*  You can purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy! This printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF includes 5 sizes (Single/Twin, Double/Full, Queen, King, California King), the step-by-step picture tutorial explaining how make the tassels, a knitting chart, and is a total of 6 pages including the cover page. *

The idea for this bed runner came about when transitioning our eldest son from his crib to his big-boy bed. Our cat absolutely adores snuggling into the accent throw we keep on our bed, and I wanted to create something similar for my son’s room—a fun pop of colour that doubles as a soft, designated cat spot (and cat hair spot – iykyk). The result is a stylish, practical layer that’s easy to wash, fun to make, and a lovely way to personalize any bedroom. 

One of the details I love most about this design is how polished it looks without requiring complicated techniques, some ribbing and simple cables are all it takes. A simple method keeps the edges clean, crisp, and uniform, giving the runner a professional look straight off the needles. And because a little personality never hurts, tassels adorn each corner to add movement and charm, giving the piece that “something extra” that makes it stand out.

Why you’ll love this pattern:

• The bold ribbing and simple cables look intricate but are actually very simple to make.
• Knit with super bulky yarn, this cozy, stylish layer works up quickly.
• Perfect to add warmth and texture to any bedroom.
• Clean edges and playful tassels give this project a polished finish.
• Ideal project for knitters seeking a fast and satisfying home décor make. 

Construction: The slumber twist bed runner is knit flat and features some bold ribbing and simple cables. A clean side edge and some tassels make it the perfect piece to add warmth to your bed.

Skill level: Adventurous beginner or intermediate

Materials:

Needles

10.0mm (US size 15) knitting needles 

Notions

• Cable needle
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Locking stitch marker (optional)

Yarn

I used Lion Brand Yarn Wool Ease Thick and Quick yarn which is a Super Bulky (size 6) yarn in colour Kale.

Yardage: You will need 5 skeins or at least 530 yds (485 m / 850 g) to make the Single/Twin size.

Not ready to knit just yet? Pin it so you can come back to it later!

Gauge: 1×1 ribbing on 10.0mm (US size 15) needles, blocked: 4”x4” = 12 stitches wide x 14 rows high.

Final measurements: The pictures in this pattern show the Single/Twin size which measures 20″ in width and 62″ in length.

Notes:

• The length is designed to drape about 12″ on each side of the bed, for a longer drape, add extra cable repeats and plan extra yarn accordingly. 
• The stitch count remains the same every row, you should always have 61 sts on your needles.
• I find it helpful to add a locking stitch marker on each cabling row as it helps me keep track of which row I’m at in the pattern. 
• I strongly recommend blocking your finished bed runner to dimensions, so it lays perfectly.

Abbreviations and special stitches:

• CO: Cast on
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Sl1Pwyif: Slip one stitch from left needle onto right needle purl wise with yarn held in front.
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C8F: Slip 4 stitches onto a cabling needle and hold in the front, K4 stitches from left needle, K4 stitches from cabling needle.
• C9F: Slip 5 stitches onto a cabling needle and hold in the front, K4 stitches from left needle, K5 stitches from cabling needle.

Pattern:

Border

Using 10.0 mm needles and the long tail cast-on method, CO 61 sts. 

Row 1 (RS): Sl1Pwyif, (K1, P1), repeat sequence in () until 2 sts remain, K2

Row 2 (WS): Sl1Pwyif, (P1, K1), repeat sequence in () until the end of row

Repeat rows 1 & 2 three more times for a total of 8 rows or until you’ve reached 2.5″ in length. 

Core

Row 9 (RS): Sl1Pwyif, (K1, P2) twice, K8, (P2, K1) three times, P2, K9, (P2, K1) three times, P2, K8, P2, K1, P2, K2

Row 10 (WS): Sl1Pwyif, (P1, K2) twice, P8, (K2, P1) three times, K2, P9, (K2, P1) three times, K2, P8, (K2, P1) twice, K1

Rows 11-14: Repeat rows 9 & 10.

Row 15 (RS): Sl1Pwyif, (K1, P2) twice, C8F, (P2, K1) three times, P2, C9F, (P2, K1) three times, P2, C8F, P2, K1, P2, K2

Row 16 (WS): Repeat row 10.

Rows 17-26: Repeat rows 9 & 10. 

Repeat rows 15 to 26 an additional 15 more times for a total of 16 times. 

Repeat rows 15-16 once and rows 9-10 twice to complete the center section. Your bed runner should now measure 59.5″. 

Border

Repeat rows 1 & 2 from above four times for a total of 8 rows or until you’ve reached 2.5″ in length.

Cast off in pattern (knits over knits and purls over purls) and weave in your ends. 

Finishing:

Make 4 tassels and fasten one to each corner of your newly completed bed runner to add a little flair. To make the tassels, find something hard and slim that measures roughly 3.5-4″ in height (anything can work, even a piece of cardboard cut to size, I used my son’s baby monitor as that’s what I had near me at the time).

Wrap yarn around your item about 35 times.

Slide wound thread off and center it on an 8-inch piece of yarn.

Tie the 8-inch piece into a tight knot around the middle of the looped thread. Pull the ends of the 8-inch piece upward and the wound threads downward.

Cut through the looped ends and adjust into a tassel shape.

Cut a 12-inch piece of yarn to wrap the tassel neck: wrap it tightly around the tassel about 1 inch from the top and secure it with a double knot

Trim tassel ends, a few threads at a time, to even them if necessary. Use the tie-off threads on top of the tassel to attach it to your project.

This project is proof that simple stitches and thoughtful texture can create something truly special—without requiring complicated techniques.

Using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick makes this runner especially satisfying to knit it’s soft, durable, easy to care for, and works up incredibly fast while still giving that cozy, wool-rich feel.

Whether you’re looking to add a pop of colour, create a pet-friendly snuggle spot, or simply refresh a room, this bed runner is a joy to make; from cast-on to tassel. 

Happy knitting! 🧶✨

If you like this pattern, please share on social media using #SlumberTwistBedRunner and tag @KnitalieCo.

If you would like to purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern, here’s the link! Purchasing the printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF which includes the instructions for all 5 sizes (Single/Twin, Double/Full, Queen, King, California King), helps me continue sharing free content.

Check out more Knitting patterns