Introduction
If you’re searching for a showstopping home décor project, this stunning crochet bedspread of three-dimensional Calla Lily motifs is perfect. The intricate design features a lush garden of white and green calla lilies, each flaunting delicately sculpted petals and vibrant yellow spadices. The textured motif is rich in visual depth and tactile interest—a blend of classic elegance and modern craftsmanship. Displayed on a bed, it brings a fresh, floral charm suitable for a serene master bedroom or as a guest room centerpiece. Not only is this crochet project a testament to your skills, but it also produces a practical and beautiful heirloom-quality blanket. Whether draped over a bed, used as a throw, or hung as a wall tapestry, this bedspread brightens any space and inspires admiration. The motif’s structure means you can work in manageable sections and enjoy a sense of accomplishment with each completed flower. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn to crochet the individual lily block, assemble them into a cohesive, eye-catching bedspread, and gain tips for customization and finishing to suit your space.
Project Overview
The project consists of multiple identical calla lily flower motifs joined together to make a full bedspread. Each motif includes a central yellow spadix, layered 3D white petals, and a green edge that forms a leaf-like frame. The motifs are crocheted individually in the round, with three main color changes, and then joined at the edges using slip stitch or sewing. The bedspread is constructed by repeatedly creating motifs and joining them as you go or through whipstitch assembly afterward.
Skill Level
Intermediate: This project requires several techniques, including crocheting in the round, shaping with increases and decreases, working post stitches for texture, color changes, and joining motifs neatly. Familiarity with reading patterns and attention to detail are key.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton or a cotton/acrylic blend for durability and stitch definition.
- Colors:
- Cream/White (main petal and lacy background): 2,400–2,800 yd (2,200–2,600 m) for a queen-size bedspread
- Leaf Green (leaves/bottom of motif): 600–700 yd (550–640 m)
- Golden Yellow (spadix/center): 200–250 yd (180–230 m)
- Crochet Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm)
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing ends and joining motifs
- Scissors
- Removable Stitch Markers: For keeping track of motif joins and round beginnings
- Blocking Materials: Pins and foam mats (optional but encouraged for motifs)
Finished Size
Each finished motif measures approximately 7.5 inches (19 cm) across. A queen bedspread typically requires a grid of 8 × 10 motifs to reach about 60 × 75 inches (152 × 190 cm), plus some border extension. Size can be easily adjusted by making more or fewer motifs or using a larger/smaller hook and thicker/thinner yarn for different blanket sizes.
Gauge
One completed motif, after light blocking, should measure about 7.5 inches (19 cm) across at the widest point. Gauge is not critical for motif-based blankets, but consistent size is important for an even join. If your motif is larger or smaller, adjust hook size or tension as needed.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- MR: magic ring
- inc: increase (work 2 stitches in one stitch)
- dec: decrease (work 2 stitches together)
- fpdc: front post double crochet
- bpdc: back post double crochet
Pattern Notes
- All chains at the start of a round count as the first stitch unless otherwise noted.
- Rounds are worked in joined rounds; slip stitch to the first stitch of the round to join unless otherwise stated.
- Color changes: Finish the last pull-through before a color change with the new color for a neat transition.
- Motifs are worked from the center out; right side faces you as you work.
- Stitch markers are helpful when assembling motifs into rows and keeping sides aligned.
- If working the joining method as-you-go, replace final round slip stitches with joining slip stitches into adjacent motif’s matching stitch.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Yellow Spadix
- With yellow yarn, ch 13.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (12 sc). Turn.
- Rows 2-4: Ch 1, sc in each stitch across (12 sc). Fasten off, leave a tail for sewing.
- Roll the rectangle tightly to form a tube (spadix). Secure roll with a few stitches through base; set aside.
White Calla Petals
- With white yarn, make a MR. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 11 dc into MR. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join (12 dc).
- Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, sl st to join (24 dc).
- Round 3: Ch 3, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around, sl st to join (36 dc).
- Round 4: Ch 1, working in back loops only, sc in each st around (36 sc). Sl st to join.
