Introduction
If you love bold, eye-catching crochet projects, this stunning Spiral Wave Motif Bedspread is sure to captivate you. Featuring a mesmerizing pattern of intertwined blue and white spirals, this bedspread combines modern visual appeal with the timeless charm of motif-based crochet. Each motif forms a swirling whirlpool, bordered by a crisp scalloped band and delicate arches, creating a vibrant, rhythmic wave effect when joined together. The result is a breathtaking statement piece that elevates any bedroom with a contemporary coastal touch.
Perfect for adventurous crocheters looking to add drama and artistry to their space, this intricate design can serve as a cozy bedspread, a throw, or a generously sized blanket. It’s also a rewarding project for anyone who enjoys motif construction, colorwork, and textured edges. Whether you choose to stick with the classic royal blue and white palette or select your own captivating colors, you’ll love how each motif blends into a sea of swirling waves. The included instructions walk you through each step, ensuring you can achieve the signature look and an impressive finish.
Project Overview
This bedspread is constructed from individual spiral swirl motifs, each worked in rounds, and then carefully joined together in a grid to form the main body. The motifs are made with two contrasting colors (shown here in blue and white), featuring curving inner spirals and a lace-like scalloped border. Motifs are joined during the final round or sewn together for a seamless finish. Once assembled, an optional border can be added around the entire bedspread for a cohesive look. This project uses modular construction, making it easy to adjust the finished size to suit your needs.
Skill Level
Intermediate: This pattern incorporates spiraling colorwork, increases, changing colors mid-round, and a structured motif join with a detailed border. Familiarity with crochet motifs, working in the round, and color changes is recommended, though adventurous advanced beginners may also enjoy the challenge with patience.
Materials
- Yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarn, sport or light DK weight (approx. category #2 or #3). For a queen-size bedspread (approx. 64 spiral motifs and matching pillows):
- Color A (Royal Blue): Approx. 2,400 yds (2,200 m)
- Color B (White): Approx. 2,100 yds (1,900 m)
- Crochet Hook: 3.0 mm (US C/2 or D/3) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly
- Small sharp Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Optional, for marking rounds or joins
- Blocking tools: Pins and blocking mat (recommended for motif shaping)
Finished Size
Each spiral motif measures approximately 12.5 cm (5 inches) across once blocked, including the scalloped edge. For a standard queen-sized bedspread (66 x 88 inches or 168 x 224 cm), you will need about 13 motifs wide by 18 motifs long (total 234 motifs). Adjust the number of motifs to fit your desired blanket size; each motif adds about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in both directions. To create matching pillows, use 4-6 motifs per pillow front, joined and edged as desired.
Gauge
Gauge is essential to ensure motifs fit together neatly. Each finished, blocked motif should measure about 12.5 cm (5 inches) square. To check, complete one motif through all rounds, including edging, and lightly block. If your motif is too large or small, adjust your hook size accordingly. Variations in gauge may affect coverage and yarn requirements, so check before making a large number of motifs.
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 (2 sts in same st)
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
Pattern Notes
Chains at the beginning of a round count as a stitch unless otherwise noted. Rounds are generally joined with a slip stitch at the end unless specified. Some color changes happen mid-round; always switch colors on the last yarn over of the previous stitch. Motifs are worked in spiral sections, so keep your colors consistent for the swirling effect. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round. Motif assembly can be done either by sewing motifs together with a tapestry needle or joining-as-you-go during the border round. Always work with the right side facing you unless noted. For the cleanest joins, block each motif before assembly.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Spiral Swirl (make many)
- With Color A (Blue), create a MR.
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into MR (12 dc). Do not join; begin spiral.
Drop Blue, join Color B (White) in any st. - Spiral Section 1 – Blue:
Round 2A: Into next 2 sts, 2 dc in each (4 dc), 1 dc in next;
2 dc in each of next 2 sts (4 dc); (9 new dc). Total 9 dc in Blue, working in a curve. Drop Blue, do not fasten off.
Round 3A: 2 dc in first st (inc), dc in next, 2 dc in next, dc in next, 2 dc in next; (9 st). Continue increasing to form the swelling spiral. If needed, gently coax the motif into a swirl. Drop yarn. - Spiral Section 2 – White:
Join White in MR next to Blue’s final st.
Round 2B: Repeat as for Blue: Into next 2 sts, 2 dc in each (4 dc), 1 dc in next, 2 dc in next 2 (4 dc); (9 dc White in a swirl). - Round 3B: 2 dc in first st, 1 dc in next, 2 dc in next, 1 dc in next, 2 dc in next; (9 st). Continue the white spiral echoing the blue.
