Introduction
This detailed crochet pattern will guide you in making an elegant bedspread featuring timeless granny square motifs in rich green and cream. The finished piece radiates a vintage charm, thanks to its bold dark green main color and delicate cream border accent. The square motifs are decorated with classic openwork and a subtle central flower detail, giving the bedspread visual interest and beautiful texture. Joining strips and a gently scalloped edge lend an artisanal touch, while matching pillow shams complete the set for a truly coordinated and sophisticated bedroom ensemble. This bedspread is ideal for adding warmth, style, and a handmade statement to your bedroom, making it perfect for personal use or gifting. Not only is it practical, but putting this blanket together is also a deeply rewarding experience as you watch the motifs come together in an heirloom-quality item that stands the test of time.
Whether you are looking to update your decor with a handcrafted look or create a meaningful gift, this project will impress and delight. By following this pattern, you’ll develop skills in motif construction, joining techniques, and working a show-stopping border. The repeatable motifs and soothing rhythm of joining make this a relaxing yet engaging project for any crochet enthusiast.
Project Overview
The bedspread is constructed from separate granny square motifs, all worked in green and edged in cream. Each square is then joined to create three large panels, which are seamed together with decorative cream joining strips. The matching pillow shams use the same motif and border design. The final touch is a scalloped cream edging that frames the blanket and pillow covers. This pattern works primarily in the round for the squares and border but also involves straight edges and seaming for assembly.
Skill Level
Intermediate. While the granny square motif is suitable for adventurous beginners, consistent stitch work, color changes, and joining methods make the overall project best for intermediate crocheters. Familiarity with reading patterns and basic finishing techniques is helpful.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn is ideal for drape and durability. Approximate yardage below is for a queen-sized blanket and two shams:
- Green (main color): 2,200 yds (2,010 m)
- Cream (contrast): 850 yds (777 m)
- Crochet Hook: Size H-8 (5.0 mm) or size needed for gauge
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing motifs
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Optional, to mark motif joins and edge repeats
- Measuring Tape: To check motif and bedspread sizing
Optional: Blocking mats and pins, if you wish to block your motifs before assembly.
Finished Size
The finished bedspread is approximately 210 cm x 220 cm (83 x 87 inches), fitting a queen-sized bed with overhang. Each motif is about 20 cm (8 inches) square, including the border. To adjust the size for a different bed, simply add or subtract motifs, or alter the joining strips’ width. Pillow shams are slightly smaller, approximately 55 x 75 cm (22 x 30 inches), sized to standard pillows.
Gauge
Each completed motif (with border) should measure about 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) using worsted weight cotton and a 5.0 mm hook. The gauge for a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) swatch in double crochet (dc) is about 14 sts x 8 rows. Adjust hook size as necessary for your yarn and tension – small variations in gauge will change the finished size.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
- beg – beginning
Pattern Notes
- All directions use US crochet terminology.
- Motifs are worked in joined rounds. Chains at the start of each round count as a stitch unless otherwise noted.
- Color changes occur at the final slip stitch of a round for clean transition; carry yarn up the side if joining as you go.
- Use stitch markers to mark corners and start of rounds or to keep track of join positions.
- Right side (RS) faces out on blanket and pillow shams; when joining motifs, ensure all are facing the same direction.
- Blocking motifs before assembly ensures clean joins and an even finish.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
1. Center Flower Granny Square Motif (Make required number for bedspread and shams)
With green yarn:
- MR, ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 15 dc into MR. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (16 dc)
- Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 2, skip next dc, *(2 dc in next dc, ch 2, skip next dc)* rep 6 times around; join with sl st. (16 dc, 8 ch-2 sps)
- Sl st into next dc and next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, ch 1, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1* rep 7 times; join. (32 dc, 8 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps)
- Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner made), *(dc in next 4 sts, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp)* rep 3 times, dc in last 4 sts; join. (54 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
- *Work one more round for final size:* Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, *(dc in next 10 sts, 3 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp)* rep 3 times, dc in last 10 sts; join. (78 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
Fasten off green. Weave in ends.