- Petal Points (worked over a segment of 12 sts):
- Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 5 sts, dc in next 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts. Fasten off. Repeat to create three petals per motif, or work the sequence thrice, each starting on next group of 12 sts (placement is crucial for a triple-pointed calla shape).
Petal Shaping and Petal Tube (the Slight Curl)
- With white, rejoin yarn at base of any petal. Work 1 row of sc across base of petal, then fold petal slightly in and using sc, slip stitch, or whipstitch, curve edge to create calla lily 3D effect as shown.
- Repeat for all petals.
Green Leaf Base
- Join green yarn with sl st in any of the unused front loops from Round 4’s back loop round.
- Ch 2, hdc in same st and next 5 sts, dc in next 6 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, sc in remaining 20 sts, sl st to join.
- Next, ch 1, work sc evenly around edge, adding an extra inc at each “base” of petals for smoothness.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
Lacy Motif and Border
- With white, join to any stitch at edge. Ch 4 (counts as tr), (skip 2, tr, ch 2, tr) around to form mesh; aim for total of 8 “corners” to create a square motif shape for even joining. Adjust placement if needed for motif symmetry.
- Round 2: In each corner ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), dc in each space/stitch between corners; continue around for lacy border.
Joining Motifs Together
- Arrange motifs into desired bedspread layout (e.g., 8 × 10 for a queen).
- With wrong sides together, whipstitch motifs at the lacy border sections, securing all 4 corners where motifs meet, or use join-as-you-go slip stitches in final border round. Take care to align motifs so lilies face the same direction throughout each row.
Optional Final Blanket Border
- With white, join at any blanket edge, ch 1, sc in every stitch and ch-space around the outer edge, working 3 sc in each outer corner. Optionally, add a second round of sc or picot stitches for a delicate finish.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all motifs are crocheted, lay them out to finalize your arrangement. Join motifs, working one row at a time or by columns for neat alignment. Use whipstitch with white yarn for invisible joins or slip stitch crochet joins in the outermost lacy round. To secure the yellow spadix, attach with a few small stitches to the center of the flower from behind. After all joins are complete, weave in every end for a clean finish. Block the assembled bedspread by misting lightly with water and pinning out each motif so the petals lie flat and edges are even. Let dry thoroughly for the most professional result. Optionally, add a light border to the entire bedspread for extra polish.
Customization Ideas
- Use pastels or bold colors for petals and leaves to match your decor.
- Try a variegated green for leaves for a more natural, botanical effect.
- Use lightweight yarn for a summer coverlet or super-bulky yarn for a cozy throw (adjust hook size and motif count accordingly).
- Create individual calla flower motifs as coasters, table mats, or even wall appliqués rather than a full blanket.
- Mix in plain motifs or granny squares for a more varied textured blanket.
Troubleshooting
- Curling Motifs: If your motifs curl excessively, block each one before joining and ensure you’re not working too tightly—loosen your tension or use a larger hook.
- Uneven Edges: Take care when joining motifs to align borders and corners. Place stitch markers at interval points and work slowly, adjusting as you go.
- Size Issues: If motifs are too large, switch to a smaller hook. If too small, use a larger hook or check for missed increases.
- Loose Color Changes: Always finish the last step of the old color with the new color and weave in ends securely on the wrong side to prevent unraveling.
- Uneven Tension: Practice stitches for consistency and block motifs to craft uniform pieces that join seamlessly.
Care Instructions
Hand wash or machine wash your finished bedspread in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Roll in a towel to remove excess water and lay flat to dry, shaping motifs as needed. Avoid bleach and high heat to protect fibers and preserve color intensity.
Final Notes
Count stitches at the end of every round or row, block as you assemble for tidy motifs, and adjust hook size to maintain even tension. Use the finished piece and photo as visual guides for shaping, motif placement, and achieving elegant three-dimensional flowers. Achieving a blanket you love may require a few trials, but your patience will yield a beautiful, lasting heirloom!
