Frosted Lattice Snowflake Table Runner: A Knitted Winter Windowpane

Transform your holiday table into a frosted windowpane with this intricate knitted runner, where delicate snowflake medallions are framed by a lattice of textured cables. This heirloom-quality piece brings a cozy, handcrafted elegance to any winter gathering. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or simply want to add a touch of winter magic to your home, this pattern is designed to impress. With its combination of lace and cable techniques, this runner is a rewarding project for knitters ready to elevate their skills while creating a stunning centerpiece for your table.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in icy white (e.g., Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima) – approximately 800 yards. The cotton fiber gives the runner a crisp, wintery texture and excellent stitch definition.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for length). A circular needle can be helpful for managing the long length of the runner.
• Cable needle: For creating the twisted cable lattice patterns.
• Stitch markers: To mark pattern sections and keep your place.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Be sure to check your gauge to ensure your runner matches the intended dimensions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This runner is worked flat from the bottom edge upward. It features a central panel of snowflake lace motifs flanked by cable lattice borders. The pattern is written for a runner approximately 14 inches wide and 36 inches long, but you can adjust length by repeating the central motif section.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO = yarn over
• C4F = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker

Special Stitch: Snowflake Lace Panel (worked over 17 stitches)

This lace panel creates the delicate snowflake motifs that are the star of the runner. Follow these rows carefully, noting that all even rows are purled across.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K2 (17 sts)
• Row 2 and all even rows: Purl all stitches
• Row 3: K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1 (17 sts)
• Row 5: K2, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K2 (17 sts)
• Row 7: K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1 (17 sts)
• Row 9: K2, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K2 (17 sts)
• Row 11: K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1 (17 sts)
• Row 12: Purl all stitches

Pattern Instructions

Cast On

Cast on 70 stitches loosely. A loose cast-on is essential to prevent the edges from pulling in, especially with the cable and lace patterns.

Border (worked in garter stitch)

Rows 1–6: Knit all stitches (garter stitch border). This creates a sturdy, flat edge that frames the runner beautifully.

Set-up Row (RS)

K6 (border), PM, work Row 1 of Cable Lattice Pattern over next 12 stitches (see below), PM, work Row 1 of Snowflake Lace Panel over next 17 stitches, PM, work Row 1 of Cable Lattice Pattern over next 12 stitches, PM, K6 (border).

Cable Lattice Pattern (worked over 12 stitches)

This pattern creates the twisted cable bands that flank the snowflake lace, adding depth and texture.

• Row 1 (RS): C4F, K4, C4B
• Row 2 and all even rows: Purl all stitches
• Row 3: K2, C4B, C4F, K2
• Row 5: C4F, K4, C4B
• Row 7: K2, C4B, C4F, K2
• Row 8: Purl all stitches

Repeat Rows 1–8 for the cable lattice pattern.

Body

Continue working in the established pattern, repeating the 12-row Snowflake Lace Panel and 8-row Cable Lattice Pattern until the runner measures approximately 34 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 12 of the Snowflake Lace Panel and a Row 8 of the Cable Lattice Pattern. This ensures the pattern is complete before the final border.

Final Border

Knit 6 rows of garter stitch across all stitches. This mirrors the bottom border and creates a balanced, finished look.

Bind Off

Bind off loosely in knit. A loose bind-off is crucial to maintain the stretch and drape of the runner.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using the tapestry needle. Block the runner to shape, pinning out the snowflake lace points and cable twists. Allow to dry completely. Blocking is essential for this pattern—it will stretch the lace open and define the cables, giving the runner its crisp, professional finish. The runner will stretch slightly and the lace will open up beautifully, revealing the intricate snowflake motifs.

Once dry, your Frosted Lattice Snowflake Table Runner is ready to grace your table. The combination of lace and cables creates a stunning visual texture that catches the light and adds a touch of winter elegance to any room. Enjoy your handcrafted heirloom!