Diamond Lattice Maple Leaf Table Runner Crochet Pattern

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn, cream ~250g, background
• Worsted weight yarn, rust orange ~120g, leaves and border
• Worsted weight yarn, mustard gold ~80g, leaves
• Worsted weight yarn, burgundy wine ~80g, leaves
• Worsted weight yarn, taupe brown ~50g, lattice accents
• Crochet hook 5 mm (US H/8)
• Bobbins or yarn butterflies for intarsia color management
• Tapestry/yarn needle
• Steam iron and pressing cloth, or blocking mat and pins
• Sharp scissors

Abbreviations

Foundation and Lattice Setup

1. With MC, ch 91. This is your working width; it will not change until the border.
2. Row 1 (MC): dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. 89 sts.
3. Row 2 (MC): ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, dc in each st across. 89 sts.
4. Row 3 (MC): ch 3, turn, dc 2, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc 4; rep from * across, ending dc 2. This begins the diamond lattice grid. 89 sts total (dc + ch-2 sps combined width).
5. Rows 4-6 (MC): continue the ch-2/dc-4 lattice pattern as set, offsetting the ch-2 spaces by 2 sts every other row to build the diamond outlines, keeping stitch count consistent with Row 3.

Intarsia Leaf Block (worked into the lattice, one full leaf shown; repeat per chart for remaining 11 leaf positions)

1. On the row where a diamond’s leaf begins, work in MC up to the diamond’s left edge, then switch to CC (leaf color for that diamond) on a separate bobbin.
2. Work the leaf stem row: dc 2 in CC at the diamond’s center base, keeping MC bobbin twisted at the color change point to avoid holes.
3. Next 3 rows: increase the CC block by 2 sts per side each row (dc 4, dc 6, dc 8) to build the widening base of the leaf, always twisting MC and CC together at the join.
4. Next 2 rows: work even across the CC block width to fill the leaf’s broadest point.
5. Final 3 rows: decrease the CC block by 2 sts per side each row (dc 6, dc 4, dc 2) to taper the leaf back to a point at the diamond’s top corner, then FO the CC bobbin and weave in.
6. Continue MC lattice rows above and around the completed leaf block as charted.

Main Panel Repeat

1. Repeat the lattice setup and intarsia leaf block pattern down the length of the runner, alternating leaf colors (rust, gold, burgundy) so no two adjacent diamonds share a color, matching the layout in the photo.
2. Use taupe brown CC on selected lattice rows between diamonds for the subtle darker grid lines shown in the background.
3. Continue until the panel measures approximately 115 cm long, ending after a completed row of diamonds.
4. FO MC after the final lattice row, leaving a long tail for seaming into the border.

Border

1. With rust orange, join with sl st in any corner st of the panel.
2. Round 1: ch 1, sc evenly around the entire panel, working 3 sc in each corner to keep the border flat. Join with sl st to first sc.
3. Round 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each st around, working 3 dc in each corner st. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.
4. Round 3: repeat Round 2 once more for a solid double-thick border, join and FO.

Finishing

Weave in every bobbin tail on the wrong side individually rather than in bundles; intarsia pieces have far more ends than a single-color project and rushing this step is where most panels come apart. Steam-block the finished runner face-down on a towel, pinning the border edges straight and the diamond lattice gently opened so the ch-2 spaces sit evenly. Let it dry fully flat before moving it to the table.

Tips for Success

• Chart your full color layout before starting; intarsia is far easier to follow from a marked chart than from memory row by row.
• Always twist the two yarns together at every color change; skipping this leaves visible holes along every leaf edge.
• Work with bobbins or short yarn lengths rather than pulling from full skeins; large skeins tangle badly once 4-5 colors are active in one row.
• Keep tension consistent between MC lattice sections and CC leaf blocks; CC sections worked too tightly will pucker the panel.
• Block the panel before adding the border; a flat base makes it much easier to work an even, square border around it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Carrying a color loosely across the back instead of twisting at the join creates gaps between lattice and leaf. Fix: always twist working yarns at every color change point.
• Placing same-color leaves in adjacent diamonds flattens the pattern. Fix: check your chart in both directions before starting each new leaf block.
• Uneven ch-2 spacing in the lattice distorts the diamond shapes. Fix: count stitches between chain spaces every row, not just at the end of the panel.
• Skipping blocking before the border leads to a wavy, uneven edge. Fix: block the main panel flat and square first, then add the border rounds.
• Working the border too loosely lets the panel edges curl. Fix: drop down half a hook size for the border rounds if your border looks floppy.

Ways to Customize This Pattern

• Reduce the panel to 6 diamonds total for a shorter dresser-scarf-length runner.
• Swap the autumn palette for green and cream for a year-round lattice runner.
• Work the leaf blocks in a single accent color against a two-tone lattice for a more subtle, monochrome look.
• Add a second border round in a fourth accent color for a wider, more defined frame.
• Scale the whole chart down using DK yarn and a smaller hook for a matching table topper or placemat set.