Introduction
Step into a world of timeless elegance and intricate craftsmanship with this crochet pattern for an exquisite lacy motif bedspread, complete with matching pillow covers. This project showcases classic crochet motifs – open, graphic squares artfully joined to create a delicate yet substantial covering for your bed. The finished piece, as seen in the photo, features a beautiful starburst or pinwheel design at the center of each motif, radiating out through textured post stitches and classic chain mesh, all executed in a serene and inviting blue.
The visual appeal of this project lies in the repetition and arrangement of motifs: each square is joined to its neighbors with openwork techniques, creating a gorgeous surface of geometric interest and airy, breathable texture. It’s the kind of heirloom project that can transform any bedroom, offering both warmth and a touch of vintage sophistication. Whether as a showpiece for your own home or a cherished gift, this crocheted bedspread is rewarding both to make and to display.
Besides the main bedspread, you can use the motifs to create matching pillow shams, throws, or tablecloths. The versatility of the motif structure gives you endless options for customization. This pattern provides all the step-by-step guidance you need to make your own, including motif instructions, joining, and finishing touches.
Project Overview
This bedspread is constructed by crocheting multiple identical square motifs, which are then joined together as you go (or sewn after, if you prefer). Each motif features a detailed starburst design formed by a mix of solid stitches and mesh, surrounded by a lacy, open border that gives a light and delicate effect. The edges of the bedspread are adorned with a gentle scalloped border that echoes the motif’s decorative pattern for a harmonious finish. Matching pillow covers are made from the same motif and finished identically for a coordinated look.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project uses a variety of stitches, including clusters, post stitches, chain spaces, and intricate join-as-you-go techniques. While each stitch is not overly difficult, following the motif’s structure and precise joining requires attention and some crochet experience.
Materials
- Yarn: Mercerized cotton thread (#10 crochet cotton) or light sport-weight yarn. For a queen-size bedspread (approx. 200 x 225 cm / 78″ x 88″), you’ll need approximately 2,200–2,600 g of yarn (4,000–4,800 yards). Adjust yardage for different bed sizes. Shown in a uniform medium blue; feel free to substitute other colors or use several for a varied effect.
- Crochet Hook: 2.0 mm (US size 4 steel) or size to achieve gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For joining and weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for marking corners and joining points.
- Blocking Board & Pins: For shaping motifs and the finished piece.
Finished Size
Each motif measures approximately 21 x 21 cm (8.25 x 8.25 inches) unblocked; after joining and blocking, they become slightly larger and stretch to fit. For a queen-size bedspread (approx. 200 x 225 cm / 78 x 88 inches), plan for about 10 motifs across and 12 motifs down (120 motifs total), plus extra motifs for pillow covers. Size can easily be adjusted by changing the number of motifs or your yarn and hook size. To make a different size, calculate number of motifs based on the desired dimensions and the blocked size of your motif.
Gauge
One completed motif, after blocking, should measure about 21 x 21 cm (8.25 x 8.25 inches). If your motifs are significantly larger or smaller, adjust your hook size accordingly. Small variations in gauge are okay for an openwork bedspread, but be mindful that bigger changes affect the overall size and drape.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- cl – cluster (as specified in the pattern)
- sp(s) – space(s)
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
Pattern Notes
This pattern is written in US crochet terms and is worked motif by motif, with each motif worked in rounds. Chains at the start of each round count as the first stitch unless otherwise specified. Motifs can be joined as you go on the final round using slip stitches, or joined afterwards by sewing or crocheting through the adjacent chain spaces. For neat color changes, always finish the last yarn over of the final stitch in the old color with the new color, if using contrasting colors. Blocking is highly recommended for the motifs to achieve crisp, even edges and to open up the lace pattern. Mark corners with stitch markers for easy joining, especially before blocking. The right side is the side facing you as you crochet; motifs are reversible but try to keep the same side facing out for consistency.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Motif Center
- Round 1: With blue, ch 6, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 15 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (16 dc)
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st, *ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*; rep from * to * 3 times more (4 sides), ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (8 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
- Round 3: Sl st into next dc and into ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp (forms a corner cluster), *ch 4, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp* around, ch 4 after last cluster, sl st to top of ch-3. (4 corners, 4 ch-4 sps)
Main Starburst & Lace Section
- Round 4: Sl st over to next ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in same sp, ch 4, sc in ch-4 sp from previous round, ch 4, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp (next corner), *ch 4, sc in next ch-4 sp, ch 4, 5 dc in corner* 3 times, sl st to top of ch-3. (4 corners; each with 5 dc; 8 ch-4 sps, 4 sc)
- Round 5: Sl st to second dc of corner cluster (center dc), ch 5 (counts as tr, ch 1), fpdc around same st, ch 1, fpdc around next dc, ch 5, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 5, *fpdc around center dc of next corner, ch 1, fpdc around next dc, ch 1, fpdc around final dc, ch 5, sc in next ch-4 sp, ch 5* rep around, join with sl st to 4th ch of beginning ch-5. (Each corner: 3 fpdc, separated by ch-1; 8 ch-5 sps; 4 sc)
- Round 6: Sl st into first ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp (across corner), ch 2, (in ch-5 sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 2, in next corner ch-1 sp: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc; rep across each side and corner, join. (Each side now has 2 sets of 3-dc groups, each end is a corner.)
