Ripple Stitch Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This ripple stitch table runner is a sweet, beginner-friendly project that brings a soft farmhouse touch to any table. Worked in wide color blocks of cotton candy pink and baby blue, it looks like a gentle wave of color running down the center of your table. The single crochet ripple texture is squishy but sturdy, and the simple mixed-color fringe gives it a rustic, handmade feel. It is perfect for anyone who has just learned single crochet and wants a relaxing, repetitive project that looks far more complicated than it is.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 400 yards total — 200 yards cotton candy pink (A) and 200 yards baby blue (B).
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) crochet hook.
• Notions: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a ruler or tape measure, and a spare hook (or your fingers) for attaching fringe.
• Finished size: 14 inches wide x 48 inches long, excluding fringe.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sk — skip: leave the next stitch(es) unworked.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• rep — repeat: work the instructions again the stated number of times.

Gauge

14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in the ripple pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every row — each row should always have 48 stitches, which keeps the ripple edges straight.
• The ripple is made of peaks (3 sc in one stitch) and valleys (skipping 2 stitches); keep track of where you are so the waves line up row after row.
• Change colors at the end of the last row of a block by finishing the final stitch with the new color, then continue.
• Keep your tension even so the color blocks stay the same width and the runner lies flat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Runner

Worked in single crochet ripple pattern, changing colors in wide blocks as noted.

Setup: With color A, ch 51.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 5 ch, *3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, sk next 2 ch, sc in next 5 ch; rep from * to last 7 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in last 6 ch (48 sts).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 6 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 5 sts; rep from * to last 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in last 6 sts (48 sts).

Rows 3–24: Repeat Row 2 (48 sts). Change to color B at the end of Row 24.

Rows 25–48: Repeat Row 2 (48 sts). Change to color A at the end of Row 48.

Rows 49–72: Repeat Row 2 (48 sts). Change to color B at the end of Row 72.

Rows 73–96: Repeat Row 2 (48 sts). Fasten off.

Fringe

Cut 120 strands total, each 12 inches long, in a mix of colors A and B.

Step 1: Hold 2 strands together (one A, one B) and fold them in half to make a loop.

Step 2: Use your hook to pull the loop through a space at the edge of the runner.

Step 3: Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten to secure.

Step 4: Attach fringe evenly along both short ends, spacing about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Trim fringe evenly to 5 inches.

Assembly and Finishing

No seaming is needed — the runner is worked in one piece. Weave in all yarn ends securely on the wrong side, especially where you changed colors. Gently block the runner by misting it lightly with water and pinning it flat to the finished measurements (14 x 48 inches); let it dry completely. Fluff and straighten the fringe with your fingers, then trim any uneven strands so both ends match.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the color blocks for a single solid color, or use up scrap worsted cotton in narrower stripes for a scrappy look.
• Make a shorter version (fewer rows) for a placemat or dresser scarf, keeping the same 48-stitch width.
• Skip the fringe for a cleaner modern look, or add a simple single crochet border around the whole runner instead.