Introduction
This eye-catching bedspread features bold spirals in vivid yellow and soft gray, beautifully combined into swirling circular motifs that cover the entire surface. Each motif has a dynamic, swirling center with arcs of alternating color, radiating out to a lacy, decorative border. The graphic and contemporary look is softened by the delicate stitchwork, making it suitable for modern and traditional spaces alike. The finished piece adds immediate brightness and movement to a bedroom, and its intricate design is sure to start conversations and earn compliments.
The bedspread is perfect for anyone looking to add handmade vibrancy to their home. Its texture is both visually and physically inviting: the motifs are solid in the center, with openwork and raised stitch elements forming the swirling pattern and lacy edging. This project is interesting to make because each motif is constructed separately, allowing you to enjoy both the colorful combinations and rhythmic stitch pattern. Once joined together, the bedspread creates a continuous flow of spirals that appear to dance across the surface, making it as fun to crochet as it is to use and display.
Project Overview
The bedspread is constructed from individual, round spiral swirl motifs, primarily in yellow and gray. Each motif is made separately, beginning from the center and working outward in the round. Motifs are joined as you go or stitched together later, forming a seamless look when completed. The motifs include a solid center worked in spiral fashion, surrounded by sections of openwork and decorative picot arches to give a distinct lacy finish. The motifs are then assembled into rows to create the blanket, and the same motif can be used to make matching cushion covers or accent pieces.
- Motif construction: Spiral center worked in rounds, with alternating color sections.
- Joining: Motifs are joined to each other on the final round by whipstitching or crocheting together.
- Border: The outer round of each motif forms the edge; an optional border can be added for a cohesive finish.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project requires experience with working in the round, color changes within rounds, openwork stitches, and assembling motifs cleanly. Familiarity with reading written instructions and managing multiple yarns at once is recommended, but adventurous advanced beginners may also succeed with care and patience.
Materials
- Yarn: DK weight (size 3) cotton or cotton-blend yarn; suitable for home décor and washable. For a blanket (200 x 220 cm/79 x 87 in), approx. 900g yellow (main color) and 900g gray (contrast color).
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed for gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and joining motifs.
- Stitch Markers: Useful for marking motif starts or joining points.
- Scissors: For snipping yarn.
- Blocking Supplies: Mats, pins, and spray bottle, for shaping motifs.
Optional tools: Row counter or notebook for tracking motif progress, scrap yarn for stitch holding.
Finished Size
The finished bedspread measures approximately 200 cm by 220 cm (about 79 inches by 87 inches), which fits a standard queen size bed with ample draping. Each motif, when blocked, is about 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter. To make a larger or smaller blanket, simply adjust the number of motifs by row and column. Each additional row or column increases the width or length by about 12-13 cm (due to motif overlap at joins). Pillows use 2 or more motifs depending on the intended size.
Gauge
Gauge is approximately 8 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter, using DK weight yarn and a 4.0 mm hook, with the motif gently blocked. Since the motifs are made individually, slight variations in gauge only affect the final size of the piece, not the construction. For best results and clean assembly, try to keep tension consistent throughout all motifs.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MR: magic ring
- sp: space
- inc: increase (2 sts in same stitch or space)
- dec: decrease (work stitches together)
- picot: ch 3, sl st in first ch (for edging)
Pattern Notes
- All stitches use US crochet terminology.
- Motifs are worked in rounds from the center out, using a spiral technique for the initial swirl, followed by decorative edging in joined rounds.
- Begin with a magic ring or adjustable ring for a tight center.
- Change colors cleanly at the end of a round by completing the final yarn-over with the new color.
- Rounds may be worked continuously for the spiral, with a joined round only at the border or for joining.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of the round, especially for spirals and openwork sections.
- Ch 1 at the beginning does not count as a stitch unless noted; ch 3 counts as first dc or tr where specified.
- When joining motifs, align at points to match motifs exactly—pin in place before sewing or crocheting together if needed.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Spiral Swirl Motif (Make as many as needed for your blanket size)
Center Spiral (Yarn A – Yellow and Yarn B – Gray)
- With Yarn A (yellow), create a magic ring (MR). Ch 2 (does not count as a st), work 6 hdc into MR. Do not join—continue working in a continuous spiral. (6 hdc)
- Work 2 hdc into each st around (12 hdc). Insert stitch marker at first st of round to keep track.
- Switch to Yarn B (gray) by pulling through the last hdc of previous round. With Yarn B, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st* around (18 hdc). Work 2 st in same place on color change for a smoother transition.
