Create a spooky, vintage-inspired Halloween table runner featuring a central spiderweb-witch skirt motif, pumpkin, floating ghosts, and a curious black cat. This set of appliques and a lacy round doily base mixes fine thread lace with bold orange edging for striking seasonal décor. Perfect for a mantel, small table, or layered centerpiece to celebrate autumn nights and trick-or-treat charm.
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— Doily Base (Round Lace Background) :
Round 1 :
6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Round 5 :
(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Round 6 :
(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
Info :
Work these rounds in cotton thread with 1.75-2.25mm hook for a crisp foundation. Keep tension even; this center forms the structural core of the doily.
Round 7 :
(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
Round 8 :
(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
Round 9 :
1 sc in each st (48)
Round 10 :
(3 ch, sk 2 st, sl st) around making 16 loop points (16 loops)
Info :
The 3-chain picot loops create the initial lace sockets for later spiderweb spokes. Count loops carefully; you should have 16 evenly spaced loops at this round.
Round 11 :
In each loop: (1 sc, ch 5, 1 sc) in same loop to form elongated loops; join with sl st (16 shells)
Round 12 :
*Ch 6, sc into top of next shell (creating openwork spokes)* repeat around (16 sp)
Round 13 :
In each ch-6 space: (1 sc, ch 8, 1 sc) to enlarge lacy arches (16 arches)
Info :
Use BLO on the next round for a subtle ridge that will help motifs adhere; this provides a textural landing for appliques like the witch skirt.
Round 14 :
1 sc in each st BLO around using sc in each sc and sc in top of ch spaces (48 sc equivalents)
Round 15 :
*(Ch 3, sk next 2 sc, dc, ch 3, sl st) into next arch* repeat around creating 16 decorative open frames
Round 16 :
In each open frame: (sc, ch 6, sc) join with sl st (16 larger frames)
Info :
At this stage the doily should lie flat; if it's cupping, block it wet and pin to shape. These large frames will showcase the smaller appliques placed later.
Round 17 :
*Ch 8, sl st into center of next frame* repeat making 16 looped spokes projecting outward (16 spokes)
Round 18 :
Work between spokes: (sc, ch 4, 3 dc cluster, ch 4, sc) across each pair to start forming second tier of lace (16 units)
Round 19 :
In each unit: (1 sc, ch 10, 1 sc) to elongate and open the pattern (16 long loops)
Round 20 :
1 sc in each sc and 3 dc cluster, sl st join (approx 64 sc equivalents)
Info :
If your stitch equivalents are different due to gauge, gently ease the work to lie flat while blocking. Keep counts proportional; the pictured doily has a generous open ring shape with large looped holes.
Round 21 :
*Ch 12, sl st into next big loop center* repeat around creating a lacy scalloped ring (16 long loops)
Round 22 :
In each ch-12 space: (sc, ch 6, picot, ch 6, sc) making elongated decorative arches (16 arches)
Round 23 :
1 sc around each sc and into each ch space to firm up arches, join with sl st (approx 64 sc equivalents)
Round 24 :
*Ch 5, sk 3, sc into next arch top* repeat creating 32 small open spaces (32 small arches)
Round 25 :
In each small arch: (1 dc, ch 4, 1 dc) join with sl st producing petal-like rings (32 petals)
Info :
This outer lacy ring will visually frame the central appliques and provide places to stitch applique edges. Keep the doily larger than the central motif so the appliques sit comfortably without crowding.
Round 26 :
1 sc around petals and into chain spaces, join (approx 96 sc equivalents counting petals and bases)
Round 27 :
*Ch 6, sl st into next petal center* repeat to form the final outer open mesh loop (32 loops)
Round 28 :
Work a finishing scallop: in each loop work (sc, ch3, 3 dc, ch3, sc) making a decorative edge (32 scallops)
Round 29 :
Weave a final round of slip stitches into the backs of scallops to stabilize edge and fasten off leaving long tail for blocking
Info :
Wet-block or steam-block the doily, pinning outer scallops into a perfect circle and allowing to dry. This will open the lace and set the final shape for applique placement.
— Witch Spiderweb Skirt & Body :
Round 1 :
Using DK black yarn: ch 6, join to form ring (6 ch)
Round 2 :
Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring, join (12 dc)
Round 3 :
(1 dc, inc) x 6 around to widen (18 dc)
Round 4 :
(2 dc, inc) x 6 (24 dc)
Info :
These rounds create a small circular yoke that will become the top of the skirt where it attaches to the torso. Keep the join clean; use stitch marker to track round start.
