Crochet Table Runners

Gatsby Ripple Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

CargoFits: Chunky Sweaters, Warm Fits & Knitted Apparel • November 09, 2026
Gatsby Ripple Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Gatsby Ripple Table Runner is a long, narrow crocheted runner that brings a little art deco glamour to your table. Worked end to end in a ripple stitch pattern, it alternates bands of metallic gold and deep teal to create a soft chevron effect that catches the light beautifully. It is designed for crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet and simple decreases and increases, and it makes a striking gift or a statement piece for a dining table, sideboard, or dresser. The finished fabric is flat, drapey, and lightly sparkled, with a crisp single crochet border that gives it a polished, finished look.

Materials Needed

  • Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn — 200 yd metallic gold (A) and 200 yd deep teal (B). Sample uses Caron Simply Soft Party in Gold Sparkle (A) and Teal Sparkle (B).
  • Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
  • Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional), blocking pins and mat
  • Finished size: 12 inches wide x 48 inches long

Abbreviations

  • ch — chain
  • dc — double crochet
  • dc2tog — double crochet two stitches together (a decrease worked over two stitches)
  • sc — single crochet
  • sl st — slip stitch
  • sp — space
  • st(s) — stitch(es)
  • RS — right side

Gauge

16 sts and 8 rows = 4 inches in ripple pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch of the ripple pattern and measure the stitch and row counts across the center of the swatch; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

  • Count your stitches at the end of every row — each row should have 48 sts and 1 ch-1 space. The ripple pattern relies on consistent counts, so a quick count saves ripping back later.
  • Change colors at the end of the last row of each band, completing the final stitch of that row with the new color so the color change sits cleanly at the edge.
  • Keep your tension even, especially on the dc2tog decreases and the (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) increases, so the zigzag ridges stay crisp and the runner stays flat.
  • Work the border evenly — space your single crochets so the edge lies flat rather than ruffling or pulling in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Runner

Worked with A unless otherwise noted.

Row 1: Ch 51. Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch count as first dc), dc in next 2 ch, *dc2tog over next 2 ch, dc2tog over next 2 ch, dc in next 3 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch; rep from * to last 8 ch, dc2tog over next 2 ch, dc2tog over next 2 ch, dc in last 4 ch (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp).

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, dc in next 3 sts, *dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * to last 8 sts, dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc in last 4 sts (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp).

Rows 3-4: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 5-8: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 9-12: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 13-16: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 17-20: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 21-24: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 25-28: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 29-32: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 33-36: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 37-40: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 41-44: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 45-48: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 49-52: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 53-56: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 57-60: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 61-64: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 65-68: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 69-72: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 73-76: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 77-80: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 81-84: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 85-88: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to A.

Rows 89-92: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Change to B.

Rows 93-96: Rep Row 2 (48 sts, 1 ch-1 sp). Fasten off.

Border

With RS facing, join A with sl st in any corner.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

This runner is a single flat piece, so no seaming is required. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through several stitches in matching colors so the metallic and teal bands stay neat. Block lightly to measurements — mist with water, pin to 12 inches wide by 48 inches long, and let dry fully to relax the ripple pattern and straighten the edges.

Pro Tips and Variations

  • Try a different color pairing, such as silver and navy or copper and charcoal, to suit your table setting while keeping the art deco feel.
  • For a wider runner or a matching placemat set, add or remove repeats of the ripple motif in the starting chain in multiples of the pattern repeat.
  • Work the border in B instead of A, or add a second round of sc for a slightly heavier, more defined edge.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: Heritage Harvest Apron Free Pattern – Crochet a Rustic Kitchen Heirloom