- Continue spiral: *1 hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st* around (24 hdc), changing back to Yarn A at the halfway point (alternate every 12 stitches) to create a continuous spiral effect. Carry unused color gently along the round, catching with your stitches.
- Continue, increasing by 6 per round as follows, always placing one extra hdc before each increase on each new round. Change colors every 12 sts, so one half remains yellow and one gray, creating the swirl. Work until you have 8 rounds total and piece measures approx. 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. End with the last color change for an even split.
Open Swirl Section (Yellow and Gray)
- With Yarn A, ch 4 (counts as tr), skip 1 st, tr in next st; *ch 1, skip 1 st, tr in next*, repeat around yellow section. Repeat same for gray, finishing with both colors meeting at the swirl junction with a slip stitch into the first tr. (Approx. 12 tr per color section)
- In next round, with Yarn A, work 1 sc in each tr and 2 sc into each ch-1 sp around yellow half; with Yarn B, repeat for gray half. (Keep color changes at the junction for a neat spiral.)
Lacy Arch Section
- With Yarn B, join at color division. *Ch 5, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* around entire motif (arch between every 3rd/4th stitch). On next round, *ch 5, sl st in next arch* around, working one round in yellow, then alternate to gray on next lacy arch round. Repeat until you have 3-4 rounds of arches.
- Final round: In each arch, work (sc, ch 3, sl st in first ch [picot], sc) for a decorative picot edge. Alternate starting colors per motif to keep design varied.
Motif Join-As-You-Go
- To join motifs, on the last round of arches, instead of ch 5 for each arch, *ch 2, sl st into arch of adjacent motif, ch 2, sc in own motif* to join. Join motifs at 5-6 evenly spaced arches for a seamless result.
Layout Assembly
- Arrange motifs in rows and columns to achieve desired bedspread size. Pin in place for even joins.
- Join motifs as described above or whipstitch final round arches to adjacent motif’s arches if not joining as you go.
Optional Border
- With gray or yellow, work one or two rounds of sc evenly around the edge of the completed spread to finish, incorporating picots every 5-6 sts for a decorative touch.
Matching Pillow Cover
- Create 2 motifs per pillow and join at the edges, leaving an opening for insert. Add a simple envelope or button closure at back if desired.
Assembly and Finishing
After joining all motifs, lay the bedspread flat on a blocking surface. Gently stretch and shape each motif’s arches and lace edges with pins, ensuring a smooth edge. Lightly mist with water or use steam, then allow to dry fully. Weave in all yarn tails securely using a tapestry needle, especially at color changes and join points, to prevent unraveling. If adding a border, work border rounds after motifs are joined and before final blocking.
For pillows, place insert between joined motifs and sew edges closed, or add a backing fabric for structure. Trim any excess yarn, and gently press the finished spread if desired (covering with a towel to avoid scorching).
Customization Ideas
- Colorways: Use contrasting colors for high impact (ex. teal and cream, coral and navy) or muted analogous hues for a softer effect.
- Yarn Substitutions: Try worsted weight for a thicker, heavier spread, or sport weight for a more delicate blanket—adjust motif count accordingly.
- Alternative Uses: Motifs make great individual coasters, table runners, wall hangings, cushion fronts, or scarves when joined in strips.
- Edging: Add additional lacy border rounds to enlarge or vary the spread’s edge design.
Troubleshooting
- Curling: If motifs curl or pucker, ensure you have enough increases in the spiral rounds; block motifs flat before joining.
- Uneven Edges: Stagger motif joins so arches align. Adjust final border rounds as needed to fill in edge gaps.
- Piece Too Large or Small: Adjust hook size (larger hook = bigger motifs, smaller hook = tighter stitches). Check gauge on first motif and adjust as needed.
- Loose Color Changes: Always complete the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color for a crisp change.
- Uneven Tension: Practice each motif in scrap yarn until you achieve consistent stitch height, especially for arches and picots.
Care Instructions
For cotton or cotton-blend yarns, machine wash the finished bedspread in cold water on gentle cycle in a mesh bag, or hand wash as needed. Lay flat to dry, gently reshaping to stretch out motifs and prevent shrinking. Avoid bleach and high heat. Store folded dry, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Final Notes
Always take the time to count stitches in each round, especially on spiral increases, to ensure overall motif harmony. Adjust your tension as you go, referencing the finished motif photo for color placement and swirl effect. Making the motifs is especially fun, and assembling them into a full spread will create a vibrant, handcrafted heirloom for your home. Enjoy every step of the process!
