CROCHET💚How to Make a Great Multipurpose Runner and Blouse for Beginners

 


Quick overview

You’ll learn a simple lacy repeat that makes a beautiful, airy fabric. Use it as:

  • a table runner, or

  • a wearable blouse (panels joined into front + back).

The stitch is forgiving, beginner-friendly, and works with most yarns.

Materials

  • Yarn: DK/light worsted or sport for lighter drape. (Example: DK cotton blend for blouse, acrylic/cotton blend for runner).

  • Hook: 3.5 mm (for DK) — change to match yarn and desired drape.

  • Tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, blocking pins.

  • Optional: stitch markers, small buttons (if making a buttoned blouse).

Suggested yarn amounts (approx):

  • Runner (40 × 140 cm): 300–500 g DK.

  • Blouse (adult M): 400–700 g DK (depends on length and sleeve style).

Abbreviations (US)

  • ch = chain

  • sc = single crochet

  • dc = double crochet

  • hdc = half double crochet

  • tr = treble crochet

  • sl st = slip stitch

  • sp = space

  • st = stitch

  • rep = repeat


The stitch idea (short)

A two-row repeat: Row A builds small fans (shells) and Row B makes chain arches and V-stitches that hold shells apart. Works in a multiple of 8 + 1 chains. Very easy to memorize.

Stitch multiple

Work foundation chain: multiple of 8 + 1 (example practice chain: ch 49 → 8×6 + 1).

Worked sample — explicit step-by-step

Foundation

Chain a multiple of 8 + 1. Example: ch 49 (for a small swatch).

Row 0 (optional tidy base): dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc), dc in each ch across. Turn.
(This gives a neat base row and stabilizes edges. You can also start directly into Row 1.)

Row 1 — Fan (shell) row

  1. ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc.

  2. skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell), skip 2 sts, dc in next 2 dc

  3. Repeat * to across. End with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Notes: 5-dc shell gives a wide fan. If you want subtler texture use 3 dc instead.


Row 2 — Arch + V-st row (spacer)

  1. ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc.

  2. ch 3, V-st (dc, ch1, dc) into the center dc of the 5-dc shell below, ch 3, dc in next 2 dc

  3. Repeat * across; end dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

This creates arches and vertical V-stitches that align with shells.

Repeat

Work Rows 1–2 repeatedly until you reach desired length.

Edge finish for the panel

When panel is the right length, fasten off and weave ends.

For a neat finished edge (recommended):

  1. Join yarn at one short end, sc evenly across the edge for stability (3 sc in corners if rectangular).

  2. On long sides: sc evenly across or do one tidy round of (sc, ch1, sc) into spaces to create a lacy frame.

  3. Optional decorative round: skip 2 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc for scallops.

Make a Runner (step-by-step)

  1. Decide finished runner width (example 40 cm). Work a test swatch to find sts per cm.

  2. Compute starting chains: chains = round(width_cm × sts_per_cm to nearest (8×n + 1)).

  3. Make a long panel repeating Rows 1–2 until runner length ~ 140 cm (or your desired length).

  4. Add edging: sc round → shell scallop round. Block flat.

Example quick numbers (approx):

  • Using DK + 3.5 mm, gauge sample might be ~ 3.6 sts/cm; for 40 cm width → 40 × 3.6 ≈ 144 sts → nearest multiple of 8 + 1 = 145 (ch 145). Work pattern.


Make a Blouse — two options (simple pullover or open-front)

A — Simple pullover blouse (easy)

Construct two rectangular panels (front + back) and seam shoulders and sides.

Steps:

  1. Measure bust and decide ease. Example finished bust (M) = 100 cm. Half bust = 50 cm. Use swatch to get sts/cm and compute chains for half width: chains_front_or_back = round(half_bust_cm × sts_per_cm to multiple 8 + 1). For simpler construction make one back panel that equals half bust and two fronts that share the rest, or make front and back identical and add a center seam later.

  2. Work panels in pattern Rows 1–2 until desired length (e.g., from hem to shoulder 56 cm).

  3. Shoulder shaping (optional): to create small shoulder slope, decrease 1–2 pattern repeats at each shoulder over the last 6–8 rows; otherwise leave straight and seam.

  4. Join shoulders: align and sew (mattress stitch) leaving neckline gap as desired (e.g., 18–20 cm for scoop).

  5. Seam sides up to underarm (leave sleeve opening as desired).

  6. For sleeves: pick up sts evenly around the armhole and work in the round in the same stitch repeat (adapt Rows 1–2 to circular), or make short motif cap-sleeves by adding 1–2 rows of the same stitch in a rectangular strip and seam in.

  7. Finish neck and armholes: pick up sts and work 2 rounds sc, then 1 decorative shell round if you want.

B — Open-front blouse or cardigan (very beginner friendly)

  1. Make two large rectangular panels (left + right front) and one back panel or make one wide rectangle folded in half and seam sides leaving center opening.

  2. Add a nice band along front edges: pick up stitches and work 3 rounds sc then a shell round. Add small chain loop & buttons or leave open.

Example: Make an Adult M Pullover (worked numbers example)

You can skip this step if you prefer to compute from your swatch.

Assume a sample gauge: 18 stitches = 10 cm (i.e., 1.8 sts/cm).
Desired finished bust = 100 cm → half = 50 cm → sts needed = 50 × 1.8 = 90 sts → nearest multiple of 8 = 88 → +1 = ch 89 to follow multiple-of-8+1 rule.

Work Rows 1–2 until length from hem to underarm ~ 40 cm, then stop. Make two panels (front & back) and seam shoulders/ sides as above.

Sleeves: pick up ~ 80 sts (based on armhole circumference × sts_per_cm), join and work in rounds until sleeve length desired.


Neckline & edging details

  • For a neat neckline: pick up 3–4 sts per 1 cm around neck (or pick up every row/space depending on how you like the band) and work 2 rounds sc, then an optional shell round.

  • Make small button loops: chain 3–4 and sl st into band at intervals to form loops; sew buttons on opposite band.

Blocking & finishing

  • Lightly steam or wet block the panels to open lace and even edges.

  • Pin seams flat and sew with tapestry needle (mattress stitch gives the neatest join).

  • Weave in ends and press gently.

Troubleshooting & common adjustments

  • Sides ripple — add a sc stabilizer round around edges before scallops.

  • Edges are too tight — use larger hook for edges or add extra ch in turning.

  • Pattern shifts (stitch count mismatch) — check your multiples (8 + 1) each row and count shells; the repeat should be consistent.

  • Fabric too open — use smaller hook or change 5-dc shells to 3-dc shells.

  • Fabric too stiff — use softer yarn or larger hook for drape.


Variations & styling ideas

  • Use 3 colors in stripes: change color every 6–8 rows for soft stripes.

  • Make a sleeveless blouse by leaving arm openings wider and finishing with a narrow band.

  • Use same panel as table runner by adjusting length and using a more robust yarn (cotton) for dining use.

  • Turn blouse into a cardigan by splitting one panel down the middle and adding bands + buttons.

Quick cheat sheet (one-line)

  • Chain multiple of 8 + 1.

  • Row 1: shell row — ch3, dc; *skip 2, 5 dc in next, skip 2, dc in next 2*

  • Row 2: spacer row — ch3, dc; *ch3, V-st (dc,ch1,dc) into center of shell below, ch3, dc in next 2*

  • Repeat rows 1–2 to length; add sc border then scallops if desired.

Video: 


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