2. Cream Granny Square Border
With cream yarn:
- Attach cream in any ch-2 corner sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, dc in each stitch to next corner. Repeat (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner, and dc along sides. Join with sl st. (92 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
- Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, (sc, ch 2, sc) in each ch-2 corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off. (100 sc + 4 ch-2 sps)
3. Scalloped Edging on Motif
- Attach cream in any st, *skip 2 sts, 7 dc in next st (scallop), skip 2 sts, sl st in next st*; repeat around, adjusting slightly at corners as needed for symmetry. Join. Fasten off and weave in all ends. Motif should now measure approximately 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches).
4. Making Sufficient Motifs
For a queen size bedspread (80 x 86 inches), make 55 green squares with cream borders (5 wide by 11 long). Adjust motif count for your desired blanket size or use fewer for smaller throw blankets. For pillow shams, make 3 squares per pillow, adjusting layout to your pillow size.
5. Joining Motifs
Lay squares in rows on a flat surface; ensure corners and motifs face the same direction. Join motifs using the cream color decorative joining strips:
- With cream, ch 10, join with sl st to form ring. Ch 3, 23 dc in the ring. Fasten off (forms a small round medallion). Make enough medallions for each motif join at the corners.
- Join motifs with single crochet and ch-2 mesh strips in cream. Holding right sides together, working through back loops only, sc along adjacent sides, ch 2 between each sc; join each mesh at the medallions where corners meet.
6. Bedspread Border
- With cream, work 1 round sc evenly around the entire blanket, (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner. Join. Do not fasten off.
- Work scallop border as for individual motifs: *Skip 2 sts, 7 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next*; repeat around. Join and fasten off.
7. Pillow Shams
- Arrange and join three squares as above. Work border in cream; for the opening edge, work a button band by crocheting additional rows of sc on one end, adding buttonholes as desired, or simply seam closed after inserting pillow.
Assembly and Finishing
- Block each motif to the same size using a steam iron or spray bottle and pins. This ensures crisp joins and uniformity.
- Lay out motifs as per your blanket dimensions; join squares into strips, then join strips together, using the cream joining mesh and medallions as described for maximum stability and a decorative look.
- After joining all motifs, work border rounds evenly, ensuring tension is not too tight, especially on scallops; adjust the number of stitches between scallops as needed for a flat finish.
- For pillow shams, join squares, seam three sides, and complete with button band or full seam once pillow insert is added.
- Weave in all ends securely with a tapestry needle.
- For a pristine look, lightly block the entire blanket and shams after assembly, pinning the scallop edges to accentuate the curves.
Customization Ideas
- Colors: Try navy with white, grey with yellow, or bold multi-color squares with a simple neutral border for a modern twist.
- Yarn Weight: Use DK for a lighter blanket, or chunky yarn for a textured, cozy throw.
- Alternate Uses: Create a throw blanket, baby blanket, tablecloth, or curtain using the same motif and border method. Make a shawl with fewer repeats.
- Motif Variation: Replace flower centers with solid granny or starburst patterns for different effects.
Troubleshooting
- Curling Motifs: Ensure your tension is relaxed and block motifs well before assembly.
- Uneven Edges: Keep stitch counts consistent along rows and sides; count stitches at the end of each row/round.
- Piece Too Large/Small: If motifs vary in size, adjust hook or add/take away rows to each square. Modify the border edge for final adjustment.
- Loose Color Changes: Always finish color changes with a slip stitch and pull yarn tight before starting next color. Weave in tails firmly.
- Uneven Tension: Practice several motifs before assembly to ensure size uniformity across all pieces. Blocking helps correct small variations.
Care Instructions
If working with cotton or cotton-blend yarn, handwash or machine wash the blanket on gentle cycle with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat if your yarn allows. Reshape the edges and scallops while damp for a neat finish. Avoid hanging to dry, as weight may distort the shape.
Final Notes
Check stitch counts frequently, especially on motif rounds and when joining edges, to ensure all pieces align perfectly. Adjust hook size if your gauge is off, and block motifs for neat, crisp appearance. Use the project photo as your visual guide for motif assembly and color placement. Enjoy the process and the stunning result of your beautiful handmade bedspread!
