A hand-knit table runner turns an everyday table into something that feels intentional and cozy, and this knit table runner pattern does it with a chunky three-strand cable braid running right down the center. Worked in super bulky yarn on big needles, this knit table runner pattern is quick, satisfying, and designed to match my Knit Cable Braid Tree Skirt for a coordinated holiday look.

Below I will walk you through how the runner comes together, what you will need, and how to block it so it lies smooth and flat. When you are ready to cast on, the full printable PDF is waiting for you on Etsy.

Why You Will Love This Knit Table Runner Pattern

This is holiday knitting that looks impressive but stays approachable. A few reasons to add it to your list:

• A chunky cable braid center — a three-strand braid that looks intricate but uses just two simple cable crosses.
• Adjustable length — knit it to fit your table, from a short accent to a full 72-inch runner.
• Quick to knit — super bulky yarn on big needles means fast, rewarding progress.
• Matches the tree skirt — the same cable braid as my Knit Cable Braid Tree Skirt, for a coordinated set.
• A free video tutorial for the cable braid, so the technique is easy to follow.

If you love handmade holiday decor, pair this knit table runner pattern with the matching Knit Cable Braid Tree Skirt to tie your whole space together.

What You Will Need

The materials list is short and beginner-friendly:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick (super bulky, weight 6) in Whipped Cream — about 4 skeins for a 72-inch runner. It is made from 100% recycled polyester, so each skein gives new life to roughly six plastic bottles.
• Needles: 10 mm (US 15) circular needles, worked flat.
• Notions: a cable needle, a tapestry needle, and scissors.

Shop the materials

Lion Brand Yarn, Re-Spun Thick & Quick Super Bulky Yarn for Knitting, Crochet, and Crafts, Whipped Cream, 3 Pack, Soft Fiber for Chunky Blankets, Bulky Throws, and Cozy Sweaters

Clover Circular Knitting Needles, Bamboo, Fruit Pink, US 15 (10mm), 24 Inches

Premium Large Eye, Large Gauge Needles for Hand Sewing – Assorted Sizes, Including Embroidery – 25/50 PCs with 2 Threaders

Any solid super bulky yarn works, so this is a lovely pattern for a color you love — cream for a soft, neutral look, or classic red for traditional Christmas charm.

How This Knit Table Runner Is Made

The runner is worked flat, back and forth, as one long panel — no seaming, no shaping, just a simple eight-row repeat. Here is the layout across the 29 stitches:

• Garter edges keep the sides tidy and flat.
• A textured background frames the center and lets the cable stand out.
• Rope-twist accents flank the braid — small twists that pop without a cable needle.
• The nine-stitch cable braid down the middle is the star, worked with the same C6B and C6F crosses as the tree skirt.

You simply repeat the eight rows until the runner reaches your table length, then bind off. That is the whole thing — easy to memorize and hard to put down.

Skill Level & Finished Size

This knit table runner pattern is rated intermediate, but confident beginners are very welcome — the only new skill is a simple cable cross, and the free video walks you through it. The sample measures about 72 inches long and 13 inches wide, and the length is fully adjustable to your table.

Watch: Free Cable Braid Video Tutorial

New to cables? This short tutorial covers both crosses used in the braid — C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front) — so you can knit the center with confidence. The video covers the cable technique; the full runner is worked from the written pattern.

How to Block Your Runner So It Lies Flat

Cables naturally draw the fabric in a little, so a light block is what makes the runner lie smooth and open on the table. The easiest way is a quick pass with a handheld garment steamer — hold it just above the surface and let the steam relax the stitches, gently smoothing the runner flat as you go.

One tip specific to this yarn: Re-Spun is polyester, so block it gently to relax the tension rather than stretching it hard. You are simply easing out the cable take-up, not forcing the fabric into a new shape, and a light steam does exactly that.

Make It Your Own

Because this knit table runner pattern is worked in one solid color, it shifts easily to match your table. Knit it in Whipped Cream for a calm, neutral look that works all season, or in a rich red for classic Christmas. It looks just as good on a console table or a mantel as it does down the center of the table, so it is a piece you can style all winter long.

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More Holiday Knit & Crochet Patterns

• Knit Cable Braid Tree Skirt Pattern (the matching set!)
• Traditional Folded-Cuff Knit Christmas Stocking
• Cable Knit Christmas Ornament Pattern
• All Crochet Christmas Patterns

Knit Table Runner Pattern — FAQ

What yarn do I need for this knit table runner?

The pattern uses Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick, a super bulky (weight 6) yarn — about 4 skeins for a 72-inch runner. Any solid super bulky yarn can be substituted.

How long is the finished runner?

The sample is about 72 inches long and 13 inches wide, but the length is fully adjustable — just knit more or fewer repeats to fit your table.

Is this a beginner knitting pattern?

It is rated intermediate, but the only new skill is a simple cable cross, and a free video tutorial is included. Confident beginners can absolutely make this knit table runner pattern.

How do I block a super bulky table runner?

A light pass with a handheld steamer relaxes the cable take-up and smooths this knit table runner pattern flat. Because this yarn is polyester, block gently rather than stretching it hard.

Does it match the tree skirt?

Yes! The runner shares its cable braid with the Knit Cable Braid Tree Skirt, so the two make a coordinated holiday set.

Ready to Cast On?

Grab the printable PDF, pick your favorite color, and knit a cozy runner your table will wear every holiday season. Happy knitting!