Round 5 :
Switch to openwork: *ch 7, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc* repeat around creating 8 long loops (8 loops)
Round 6 :
In each ch-7 loop: (sc, ch 12, sc) forming tall web spokes (8 spokes)
Round 7 :
Between spokes work (1 sc, ch 5, 1 dc, ch 5, 1 sc) to create connecting arches and triangular web shapes (8 connectors)
Round 8 :
Work a round of treble arches: in each ch-12 space: (sc, ch 10, 3 tr cluster, ch 10, sc) (8 clusters)
Info :
The spiderweb skirt is full of long chain spaces to emulate webbing. Keep strands taut but not overstretched. The black DK yarn will provide a bold visual weight on top of the light doily.
Round 9 :
Establish lobed hem: along the lower edge of the web, into each long ch-10 space work (5 dc shell) creating 8 shells (40 dc total)
Round 10 :
Ch 3, dc around shells to smooth hem, join (approx 64 dc equivalents)
Round 11 :
Info :
Change to orange yarn for decorative scallop picots on the skirt hem. Carry black yarn up into earlier rounds or fasten off and re-attach as preferred.
Round 12 :
Attach orange in back loops of last round; *sc in next 3 dc, picot (ch3, sl st in 1st ch), sc in next 3 dc* repeat across hem creating star points (8 picot points)
Round 13 :
Fasten off orange leaving long tail to sew; weave in ends or leave for final finishing. The skirt should present 8 triangular web lobes edged with orange points.
Round 14 :
For the torso (work directly above skirt center using black): ch 1, in gap between web spokes work 6 sc to form a narrow neck base (6 sc)
Round 15 :
(inc) around to create a short bust (12 sc)
Round 16 :
1 sc around for 4 rounds to build height (12 sc) x4 rounds
Info :
The torso is intentionally narrow as a silhouette. Work 4 even rounds to create a column approximately 2cm tall (adjust for your gauge). This area will tuck under the hat placement and be sewn to the doily near the center.
Round 17 :
To finish torso top, (dec, 4 sc) x 2 (10 sc)
Round 18 :
Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing. Optionally lightly stuff a tiny bit (very flat) if you prefer slightly raised torso.
Info :
Sew the top of the torso onto the doily center; the web skirt will radiate out and be sewn along several outer arches for a flat applique look. Use black yarn and a yarn needle to invisibly tack the top ring and several skirt points into the doily net.
— Witch Hat :
Round 1 :
Using black yarn: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Info :
These rounds shape the hat crown. Keep the crown shallow to emulate the slumped witch hat shown in the photo.
Round 5 :
1 sc around for 2 rounds (24) to build slight height
Round 6 :
Change to orange: join and work (sc, ch 3, sc) around the brim base in FLO to create a ridged brim line (approx 24 pairs)
Round 7 :
In each ch-3 space: (5 dc shell) forming a flared brim (24 shells)
Round 8 :
Edge the brim with black slip stitches and then a final orange picot row: *sc in next 2 sts, picot* around (approx 96 sc equivalents)
Round 9 :
Fasten off and shape crown by folding top slightly to one side and sewing a few tacking stitches on the interior to hold the slouch.
Info :
Attach hat to top of the torso with a few secure stitches so the hat sits angled over the web skirt. The orange brim detail repeats the skirt edging for visual unity.
— Pumpkin (Jack O Lantern Applique) :
Round 1 :
Using bright orange DK: mr, 6 sc in ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Info :
These rounds create a flat round pumpkin base. Work tension slightly tight so the circle remains firm and flat.
Round 5 :
(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Round 6 :
Work 1 sc around in BLO to create subtle ribbing lines (30)
Round 7 :
To shape pumpkin segments: fold the flat circle and tack 6 evenly spaced vertical gathers using short sewing stitches through front and back loops to create ridges dividing the pumpkin into segments (gather 6 times)
Round 8 :
Using black yarn, embroider faces: two triangular eyes and a smiling mouth or cut small felt pieces and glue/sew into place
Round 9 :
Stem: Using green yarn, ch 6, sc back across chain to form small stem; sew to top center of pumpkin
Info :
Embroidering the face gives crisp expression; use satin stitch for filled shapes. Alternatively, cut felt and glue for very clean edges.
