Introduction
This crochet project showcases timeless elegance with a bedspread crafted from a series of lace-inspired granny squares. The piece is made in a soft, natural cream color, giving it a refined and classic look that brightens up any bedroom. Each granny square displays an openwork grid-like center bordered with intricate, looped scallop edges, and the bedspread is finished with coordinated pillow covers for a truly cohesive set.
Perfect for adding a vintage or farmhouse touch to your decor, this bedspread exudes warmth and hand-crafted charm. The open grid provides textural contrast to the dense, decorative border, creating a stunning interplay of negative space and lace. Not only does this pattern result in a bedspread that is visually striking, but it also allows for customization in size, color, and appliqué options. Creating these motifs and joining them together is a relaxing and satisfying process, making it as enjoyable to crochet as it is to display.
Whether draped over your bed or used as a decorative throw, this lace-inspired crochet bedspread is a testament to the beauty of handcraft. Its timeless design makes it an heirloom-quality piece you’ll cherish for years to come.
Project Overview
This bedspread is constructed from multiple identical square motifs, each created in the round and finished with a decorative, lacy scalloped border. The squares are made individually and then joined together using a crochet join-as-you-go technique or sewn together for a seamless look. Coordinating pillows follow the same motif and joining method. A final round of the motif’s border is added all around the assembled bedspread to create a unified appearance.
Skill Level
Intermediate – This pattern combines gridwork, decorative picot or scallop edging, and joining techniques. Basic knowledge of joining motifs, working in rounds, and attention to stitch count is necessary, making it most suitable for those with some crochet experience.
Materials
- Yarn: Fingering or light sport weight cotton yarn. Cream or natural is recommended. For a queen-size bedspread (approx. 200 x 230 cm/79 x 90 in), estimate 1800-2000 g (about 36-40 50g balls).
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm (US size B/1 or C/2); adjust to achieve gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and joining motifs.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Optional, for marking rounds or motif corners.
- Blocking Mats and Pins: For shaping motifs before assembly.
If crocheting matching pillow covers, you will need additional yarn—estimate 150-200 g per pillowcase.
Finished Size
Each granny square motif measures approximately 14 x 14 cm (5.5 x 5.5 in) after blocking. For a standard queen bedspread (200 x 230 cm/79 x 90 in), you’ll need roughly 14 squares wide by 17 squares long (238 squares total). Adjust the number of motifs to fit other bed sizes or desired dimensions. To make the piece narrower or wider, add or subtract motifs along the appropriate side. For matching pillows (50 x 70 cm/20 x 28 in), use a 4 x 5 grid of squares for front and back panels.
Gauge
One completed granny square (after blocking) should measure approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) across. Gauge is not absolutely critical for this project, but variations in stitch tension will affect the finished bedspread’s size and drape. If your motifs are larger or smaller, adjust the number of squares or use a different hook size accordingly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
Pattern Notes
Chains at the beginning of rounds count as the first stitch unless specified. Each square motif begins with a gridwork center formed in rounds, followed by a lacy border worked around the square. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch. To achieve neat and invisible joins, always complete rounds in the corner or first chain/stitch as indicated. For color changes, finish the last stitch of the old color and draw through the new color on the final yarn-over. Blocking motifs before joining ensures a crisp shape and the bedspread lies flat. Use stitch markers to denote corners or motif counts if you are working many motifs at once.
The main body motifs are joined either by crocheting them together on the last round or using a tapestry needle and whip stitch from the wrong side. The RS should always face outward on the finished bedspread and pillow panel assembly.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Grid for Each Square Motif
- Foundation: Ch 18. Turn.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (17 sc). Turn.
- Rows 2-17: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (17 sc). Turn. At end of Row 17, do not fasten off. You now have a 17×17 grid square.
Grid Framework (Create Open Spaces)
- With RS facing, you will work evenly around all four sides:
– Ch 1, sc in side of each row and each foundation ch across all four sides, placing 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. (68 sc, 3 sc in each of 4 corners).
Lacy Border
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, *ch 1, sk next sc, dc in next sc; rep from * along the first side until corner, (dc, ch 2, dc) in corner sc. Repeat around all four sides. Join with sl st to top of initial ch-3. Fasten off if you plan to change to a new ball or color, or continue in the same.
- Attach yarn in any corner. (Sc, ch 3, sc) in corner sp of previous round. *[Ch 3, sk next ch-1 sp, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-1 sp]; rep across to corner. Repeat on all four sides. Join with sl st to first sc.
- (Picot/Scallop round): In any ch-3 corner sp, *(sc, ch 2, 6 dc, ch 2, sc), sk next ch-3 sp*; rep from * to * around. Adjust as needed to fit each side evenly. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Motif Count and Assembly Plan
- For a queen bed, make 238 motifs (14 motifs wide, 17 motifs long). For each pillow, make 20 motifs (4 x 5 grid).
Joining the Motifs
- Arrange motifs with right side up. Join as you go on the final (scallop) round using a slip stitch in place of the ch-2 between scallops at touching joins, aligning scallops and corners. Alternatively, sew motifs together with a tapestry needle, picking up front loops only for an invisible seam on the wrong side.
Bedspread Border
- Once all motifs are joined, work a final round around the entire edge for a unified border. Attach yarn at any outer corner, (sc, ch 2, 6 dc, ch 2, sc) in each corner, (ch 2, sc in scallop peak) around. Join with sl st, fasten off, and weave in all loose ends.
Pillow Covers
- Arrange and join motifs as above to make a front and back panel for each pillow. Seam three sides, insert pillow form, then slip stitch or sew final side closed (or add a zipper/envelope closure if desired).
Assembly and Finishing
Once all motifs are crocheted and joined, lay the bedspread gently on a blocking mat or a clean surface and pin out the edges to straighten any curling. Lightly mist with water and let dry to set the shape. Take your time weaving in all ends on the backside to ensure a neat appearance. For the pillow covers, after joining motifs, align with pillow forms and stitch the panels together, making sure the scallops and lines of the motifs align nicely around the edges. For best results, block pillowcase panels before assembling. After assembly, fluff the finished pillows and lay the bedspread neatly over the bed for a professional finish.
Customization Ideas
Experiment with yarn color to match your decor—while an all-cream look is classic, you can create stripes by changing colors for each motif row or alternate motifs. Try using a soft gray, muted blush, or gentle sage for a modern twist. Thicker yarns will yield a chunkier, cozier blanket, while using mercerized cotton will create a lighter, crisper lace effect. Consider making a smaller throw version for a couch or an elegant table runner by using fewer motifs or different arrangement.
Troubleshooting
- Curling or Warping: Motifs may curl when worked tightly—relax your tension and block each motif before joining.
- Uneven Edges: If edges aren’t lining up, count stitches carefully in each motif and along each side before joining.
- Piece Too Small or Large: Double-check your motif size and adjust your hook up or down if necessary before making all squares.
- Loose Color Changes: Ensure each color change is made on the final yarn over, and weave in tails securely for an invisible join.
- Uneven Tension: Practice a few motifs before starting the full project to establish consistent gauge for the bedspread and pillow covers.
Care Instructions
Hand-wash the bedspread and pillowcases gently in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Do not bleach. Rinse thoroughly and roll in a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry on a clean, dry surface, reshaping if necessary. If needed, block again to revive lacy shapes after washing. Avoid hanging, as this may stretch out motifs over time.
Final Notes
Take care to count stitches and motifs as you work, and periodically check your progress against your desired measurements. Adjust your hook size if you tend to crochet tightly or loosely, and always refer to a blocked square as your guide. Use the provided visual cues from the photo to match your motif shape and border placement for the best result.
