This blue and white bedspread turns one simple square into a field of pinwheel stars. In every square, four denim-blue wedges meet in the middle and soft cream petals open out into the corners. Joined together, the squares make a bold, fresh pattern that looks great in a bright bedroom.
You only need chain, slip stitch and double crochet. The one new skill is changing color inside a round, and the pattern shows you exactly where. Make one practice square first, then keep going.
What you need
- Yarn: worsted weight (medium 4) cotton in 2 colors: denim blue (wedges and center) and cream (corner petals, edge and joining).
- Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7). Go up or down a size if your square is too tight or too floppy.
- Tools: tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, blocking mats and pins.
- How much yarn? Estimate for a queen bedspread with two cushion fronts (96 squares): about 1,900 m (2,100 yd) blue and 2,900 m (3,200 yd) cream, including joining and the border. For a better number, make one finished square, weigh it, multiply by the number of squares, then add 15% for joining and the border.
Abbreviations and size
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- dc double crochet
- sp space
- st(s) stitch(es)
- magic ring adjustable starting loop
Square size: about 18 cm (7 in) across after blocking.
Squares needed: 88 for the bedspread (8 across and 11 down, about 145 x 200 cm) plus 8 for two cushion fronts (4 each), so 96 in total. Make 48 (6 x 8) for a lap throw.
How to crochet the pinwheel star square
The pinwheel look comes from the blue wedge. It grows by 1 stitch on each end in every round, so it widens from a point at the center to a broad band at the edge. The cream sits in the corners and shrinks the other way. Work every round with the right side facing you and do not turn. The chain-3 at the start of a round counts as 1 dc, and every round is joined with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
Color changes: change color on the last yarn over of the stitch before the change. Carry the color you are not using along the top of the previous round and crochet over it. Keep the carried yarn loose so the square stays flat.
Each side at a glance (counting the 2 dc on each side of the corners): Round 2 is 2 cream, 3 blue, 2 cream. Round 3 is 3 cream, 5 blue, 3 cream. Round 4 is 4 cream, 7 blue, 4 cream. Round 5 is 5 cream, 9 blue, 5 cream.
- Round 1 (blue): Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2. *3 dc in the ring, ch 2. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3 and pull the ring tight. [12 dc and 4 corner spaces]
- Round 2 (cream corners, blue wedge): Join cream in any corner space. Ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same space. *Change to blue and work 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts. Change to cream and work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next corner space. Repeat from * 2 more times. Change to blue and work 1 dc in each of the last 3 sts. Change to cream and join to the top of the ch-3. [28 dc: on each side 2 cream, 3 blue, 2 cream]
- Round 3: Sl st in the next dc and into the corner space. In cream, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same space. *Work one side: 1 dc in cream, 5 dc in blue, 1 dc in cream. Then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in cream in the next corner space. Repeat from * 2 more times. Work the last side, then join to the top of the ch-3. [44 dc: on each side 3 cream, 5 blue, 3 cream]
- Round 4 (teardrop eyelets): Sl st in the next dc and into the corner space. In cream, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same space. *Work one side: in cream, 1 dc, ch 1, skip 1 st; in blue, 1 dc in each of the next 7 sts; in cream, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc. Then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in cream in the next corner space. Repeat from * 2 more times. Work the last side, then join. [60 sts: on each side 4 cream, 7 blue, 4 cream, counting each ch-1 as 1 st]
- Round 5: Sl st in the next dc and into the corner space. In cream, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same space. *Work one side: 3 cream sts, 9 blue sts, 3 cream sts, with 1 dc in each st and 1 dc in each ch-1 space. Then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in cream in the next corner space. Repeat from * 2 more times. Work the last side, then join and do not fasten off. [76 dc: on each side 5 cream, 9 blue, 5 cream]
- Round 6 (cream edge): Ch 1, sc in each st around, with 3 sc in each corner space. Join, fasten off and weave in the ends. [88 sc, 22 per side]
Rule to remember: the number in the brackets at the end of each round is your check. If your count is different, find the mistake before you go on, or the wedges will drift off center.
Block and lay out the squares
Pin each square flat to your blocking mat, steam it lightly and let it dry. Blocking makes every square the same size and flattens the corners. Lay the squares in 11 rows of 8 with all the blue wedges pointing the same way. Take a photo of your layout so you can always find your place again.
Join the squares
- Hold two squares with right sides together. With cream, whipstitch along one side through the back loops only. The cream seams make a thin light grid between the pinwheels.
- Join the squares into 11 long rows of 8 first, then join the rows to each other.
- Where four corners meet, make one small stitch through all four.
- Keep your joining stitches loose. Tight seams make the bedspread stiff.
Border
- Round 1 (cream): Join cream at any corner. Ch 1, sc evenly around, with 3 sc in each corner. Join.
- Round 2 (scallops): Ch 1, sc in the first st. *Skip 1 st, 5 dc in the next st, skip 1 st, sl st in the next st. Repeat from * around. If the last repeat does not fit, work 1 sc in each of the last stitches. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Matching cushion covers (make 2)
- Join 4 squares for each cushion front in a 2 x 2 block with cream. The panel is about 36 x 36 cm.
- Work Border Round 1 around the outer edge.
- Make the back from cream cotton fabric. Place front and back wrong sides together, sew around three sides, insert a 35 x 35 cm (14 in) pillow form and close the last side.
Tips for success
- Check your gauge. Make one square before you start. It should be about 18 cm across after blocking.
- Mark the center stitch of each side. A stitch marker in the middle of the blue wedge helps you see where it widens.
- Count every round. One extra stitch pushes the wedge off center.
- Use one dye lot of cream and buy extra. Cream cotton shows dye differences.
- Work in small steps. Make 2 squares a day and all 96 squares are done in about 7 weeks. Joining and the border take 2 to 3 more weeks.
- Weave ends as you go. Doing 96 squares of ends at the end is a big job.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pulling the carried yarn too tight. The square will pucker and the wedges will look crooked.
- Forgetting to widen the blue by 1 stitch on each end. The wedge will look like a stripe instead of a triangle.
- Not working into the ch-1 space in Round 5. Your stitch count will be off.
- Turning some squares the other way. Keep every square facing the same way.
- Skipping the blocking step. Unblocked squares join unevenly.
Ways to change this pattern
- Reverse colors: cream wedges and blue petals for a lighter bedspread.
- Red version: cream with deep red for a holiday bedspread.
- Soft version: ivory with sage green or blush pink.
- Lap throw: join 48 squares in 6 rows of 8. It measures about 108 x 144 cm.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do I need?
Intermediate. If you can make a magic ring and a double crochet, and you can change color mid-round, you can do it. Make a practice square first.
How long does it take?
Each square takes about 25 minutes. All 96 squares need about 40 hours, plus about 14 hours for joining and the border. At 6 to 7 hours a week, plan on 8 to 10 weeks.
What is the best yarn?
Soft mercerized cotton gives crisp color lines between the blue and the cream. Choose a smooth yarn, not a fuzzy one.
How do I wash it?
Hand wash or use a gentle cycle in cool water, then dry flat. Wash a blue-and-cream piece with a color catcher the first time, because dark cotton can bleed onto the cream.
Can I make it smaller or bigger?
Yes. Use 48 squares for a lap throw and 88 for a queen bedspread. To size it for your bed, divide the bed measurements by 18 cm.
Can I sell things I make from this pattern?
Yes, you can sell finished items. Please credit this website as the designer and do not copy or share the written pattern.
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