— Ghost Applique (Make 3) :
Round 1 :
Using white DK or cotton: ch 6, join to form ring (6 ch)
Round 2 :
In ring: 10 sc into ring, join (10)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 5 (15)
Round 4 :
Shape head and body: 1 sc around for 3 rounds (15) to build a flat oval
Round 5 :
Form base waves: *ch 4, sl st into next st* repeat around to make 5 wave points (5 waves)
Round 6 :
In each ch-4 loop: (3 dc shell) to form curvy ghost tails (5 shells)
Round 7 :
Edge with sc around entire applique smoothing transitions and fasten off leaving tail for sewing
Round 8 :
Using small bits of black yarn or felt, attach two oval eyes and a round mouth or embroider them on; place eyes roughly in round 2-3 area spaced 3-4 stitches apart for the surprised look
Info :
Make three ghosts of slightly different sizes: for a medium ghost, work one extra even round (Round 4: 2 rounds instead of 3) and one extra wave at the base to vary silhouette and create visual interest on the doily.
— Black Cat Applique :
Round 1 :
Using black DK yarn: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 3 :
(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Round 4 :
Work cylinder for head: 1 sc around for 3 rounds (18)
Round 5 :
Shape ear bases: *sc next 2 sts, turn and work 3 sc across, fold and sc through both layers* repeat for second ear; this creates small triangular ears attached to head
Round 6 :
Work downwards to create body: join at bottom of head and work 1 sc in each st for 6 rounds forming a small elongated body (18 x6 rounds)
Round 7 :
To create base width, (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Round 8 :
Work 2 rounds even (24) to provide flat base for sitting
Round 9 :
Optional whisker bow: using orange yarn form a small bow (ch 8, sc back, tie off) and sew to mouth area. Glue tiny white beads for eyes or sew on felt eyes with small black pupils.
Info :
The cat is meant to be small and stylized — a silhouette with pointy ears and a short body. Sew the cat to the doily's outer ring as pictured, near one of the web spokes; the orange bow ties visually to the skirt edging.
— Small Orange Roselets & Embellishments (Make 8) :
Round 1 :
Using orange thread/yarn: ch 6, sl st to first ch to form loop
Round 2 :
Work 6 sc into loop, do not join, continue to work spirally: (hdc, dc, hdc) in next 3 stitches to create petal texture until you have a small rosette about 1-1.5cm across
Round 3 :
Finish by folding rosette and stitching the base to secure; fasten off and leave long tail for sewing
Info :
These roselets are decorative nodes used across the witch skirt hem. Tuck them into the orange picot points and stitch through base into the skirt and doily to anchor them.
— Final Edge Accent Row Around Witch Skirt (optional reinforcement) :
Round 1 :
With black yarn, work a single crochet round along the underside of the skirt hem, inserting hook through doily mesh where the skirt lies to stitch the applique flat (approx 96 sc depending on join points)
Round 2 :
With orange yarn, work a slip stitch picot finishing row: *sl st in next 2 stitches, ch 3, sl st in first ch* repeat to create delicate orange edge that reflects the larger doily scallops
Info :
Secure all motifs to the doily with small, invisible stitches; pin everything in the final layout before sewing. This step anchors motifs and prevents shifting over time when used as home decor.
— Blocking, Finishing & Attachment Notes :
Info :
Block both the doily and each applique flat before assembly. Use stainless pins to pin motifs to shape. For the appliques, lightly mist and shape; allow to dry thoroughly. After blocking, decide placement: center the witch with skirt radiating, place pumpkin near hat, arrange ghosts and cat in an arc as in the photo.
Info :
Sew motifs in place using yarn color that matches the applique edges. Work tiny whip stitches or ladder stitch for near-invisible joins. For extra security, add a few stitches into the doily base and travel across one or two stitches to avoid holes in the doily lace.
Info :
Trim and weave in all tails. If using small bead eyes or felt, secure with glue and reinforce with stitching for durability. For items that will be laundered, avoid glue and sew felt pieces in place.
This Halloween table runner brings playful spooky charm and delicate lace together for a centerpiece you will treasure. Layered appliques and careful blocking make each motif pop while keeping a vintage doily feel. It makes a wonderful seasonal gift or a quick decorating update for your autumn table. Enjoy the creative process and share your finished project — it's sure to add cozy, whimsical flair to your home! 🎃🧶