- Continue Building the Spirals:
For each spiral (Blue and White), continue increasing at the curve’s outermost points by 2 dc in the first and last st of each color section, with regular dc in-between. Each spiral section should curve naturally away from the center. Alternate Blue and White to maintain the swirl (approx. Rounds 4-7), until each color covers about half the motif and the diameter is about 10 cm (4 inches).
Lace and Scalloped Border
- Switch to White.
- Working into the outer edge of both spirals, ch 1, sc evenly around entire motif edge (ensure stitch count is divisible by 4 for best scallops; approx. 56-60 sts). Join with sl st.
- Arched Border: *Ch 5, sk 2 sts, sc in next*; rep from * around. Join.
- Optional: For a more lacy effect, in next round, in each ch-5 arch: (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). Join.
Joining Motifs
- Make enough motifs for your chosen blanket size. Block each motif to shape.
- As-you-go Join (recommended): During the final scallop round of each new motif, align it alongside finished motifs and, at each scallop or arch overlap, join with a slip stitch to its neighbor. Alternatively, crochet or whipstitch motifs together edge-to-edge with a tapestry needle and matching yarn, aligning stitches for neat finish.
Bedspread Border (optional)
- With White, work a round of sc around entire blanket, placing 1 sc in each stitch and 3 sc at each corner.
- Next, work one or two rounds of arches as for motif edges: *Ch 5, sk 2 sc, sc in next* around; join.
- Add a round of scallop lace (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc in each arch) for a matching finish.
Pillow Covers (optional)
- Join 4-6 motifs in a square or rectangular shape.
- Add border as above.
- Attach to a fabric pillow cover or make two identical motif panels and lightly whipstitch together around the edge, leaving one side open for the pillow insert and adding buttons or an envelope closure if desired.
Assembly and Finishing
After completing all motifs and joining them into your full bedspread shape, gently weave in all ends on the back using a tapestry needle. Carefully block the entire bedspread to smooth joins and even out the motifs, pinning to finished dimensions on a blocking mat or bed. Steam-blocking (for cotton) or wet-blocking (follow yarn recommendations) ensures the motifs lie flat and edges are crisp. If you notice any gaps at joins, use extra yarn and a tapestry needle to invisibly secure motifs together. For pillows or cushions, align motifs precisely and sew together with whipstitch or slip stitch, adding a fabric lining for extra strength.
Customization Ideas
- Color Changes: Try shades of teal and cream for a tropical look, or gray and pastel for a softer touch. Bold contrasting colors (like navy and yellow) create a modern accent.
- Yarn Weight: Use lighter thread or lace yarn for a delicate lace throw, or thicker yarn for a chunky, warmer blanket. Adjust hook size as needed and monitor your motif’s finished size accordingly.
- Use Motifs Elsewhere: Create smaller throws, table runners, or individual placemats from a few motifs. Make a dramatic wall hanging or use motifs as coasters for mini projects.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: Motifs may curl if tension is too tight or increases are insufficient. Try blocking motifs as you work and ensure each spiral’s outer edge receives enough increases.
- Uneven Edges: If the assembled bedspread doesn’t lay flat, block each motif before joining and block the entire blanket after assembly. Adjust stitch count on border rounds if it ripples or pulls.
- Piece Too Large or Small: Check your gauge after your first motif. Adjust hook size or yarn weight before making additional motifs.
- Loose Color Changes: Always change color on the final pull-through of the previous stitch. To neaten, crochet over tails for a few stitches, or sew in firmly with tapestry needle.
- Uneven Tension: Relax and maintain uniform tension, especially when switching from spiral work to lace border. If neccessary, slow down and check your stitches every few rounds.
Care Instructions
For best results, gently handwash in cool or lukewarm water using a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry on a clean, dry towel, reshaping and smoothing out the motifs. If your yarn choice is machine-washable cotton, use the delicate cycle and cold water, then line dry or tumble dry low. Avoid bleach and harsh agitation to maintain crisp colors and motif shape.
Final Notes
Take your time to check stitch counts as you work, especially as the motif spirals grow and during assembly. Adjust your tension if motifs begin to skew, and use the photo as a visual reference for motif placement and proportion. With patience and care, your spiral wave bedspread will become a cherished centerpiece that showcases your colorwork skills and creativity!
