Introduction
The featured crochet project is a breathtaking bedspread composed of elegant, lacy granny square motifs intricately joined together. The design uses a soft, subtle gray yarn throughout, establishing a look of serenity and modern elegance, while the open latticework within each square adds airiness and texture. Scalloped edges frame every motif, enhancing the overall visual appeal with vintage charm. Matching pillow shams echo the motif and bring cohesion to the ensemble, making your bedroom both chic and homey.
This bedspread is ideal for anyone looking to add a handcrafted touch to their décor. It’s perfect for spring and summer, given its lightweight, airy construction, but can easily layer in colder months for extra warmth. The repetitive granny squares make the project manageable and meditative, allowing crocheters to watch their work grow in satisfying increments. Whether given as a wedding or housewarming gift or kept for yourself, this piece will be cherished for years thanks to its robust structure and timeless beauty.
Making this bedspread is not only a rewarding technical challenge but also an opportunity to create a functional heirloom. The open grid center offers a unique twist on traditional granny squares, letting light and texture play across the bedspread. If you’re seeking an engaging, large-scale, decorative project that hones your joining, motif work, and finishing skills, this pattern is sure to delight.
Project Overview
This crochet bedspread is constructed from repeated square motifs, each worked individually and then joined together as you go or through final assembly. The square granny motifs feature a distinct open lattice grid at the center, bordered by solid rounds and a decorative scalloped edge. To finish the project, all motifs are joined in rows and columns to cover the bed dimensions, with additional motifs used for matching pillow shams. The pattern includes instructions for seamless joining and for adjusting the overall size.
- Motifs: Worked in the round from the center.
- Join-as-you-go or sewn joining methods.
- Final scalloped border worked around the joined piece for a finished look.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This pattern requires familiarity with working in the round, maintaining tension, joining motifs, and creating decorative borders. Knowledge of basic lace stitches and careful counting are important to achieve uniformity and a polished finish.
Materials
- Yarn: Light DK or sport weight cotton yarn, approximately 3200-3600 yards (2,900-3,300 meters) for a full-size bedspread and 1000-1200 yards (900-1,100 meters) for two pillow shams. Sample shown uses one color (light gray), but you may substitute as desired.
- Hook: US size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook (adjust for your personal tension).
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and joining motifs.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers: To mark motif corners or joining points.
- Measuring tape: For assessing bedspread and motif dimensions.
Use natural cotton for a breathable, washable fabric, or substitute a soft acrylic blend for easier care. If different yarn or hook sizes are used, adjust the stitch count and yardage accordingly.
Finished Size
The approximate finished bedspread size is 210 cm by 240 cm (83 x 94 in), suitable for a queen-size bed with drape on sides. Each square motif measures about 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 in) after blocking. You can customize the size by adjusting the number of motifs: for a throw, use fewer squares; for a king-size bed, add more. Pillow sham motifs are assembled in sets to match your desired pillow dimensions.
Gauge
One finished motif should measure approximately 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 in) after blocking. Gauge is not critical, but uniform squares help the piece lay flat. To check gauge: Make one motif, block it, then measure. Adjust hook size if needed. Variations will affect total yardage and finished dimensions, so consistency is important.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- sp – space
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rounds count as the first stitch unless stated otherwise.
- Each motif is worked in the round; start with a foundation chain.
- For neat color changes (if using multiple colors), change color at the last yarn-over of the previous stitch.
- Join motifs on the final round using the join-as-you-go method, or complete all motifs and sew together using a mattress stitch or whip stitch.
- Keep the right side (RS) facing throughout.
- Use stitch markers to mark the corners or joining points, especially when assembling the motifs.
- Block motifs before joining to ensure uniform sizing and crisp edges.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Lattice Square
- Foundation: Ch 28.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across (27 sc). Turn.
- Rows 2-7: Ch 1, sc in each st across (27 sc). At the end of Row 7, do not turn. (You have a square of sc: 27 x 7 rows.)
Create open lattice: The open effect is made by working chain spaces in set intervals across the square for a grid pattern.
- Edging Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire square, working 2 sc in each corner. (Work 27 sc each side, 2 sc in each corner = 27 sc x 4 sides + 8 corner sc = 116 sc). Join with sl st to first sc.
Note: If you want a more open mesh, alternate rows or spaces can be ch 1, skip 1 on alternate rows, to create see-through effects. For this pattern, to achieve the pictured look, keep the solid center but use open squares by the following:
- Lattice Rounds (worked along each side):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc + ch 1), *skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1*; rep across each side. In corner st, work (dc, ch 3, dc). Continue around all four sides, join with sl st to ch-3 sp of starting ch. (Approximately 13 dc and ch-1 spaces per side, with ch-3 in each corner).
