Introduction
This project features a stunning bedspread made from vibrant puff flower granny squares, beautifully arranged against a creamy background. Each square stands out with plush petals in assorted cheerful colors—turquoise, violet, pink, yellow, green, and orange—framed and joined by a neutral cream. The blanket exudes a lively yet harmonious look, making it a perfect statement piece for any bedroom. The soft, raised petals lend texture and plushness, while the geometric layout keeps the overall design fresh and organized.
Besides being an eye-catching bedspread, this crochet piece also works well as a throw, picnic blanket, or decorative cover. The matching pillow shams and scalloped edging add a cohesive, polished finish to the ensemble. Creating this project allows you to play with color, use up leftover yarn, and enjoy the meditative repetition of classic granny square construction. Every square is a little work of art, and the entire finished piece is sure to impress and delight.
Project Overview
This crochet bedspread is constructed by making individual puff flower granny squares, each built in rounds, then joining them together to form a large rectangle. The squares are bordered and joined using the join-as-you-go method or by sewing, depending on your preference. Finally, a scalloped border is added around the entire edge to give it a finished, decorative touch. The pillow shams are made using the same square motif pattern and assembled to fit your pillow size.
Skill Level
Intermediate. The project requires knowledge of working in the round, puff stitches, color changes, and joining motifs. Confident advanced beginners who are comfortable with various stitches can also complete this with careful attention.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4), cotton or soft acrylic recommended for durability and ease of care. You will need approximately:
- Cream/neutral base color: 1,800 grams (about 36 skeins of 50g)
- Accent colors (turquoise, pink, violet, green, yellow, orange): 250 grams each (5 skeins of 50g per color; quantities may vary depending on size and placement)
- Crochet Hook: 5.0mm (H-8) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and seaming squares
- Scissors
- Stitch markers: Optional, for marking rounds or keeping track of joins
- Measuring tape (for sizing)
Finished Size
The approximate size of the finished bedspread is 210 cm x 180 cm (83″ x 71″), fitting a queen mattress with decorative overhang. Each granny square measures about 15 cm (6″) per side. To adjust the size, make more or fewer squares or use a lighter/heavier weight yarn for smaller/larger motifs.
Gauge
One finished granny square should measure approximately 15 cm (6″) per side after blocking. To check your gauge, complete one square and adjust your hook size if necessary. Note: Small gauge differences will impact the overall blanket size and yarn needed.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- puff – puff stitch (see notes)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
- Ch2 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch unless otherwise stated.
- Work in joined rounds unless directed; join with sl st to the top of beginning ch or specified st.
- For neat color changes, finish the final pull-through of the last stitch before the change with the new color. Fasten off previous color unless carrying is desired.
- Squares can be joined using whip stitch, mattress stitch, or the join-as-you-go (JAYG) method. The JAYG is recommended for a seamless look.
- Right side (RS) faces out throughout. Mark with a stitch marker if needed.
- Weave in ends as you go to reduce finishing work.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Puff Flower Motif
- Round 1 (Flower center): With first accent color, make a magic ring (MR), ch2, puff st (see below) *ch2, puff st* repeat 3 more times for a total of 4 puffs separated by ch2. Pull ring closed, sl st to top of first puff. (4 puff clusters, 4 ch-2 spaces)
Puff stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into ring, yarn over and pull up a loop, repeat 4 more times (11 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all loops on hook, ch1 to secure.
- Round 2: Change to next accent color. In any ch-2 space, attach new color with a sl st, ch2, make 2 puff sts separated by ch1 in the same space (as follows: puff, ch1, puff). In each of the next 3 ch-2 spaces, [2 puff sts separated by ch1, in the same space]. Join with sl st. Fasten off color. (8 puffs, 4 ch-1 spaces in between pairs)
- Round 3: Change to next accent color (repeat as for Round 2, but place new pairs of puffs between previous puffs, making sure to stagger for an 8-petal flower, or use the same color with all puffs for a monochrome center. Join and fasten off.
Each motif can have differently arranged color petals for a mixed effect, or uniform flowers for coordinated rows.
Square Background
- Round 4: Join cream yarn in any ch-1 corner. Ch3 (counts as dc), (2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same space (first corner made). *[Ch1, 3dc in the ch-1 space between puff petals] two times, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch-1 corner* repeat three more times, ending with ch1, sl st to top of beginning ch3. (4 corners, 24 dc, separated by ch-1s)
- Round 5: Sl st to next ch-2 corner, (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in corner. *[Ch1, 3dc in each ch-1 space or between 3dc groups] across side, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in corner* repeat around. End with sl st. (Each side will have an additional 3dc group per round.) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging on Each Block (Optional)
- For a solid look, sc or hdc evenly around each finished square with the cream yarn before joining squares. Place (sc, ch2, sc) in each corner to keep edges square.
Joining the Squares
- Lay out all squares according to your color plan.
- Join squares using whipstitch or mattress stitch with a tapestry needle and cream yarn, through back loops only for a subtle seam. Alternatively, join as you go: when working the last round of each square, join adjacent blocks at corners and sides with sl sts instead of chs.
Border/Edging
- With cream yarn, work a round of sc evenly around entire bedspread, placing (sc, ch2, sc) in each corner. Join with sl st.
- Scalloped Edge: Ch1, *skip 1 st, 5dc in next st, skip 1 st, sc in next st* repeat around. In corners, work 7dc for a fuller scallop. Join and fasten off.
Pillow Shams
- Repeat motif instructions to create enough squares for your desired pillow size (usually 2×3 squares for standard). Join, then seam three sides, insert pillow, and close with buttons, snaps, or a whipstitched seam.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all squares are joined and the border is completed, weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side with a tapestry needle. Gently block the finished piece to even out stitches and square up motifs. Lay flat on a large towel, spray lightly with water, and let air dry. For the pillow shams, make sure measurements match your inserts before final assembly. Shape the scalloped edges if desired while damp to enhance their curves. Store flat or folded neatly when not in use to retain shape and prevent stretching.
Customization Ideas
- Switch up the center colors for a rainbow look, or use just two to three shades for a subtler effect.
- Try different yarn weights: DK for a lighter blanket, bulky for extra warmth and a larger finished size.
- Add metallic or heathered yarn for a unique twist.
- Turn an extra set of squares into matching cushion covers, a sofa throw, or a wall hanging.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: If your motifs curl, your tension may be too tight. Try a larger hook.
- Uneven Edges: Block each square before joining to ensure edges line up perfectly.
- Piece Too Large/Small: Check your gauge, adjust hook size, or add/take away squares as needed.
- Loose Color Changes: Always finish off the last stitch before a color change with the new color to lock in neat transitions.
- Uneven Tension: Practice consistent stitch size and use blocking to even out minor imperfections.
Care Instructions
Handwash or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry to preserve shape and prevent stretching. Avoid bleach and harsh agitation. Store folded or draped rather than hanging to avoid motif distortion. Spot clean as needed.
Final Notes
Always count stitches at the end of each round to prevent motif distortion or joining problems. Adjust your tension as needed for a consistent look. Use the provided photo as inspiration for color placement, and don’t hesitate to personalize the palette to match your decor.