Lace Mesh & Building the Square
- Round 7: Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same st, ch 4, 2 tr in next ch-2 space, ch 4; repeat across each ch-2 sp and group, making 2 tr, ch 4 in each space. At each corner, make (2 tr, ch 5, 2 tr). Repeat around, join with sl st to top of ch-4. Motif is clearly squaring off now, with more open mesh sections appearing in each side.
- Round 8: Work (sc, ch 5, sc) in each ch-4 space, and (sc, ch 7, sc) in each corner ch-5 space. Continue around, join. Motif is now a square with ornate mesh pattern.
Final Motif & Joining
- Round 9 (Joining/Finishing Edge): For the final round, ch 1, sc in same, *(ch 7, sc in next ch-5 sp) across to corner, (ch 9, sc in corner ch-7 sp)*; repeat around. For motifs to be joined, during the ch-7 or ch-9, substitute ch 3, sl st into adjacent motif’s corresponding ch-7 or ch-9 space, ch 3 (for ch-7 sps; for corners, ch 4, sl st join, ch 4 for ch-9 corners), then continue as pattern directs.
Repeat this motif until you have the total number required for your desired bed size and for pillow shams.
Pillow Covers
- Make the required number of motifs for each side of the pillow (two per sham), join on three sides using the same joining method, and crochet a simple envelope closure or button bands as preferred. Optionally, add a further round of sc or decorative edging around the pillow edges.
Border
- Once all motifs are joined, work a border of sc around the entire outer edge. For extra flair, add one or two rounds of simple picot edging (for example: sc in next st, ch 3, sl st in first ch, sc in next st) or a shell border (5 dc in every third st) to maintain the lacy look and give a finished edge.
Assembly and Finishing
After you have crocheted and joined all motifs, carefully weave in all yarn ends with a tapestry needle. Block each motif individually, if possible, for crisp edges and open lacy mesh; then block the assembled spread and pillow covers to the finished measurements. Lay the piece flat on a blocking board or bed, mist lightly with water or use steam, and pin to the exact measurements, especially aligning the corners and edges. Allow to dry completely. For pillow shams, insert pillows and sew or button the closure. If edges roll or are uneven, a final round of single crochet along the outermost round helps to stabilize. Keep the joining sections even for a seamless lattice look.
Customization Ideas
This lacy motif bedspread can be easily customized by changing the color of the yarn. Pastel shades give it a traditional vintage feel, while bold or ombre yarns can make it pop with a modern twist. Use multicolor motifs for a bohemian aesthetic or alternate colors row by row. The motif design is versatile enough to create not just bedspreads and pillow covers, but also tablecloths, runners, or throws—simply adjust the number and arrangement of motifs. If you prefer a heavier, warmer piece, try DK-weight yarn instead of thread, but note this will increase the size and weight of each motif.
Troubleshooting
Curling: If motifs curl up, ensure you are not working too tightly; try going up a hook size. Blocking helps tremendously in relaxing the fibers.
Uneven Edges: If the assembled spread has bumpy joins, use a border of single crochet to smooth out the edges.
Piece Too Large/Small: Check motif size after blocking before making all motifs; adjust hook size or yarn as needed.
Loose Color Changes: Always secure color changes properly by working the final yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new yarn.
Uneven Tension: Consistent tension is especially important for lacy patterns. Take breaks if hands tighten up, and block finished motifs.
Care Instructions
Handwash your finished cotton bedspread in cold or lukewarm water with gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry, shaping carefully. Avoid wringing or twisting. For best results, block after each wash to maintain shape and open lace mesh. Store folded with tissue paper or hang over a padded hanger to prevent sharp creases.
Final Notes
Double check your stitch counts at the end of each round for each motif and join at regularly spaced places for the most professional finish. Adjust your tension as needed. Use the photo as your visual guide for motif placement and join style, and enjoy the process of creating your own heirloom crochet bedspread.