The resulting lattice will be a border around a central solid square. Adjust number of ch/skipped sts so the lattice border is symmetric and matches the count of your previous rounds.
Solid Border Rounds
- Solid Round: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc and each ch-1 space across to corner; in each ch-3 corner, work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Repeat for all sides. Join with sl st to top of starting ch-3. (Increase adds 4 sts per side every round.)
- Repeat: Work one more round of dc as above for a thicker border, remembering corners: (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each.
Scalloped Edging
- Scallops Set-Up: Sl st to corner space, ch 1.
- First Scallop: *(skip next st, 5 dc in next st, skip next st, sc in next st)* repeat from * to * all the way around. On corners, work 7 dc in corner space for a larger scallop that turns the corner smoothly. Join with sl st to the starting ch or sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Motif Assembly (for Bedspread and Pillow Shams)
- Block all motifs to exact size by pinning to a board and lightly steaming (if yarn allows).
- Lay out motifs in a grid to fit your bed—typically 14 x 16 motifs for a queen-size (adjust as needed).
- Join motifs using the join-as-you-go method (slip stitch or single crochet through both motifs on the final round), or sew together using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, stitch to stitch, at the sides only (not at the scallops).
- For pillow shams, arrange 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 motifs per pillow, depending on size, and join as above.
Final Bedspread Border
- Once all motifs are joined, work a round of sc around the entire bedspread to even out the edge (sc in each st, 2 sc in each valley between scallops, 5 sc in each scallop tip).
- Finish with one more round of decorative scallops: *(skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sc in next st)* repeat from * to * around. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
After crocheting all motifs, block each square for uniformity. Use a flat surface and shape with pins, then lightly steam (test first!) to set the stitches. Arrange motifs on a large table or floor to visualize the bedspread before joining. Make sure the scallops and edges align. Join motifs by sewing through the innermost round for a flat seam, or use the join-as-you-go method to connect the last round as you complete each motif. Add an extra round of sc and a final scalloped border edge after all motifs are joined.
Once assembled, weave in all yarn ends tightly and neatly using a tapestry needle, especially at joining points, for a secure and professional finish. After weaving in ends, give the entire piece a final blocking session to encourage evenness and crisp borders. For pillow shams, sew motifs to a matching fabric envelope or crochet a backing for added structure. If desired, sew buttons or zipper closures for easy removal and cleaning.
Customization Ideas
- Choose a two-toned palette, using a different color for the solid squares and for the scalloped border around each motif.
- For a more traditional look, use cream, ecru, or muted pastels.
- Vary the yarn type: try a soft bamboo blend for a silky drape, or wool for extra warmth.
- Increase or decrease motif size (use a heavier weight yarn for larger motifs, or a lighter thread for delicate, lace-like results).
- Repurpose motifs for smaller projects—such as cushion covers, throws, or even table runners.
Troubleshooting
- Curling edges: If motifs curl, ensure your hook size matches the yarn, and block motifs before joining. Tension may be too tight if the centers curl upward—relax grip and recheck gauge.
- Uneven joining: Count stitches carefully at the joining edges to avoid skewed rows or bunching. Mark corners with stitch markers for accuracy.
- Piece too large or too small: Differences in yarn, hook size, or tension will change motif size. Make a test motif and measure before committing to many.
- Loose color changes: When swapping colors for borders or scallops, always switch colors on the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for neat transitions. Weave in color ends securely.
- Inconsistent tension: If some motifs look looser or tighter than others, slow down and keep even pressure on the yarn. Try to complete motifs in the same sitting or adjust hook size as needed.
Care Instructions
Handwash in cool water with mild detergent for best longevity, especially for cotton or bamboo blends. Gently squeeze out excess water; do not wring. Lay flat to dry on a towel or blocking board, reshaping scallops and corners. For machine washing, use a gentle cycle and a mesh laundry bag. Store folded in a dry place; avoid hanging, as this may stretch the motifs over time.
Final Notes
Careful attention to stitch counts, even tension, and regular blocking will ensure your lattice lace bedspread turns out as stunning as pictured. Adjust the finished size by adding or subtracting motifs, and refer to the image as a helpful visual guide for motif layout and color inspiration. Most importantly, enjoy the journey—this bedspread will be a showpiece to cherish for years!
