one short edge (the cast-on or bind-off edge). Work the same 1x1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off in pattern. Repeat for the other short edge.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Be sure to weave ends into the wrong side of the work, following the path of the yarn to keep them invisible.
- Block the runner to the desired dimensions. Soak the piece in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a blocking mat or towel, pinning the fern pattern open to enhance the lace effect. Stretch to approximately 14 inches wide x 60 inches long. Let dry completely.
Assembly
Sew the two center panels together along the CO edges using a mattress stitch, matching the pattern carefully. The seam will be invisible when done correctly. Take your time to align the fern motifs so they flow seamlessly from one panel to the next.
Your Gilded Fern Table Runner is now complete! Enjoy the delicate texture and nature-inspired elegance it brings to your home.
