Stolzl Bed Runner Accessory Knitting Pattern

Stolzl Bed Runner in Rowan Handknit Cotton

What is Being Made

The Stolzl Bed Runner is a decorative textile accessory designed by Lisa Richardson for placement across a bed. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished bed runner measuring approximately 59 cm (23¼ inches) wide and 199 cm (78¼ inches) long. The design features a distinctive basketweave construction created by interlocking vertical and horizontal knitted strips in three coordinating yarn colors.

Construction Method and Technique

The bed runner is constructed using a unique strip-based assembly technique rather than knitting as a single piece. The pattern requires creating 40 vertical strips and 12 horizontal strips that are then woven together in a basketweave sequence. This modular approach makes the project manageable and allows for creative color placement.

The vertical strips are knitted individually using straight needles, while the horizontal strips are worked on a circular needle to accommodate the large stitch count of 406 stitches, though the circular needle is used in the same manner as straight needles, working backwards and forwards in rows. Once all strips are complete, they are laid out with precise 1 cm spacing between each vertical strip and then woven together following a basketweave pattern—alternating under and over sequences with the horizontal strips.

After weaving, the strip ends are secured along all edges. The pattern includes an embroidery finishing detail: chain stitches in contrasting colors are worked at random across the cross-over points where strips intersect, adding visual texture and dimension to the completed piece.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – The primary stitch throughout the entire project, creating a textured, reversible fabric with a ridged appearance
• Chain Stitch – Used for embroidery embellishment at strip intersection points
• Cast-on and Cast-off – Knitwise cast-off techniques are specified for finishing strip edges

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses Rowan Handknit Cotton, a natural fiber yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The design accommodates two colorway options:

Colourway 1: Raspberry 356 (Yarn A, 14 strips), Forest 370 (Yarn B, 13 strips), and Linen 205 (Yarn C, 13 strips)

Colourway 2: Bark 380 (Yarn A, 14 strips), Warm 379 (Yarn B, 13 strips), and Straw 381 (Yarn C, 13 strips)

The pattern requires one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the vertical strips and one 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 100 cm in length for the horizontal strips. The circular needle's extended length is necessary to hold the 406 cast-on stitches required for the wider horizontal strips.

Tension and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a tension of 20 stitches and 35 rows to 10 cm measured over garter stitch using 4mm needles. Each strip of 13 rows measures 4 cm (1½ inches) in depth including the cast-off edge. Achieving correct tension ensures the finished bed runner reaches its intended dimensions of 59 cm wide by 199 cm long.

Skill Level

This project is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft. The straightforward garter stitch construction and simple strip assembly process provide an excellent introduction to knitting fundamentals while creating a substantial, impressive finished piece suitable for home décor.