Free Pattern: The Sweetheart Meadow Table Runner

Gauge

Gauge: 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet.

Gauge simply means how big your stitches turn out. If your stitches are too loose, your runner will be wider and longer than planned; if they are too tight, it will be smaller. Because this runner is a fixed size, checking gauge helps you get the finished dimensions you expect.

How to make a gauge swatch: With your 6.0 mm hook and chosen yarn, chain 20. Work 1 double crochet into the 4th chain from your hook and into each chain across (you will have about 17 double crochet stitches). Work 8 rows of double crochet, turning at the end of each row. Lay the swatch flat and measure a 4-inch section in the middle. Count how many stitches fit across 4 inches and how many rows fit in 4 inches. If you have more than 14 stitches, your tension is tight — try a larger hook. If you have fewer than 14, your tension is loose — try a smaller hook. Do not skip this step; it takes only a few minutes and saves you from surprises.

Beginner Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every row. The pattern tells you the count in parentheses, like (42 dc). If your number is off, fix it before moving on — it is much easier to correct one row than ten.
• Use stitch markers. Place one in the very first stitch of each row so you never lose your place, and place one in the center of each heart cluster so you can find it again on the next row.
• Do not pull your yarn too tight. Beginners often grip the yarn hard, which makes tiny, stiff stitches. Keep a relaxed, even tension so the openwork hearts can show their lacy gaps.
• Remember that the beginning chain counts. In this pattern, a chain of 3 at the start of a row counts as your first double crochet, and a chain of 4 counts as a double crochet plus a chain 1. Do not work an extra stitch into that same spot.
• Work in good light and keep your hook pointed toward you. Good lighting makes it far easier to see where each stitch goes, especially the chain spaces.
• Practice the Heart Cluster on scrap yarn first. Work [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc] into one stitch a few times until it feels natural. Once you can do it, the whole pattern clicks into place.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes before you begin: A chain of 3 at the beginning of a row counts as the first double crochet unless the pattern says otherwise. A chain of 4 at the beginning of a row counts as the first double crochet plus a chain 1. The heart motif is worked over 9 stitches. The Heart Cluster (HC) is [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc] all in the same stitch or space.

Body of the Runner

Row 1: Chain 44. Work 1 double crochet into the 4th chain from your hook, then 1 double crochet into each chain across. Turn your work. (42 dc)

Row 2: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet). Work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet and into each double crochet across. Turn. (42 dc)

Row 3: Chain 4 (this counts as your first double crochet plus a chain 1). Skip the next double crochet. Work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet, chain 1, skip the next double crochet, work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet. Then *chain 1, skip the next double crochet, work 1 double crochet into the next double crochet; repeat from * across until 2 double crochet remain. Chain 1, skip the next double crochet, work 1 double crochet into the last double crochet. Turn. (22 dc, 21 ch-1 sps)

Row 4: Chain 3. Work 1 double crochet into the first chain-1 space, chain 1, work 1 double crochet into the next chain-1 space, chain 1, work 1 double crochet into the next chain-1 space. Then *work a Heart Cluster [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc]