In today’s blog post, I’m sharing a free crochet table runner pattern made with granny squares and the JAYG method. It’s a simple design and creates a gorgeous table runner. So get those granny squares out if you already have some made and use this joining method to complete this granny square table runner. Skill level is intermediate for JAYG method only.

We all can make granny squares but hate to join them. Am I right? Not to mention all those tails to weave in. This table runner only uses 16 grannies so it’s very doable. Plus, the JAYG or Join-as-you-go method is the best way to join granny squares together once you get the hang of it. Free stitch pattern below using basic crochet stitches. It’s the cutest square table runner or table topper. So, grab your crochet hook and yarn, and follow these step-by-step instructions down in the written pattern section.
This crocheted table runner is perfect on a square coffee table in your living room or the center of your kitchen table. There is no need to wait until you have special occasions to use this beauty, she looks great all year long. Simple pattern with basic stitches for these classic granny squares. Some may find the JAYG or Join-As-You-Go method to connect the granny skills an intermediate skill level. Hope you enjoy this free pattern.

One more thing before we start. Even thought I said this is for intermediate skill level, it still uses simple stitches of single and double crochet. It’s intermediate in my mind due to the joining method. Granny squares are great for beginner skill level.
There are lots of ways to join granny squares but the JAYG method is the easiest for me. Why? Because you don’t have to worry about having all your stitches be perfect. When you join with slip stitch or single crochet, you need to match up the stitches from two granny squares.
Make sure you check this out!
Are you an absolute beginner and you want to learn crochet? After you read this post, make sure you check out Learn To Crochet for Absolute Beginner’s. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
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Table Runner Crochet Pattern
You don’t need much for this handmade table runner. Here’s what I used for the sample but pick the yarn and different colors depending on the look of your table top or table décor. Please keep this in mind when selecting yarn. You will want to use cotton yarn if you plan on placing hot dishes on the runner for your dining room table. You don’t want to use acrylic if placing hot items on it, it’s not heat proof like 100% cotton yarn is. If it’s purely for decoration on a side coffee table or on your bedroom dresser, throw caution to the wind and use whatever fiber matches your home décor.

Materials Needed
- Yarn: This project uses cotton yarn from Joann’s craft store. Try Lily Sugar ‘n Cream or any other medium 4 weight cotton yarn. Try K+C premium cotton light 3 weight yarn for borders.
- Crochet Hook: Recommend using 5.00 mm crochet hook.
- Scissors: For changing colors of yarn or when weaving in tails.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
Yarn in my sampler. Please note that I was using granny squares made months ago and forgotten about. I was using cotton yarn for the first time and this is what I bought.
Crochet hook: Cotton is tough to crochet when it’s stiff from dyes or quality. To help make crocheting more enjoyable, use a larger crochet hook. I used a 5.00 MM crochet hook for the granny squares rounds 1-3. I used a 4.50 MM crochet hook with the joining yarn as it was thinner than the Lily’s yarn. Relax your stitch tension a little bit and it will be much easier to get your hook through the stitches if using Lily’s cotton.
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Cotton Yarn (Med 4)- Soft Ecru, Beach Glass, Seabreeze and White.
K+C Premium Cotton Yarn (Light 3) – Golden Coast
Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet stitch
- dc: double crochet stitches
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- beg: beginning
Finished Size and Gauge:
- Approximately 17” x 17” (adjustable by using different yarn weights or adding more squares).
- Gauge: Each granny square should measure around 4.5” x 4.5” with four rounds (but don’t worry about gauge for table runners).

Granny Square Written Pattern
First Round:
- Start with a magic circle (or ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring). Here are some great tutorials if you need to learn how to do a magic ring: TL Yarn Crafts, Sigoni Macaroni, or Hooked by Robin.
- Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, 3 dc into the ring, repeat from * to * 2 more times, ch 2.
- Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3 to close the round. (You should have four 3-dc clusters with ch-2 spaces between them.)
Second Round:
- Sl st into any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into the same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into the same space (corner made).
- In the next ch-2 space, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc (another corner made).
- Repeat from * to * in the remaining two corners.
- Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3 to close the round.
Third Round:
- Sl st to the first ch-2 corner space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into the same ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc into the same space (corner made).
- In the next sp between clusters from the previous round, 3 dc.
- In the next corner, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc.
- Repeat around, placing 3 dc in each space between clusters and creating 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in each corner.
- Sl st to the top of the beg ch-3 to close the round.

Round 4 (Join-As-You-Go Round):
Here’s where the magic happens! For this round, you will join your squares as you complete them.
- Complete the fourth round on one granny square only, tie off yarn and cut with scissors when done.
- Take your second granny square containing only 3 rounds and start the fourth round on one side only by placing 3 dc in the starting corner and 3 dc in the end corner.
- Next, sl st into the first ch-2 corner space of the completed square and ch 2. Now place 3 dc into the same corner space.
- Then on the other square, sl st into the open space and continue the round as normal on the square you are attaching.
- Work all the way around the square, attaching to other squares as needed. Tie knot and cut with scissors when done.
- Repeat this process for the sides and corners, joining your squares as you go until all squares are connected. 4 rows with 4 squares in each.
How to Join Corners When One or More Squares Intersect
- Continue this process of slip stitching into the corner spaces of both squares and then working the stitches of the final round as you move around each square. This will effectively join the squares together.
- Repeat the slip stitch and stitch completion process for all the sides of each square you’re joining.

Weave Tails & Optional Border
Once all 16 squares are joined in a 4×4 grid, you can fasten off and weave in all your ends. You may want to block your table runner to ensure it lays flat and the squares are evenly aligned. Simply pin your piece onto a blocking mat and lightly steam or dampen it with a spray bottle. Allow it to dry completely. Note: my sample was not blocked.
For a finished look, you can add a simple shell stitch border around the entire runner:
- Attach your yarn to any corner space.
- 4 dc in first st, skip st, sc, skip st. Repeat until all the way around. No extra stitches needed on the corners.
- Once the border is finished, tie off with CH 1 and pull yarn through. Cut yarn.
- Weave in the tails (the loose ends) with yarn needle.
Washing Instructions
For the first wash, if using yarn with bright color dye’s, consider washing with cold water on gentle cycle with those color catcher sheet from Shout. If any of the yarn colors bleed or run in the wash, the sheets will catch it and save your crochet or quilting project. Hang on line to dry, cotton will defiantly shrink in the dryer. If you don’t care about shrinkage, wash and dry on gentle cycle for washer and dryer.
Crochet table runners are great projects. You can change them up as the seasons or holiday’s change. They work up pretty fast, much faster than a blanket. And it’s an easy way to change up the look of a room or table. There are lots of table runner crochet patterns to choose from, thanks for stopping by and checking out my free pattern.
Sew Nikki Resources
TUTORIALS
FREE PATTERNS
Sunflower Granny Square Crochet Blanket
Two Toned Crochet Baby Blanket with Ruffle Border
One Piece Crochet Blanket – Bobble Afghan
Staggered Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket
Chunky Crochet Baby Blanket – Bobble Blanket
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ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a crochet pattern designer and weekend quilter with a super small sewing space. I taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
This project is perfect for adding a pop of color to your dining or coffee table. The join-as-you-go method not only saves time but also creates a seamless, polished finish. Whether you stick to a color scheme or mix and match yarns for a more eclectic look, this table runner is sure to brighten up your space.
Feel free to share your finished projects in the comments below or tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your work!
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