# Navy Blue Ocean Wave Border Table Runner Free Crochet Pattern
I have always loved the way waves look frozen in fabric, and this table runner is my love letter to the sea. A deep navy center — rich and grounding — framed at each end by rolling cream wave lace, like foam breaking on the shore. It sounds fancy, but the whole thing is just double crochet and one easy fan repeat.
Mine lives on our dining table year-round, and it somehow makes every meal feel a little more intentional. It would be stunning in any two high-contrast colors, but navy and cream will always be my first love for this one.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight cotton yarn (CYCA 4): approximately 400 yards (366 m) in navy blue and 200 yards (183 m) in cream — cotton gives the runner beautiful drape and it washes well
- US size I-9 / 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
Finished size:
- Approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide × 48 inches (122 cm) long, not including fringe
Gauge:
- 13 double crochet stitches × 8 rows = 4 × 4 inches (10 × 10 cm)
- The runner is forgiving on gauge, but check it so your wave borders line up
The Pattern
Stitch guide: ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, sk = skip, sp = space, st(s) = stitch(es). Ch 3 at the start of a dc row counts as the first dc. A fan = 5 dc in the same stitch or space. Work flat, turning at the end of each row. Carry colors loosely up the side or fasten off at each change — your call.
First Wave Border
With cream, chain 52.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (49 dc)
Row 2 (fan row, cream): Ch 1, sc in first st, [sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (fan made), sk 2 sts, sc in next st] 8 times. Turn. (8 fans)
Row 3 (navy): Join navy. Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1), sc in center (3rd) dc of first fan, [ch 2, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next fan] 7 times, ch 1, dc in last sc. Turn. (9 dc, 8 sc)
Row 4 (navy): Ch 1, sc in first dc, [sk ch-1 sp, 5 dc in next sc, sk ch-1 sp, sc in next dc] 8 times. Turn. (8 fans)
Row 5 (cream): Repeat Row 3.
Row 6 (cream): Repeat Row 4.
Rows 7–12: Repeat Rows 3–4 three more times, alternating two rows navy, two rows cream, ending with two cream rows.
Checkpoint: The border section should measure about 6 inches long.
Center Panel
Join navy (or continue if you are already on navy).
Rows 13–142: Ch 3, dc in each st across. Turn. (49 dc each row)
That is 130 rows of peaceful, meditative double crochet — the perfect TV project. The center panel should measure about 36 inches long.
Second Wave Border
Work Rows 2–12 of the border pattern again (starting with 2 cream rows), mirroring the first end. Fasten off.
Edging and Fringe
Side edging: Join navy at one corner of a long edge. Ch 1, work 1 sc in each row end evenly down the side (about 2 sc per 3 rows to keep it flat), 3 sc in each corner, and continue around all four sides. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Fringe (optional but lovely): Cut cream strands 8 inches long, 6 strands per bundle. Fold each bundle in half, pull the loop through an edge stitch with your hook, and pull the ends through the loop (lark’s head knot). Attach one bundle to every other stitch across both short ends. Trim evenly to about 3 inches.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the runner: wet it, squeeze gently in a towel, pin it straight (pay attention to those wave edges — pin each fan so it lies flat), and dry completely. The blocking is what makes the waves crisp.
Sophie’s Tips
- Count 8 fans after every fan row in the borders — the wave only rolls smoothly if every repeat is there.
- When working the long center panel, place a stitch marker every 20 rows so you can track progress without counting from the beginning each time.
- Cotton relaxes with washing, so if your runner curls at the edges, a quick steam and re-pin brings it right back.
Set the table, light a candle, and enjoy — happy crocheting, friend!
