White Fan Lace Crochet Table Runner with Scalloped Edge — Free Crochet Pattern

Some designs never go out of style, and white fan lace is one of them. This runner is made of rows of plump nine-stitch fans that sit between open chain arches, so the whole centre looks like a field of seashells and little round windows. A wide two-round border of large scallops with ring eyelets frames it, giving the deep, dramatic edge you see hanging over the table in the photo. It is the kind of runner that belongs on a festive table – Christmas, Eid, weddings and anniversaries.

Skill level: advanced

The fan stitch itself is a classic four-row repeat. What makes this project advanced is the scale and the border: you will keep a long multiple steady across 60+ rows, then work a three-round border around a large rectangle where the row-ends and the foundation edge have to be balanced so the scallops lie flat and the corners turn cleanly.

The fan lace stitch explained

Fan lace alternates two kinds of rows. In a fan row, nine double crochet are worked into one stitch, making a half-circle fan, and the fans are anchored to each other with single crochet. In an arch row, chain-3 arches link the centre of each fan to the anchor points, opening the round eyelets. The next fan row places its fans between the previous fans, so the pattern staggers like brickwork.

Because each fan is wider at the top than at the base, fan lace naturally wants to ripple. Two things keep it flat: working the fans into a stitch (not a space), and pulling the anchoring single crochet snug.

Yarn

A bright white DK or light worsted cotton gives the crisp, almost sculpted look in the photo – about 450 g. Mercerised cotton adds a soft sheen for formal tables. For an antique look use ecru or ivory.

Changing the size

The foundation is a multiple of 8 + 2. Each extra 8 chains adds one fan (about 4.5 cm) to the width. For length, simply work more or fewer 4-row repeats; each repeat adds about 6 cm. Always end on a fan row so the top edge mirrors the bottom.

The deep border

The border is what makes this runner special. Round 1 creates an even base. Round 2 builds big open scallops: each is a ring of double crochet separated by chain-1 eyelets. Round 3 outlines every scallop with a firm single crochet edge and a picot at the crown. The result is heavy enough to hang straight over the table edge.

Blocking

Wet-block on a large surface. Pin the long sides straight, then pin each scallop crown individually. A medium starch helps the fans keep their shape on the table; skip it if you want a soft, drapey look.

Styling

White fan lace on warm mahogany with a gold vase of pink lilies and roses looks luxurious and timeless. On a dark table you can also slip a coloured cloth underneath to make the open arches glow.

Looking for more classic lace? Try the Green Tulip Pineapple Lace Table Runner or the Terracotta and Cream Oval Lace Table Runner, or see all our free crochet table runner patterns.

Timeless white fan lace with a deep, eyelet-scalloped border – the kind of heirloom runner that comes out for every celebration.

Ivory or ecru for vintage, champagne gold for weddings, or pale grey for a modern minimalist table.

Amigurumi (Japanese: ami = knitted/crocheted + nuigurumi = stuffed toy) is the craft of making small crocheted characters. You start with a magic ring, work in continuous spiral rounds of single crochet, and shape the piece through increases and decreases — no seams, no joins, no turning.

The magic ring creates a closable centre with no hole. Wrap yarn around two fingers, insert the hook, yarn over and pull through. Work your first round into this ring, then pull the tail to close tight. Practise a few times — it becomes effortless quickly.

The invisible decrease — insert your hook through the front loop only of the first stitch, then the front loop only of the second stitch. Yarn over, pull through both loops, then yarn over again and pull through the remaining two. Working through front loops only makes the decrease blend into the fabric instead of leaving a bump.

Tension matters most. Amigurumi needs tight, firm tension so stuffing can't show through. If you can see white fiberfill peeking between your stitches, go down one hook size. The fabric should feel dense and firm — like a tightly woven canvas, not a loose net.