Lime green leaves, a little white flower in the middle and a clean white border. This is the classic African flower hexagon, one of the easiest and most loved motifs in crochet, in fresh spring colors.
Each motif is small, so you can make it on the sofa, on the bus or in the garden. Hundreds of them make a bedspread that looks like a honeycomb of flowers.
What you need
- Yarn: worsted weight (medium 4) cotton in 3 colors: lime green (#A4C639), light green (#BFD36B) and white (#FFFFFF).
- Hook: 4 mm (US G-6). Go up or down a size if your motif is too tight or floppy.
- Tools: tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, blocking mats and pins.
- How much yarn?: estimate for a queen bedspread (340 motifs): about 1,300 m (1,420 yd) of lime green, 900 m (980 yd) of light green and 3,200 m (3,500 yd) of white, including joins and border. Make and weigh one motif to check, then add 15%.
Abbreviations and size
- ch chain
- sl st slip stitch
- sc single crochet
- hdc half double crochet
- dc double crochet
- inc 2 sc in the same stitch
- blo back loop only
- sp space
- st(s) stitch(es)
- popcorn 4 dc in the same stitch, drop the loop, insert the hook in the first dc, pull the loop through and close
- magic ring adjustable starting loop
Motif size: about 10 cm (4 in) across, flat side to flat side, after blocking.
Layout: rows of 16 and 15 hexagons, alternating. 22 rows (11 of 16 and 11 of 15) make 341 motifs and a bedspread of about 160 x 195 cm. For a lap throw use 8 rows (about 124 motifs).
How to crochet the hexagon flower
Each motif has a white flower center, 6 green clusters, 6 light green leaves and a white hexagon border. Work every round with the right side facing you. The number in brackets is your stitch check.
- Round 1 (white): Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3. [12 dc]
- Round 2 (lime green): Join lime green. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, skip 1 st, *3 dc in the next st, skip 1 st; repeat from * 4 more times. Join. [6 clusters of 3 dc]
- Round 3 (light green leaves): Join light green in the gap between two clusters. Ch 1, *(sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in the next gap; repeat from * around. Join. [6 leaves]
- Round 4 (white corners): Join white at the top of any leaf. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same st. *Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the top of the next leaf; repeat from * 4 more times. Ch 1 and join. [6 corners]
- Round 5 (white border): Ch 1, sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around, and (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner ch-2 sp. Join and fasten off. [6 corners, about 8 sc per side]
Tip: the hexagon shape comes from the 6 corners. If your motif looks round, check that every corner gets the same number of stitches in Round 4.
Join the motifs
- Make all motifs and block them flat before you join.
- Lay them in rows of 16 and 15, offset by half a motif. Each hexagon touches 6 neighbors.
- Join as you go: in Round 5, on the last motif side, join with a sl st through the stitch of the neighbor motif, one stitch at a time, and sc as you go. No sewing needed.
- Join the motifs into strips first, then join the strips. White joins keep the green clean.
- A white sheet under the bedspread makes the green flowers pop.
Border
- Round 1 (white): Join white at any corner. Ch 1, sc evenly around the whole edge, 3 sc in each outer corner. Join.
- Round 2 (shells): Ch 1, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sc in the next st; repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.
Matching cushions
- Cushions: in the photo the bed has sage green linen cushions and one textured cream lumbar cushion.
- To match, make 7 motifs in a flower shape (1 center and 6 around) and sew them on a ready-made cream cushion cover.
- A strip of 4 motifs also makes a nice cushion front for a lumbar pillow.
Tips for success
- Make a few each day. 340 motifs is a lot, but 4 a day gets it done.
- Weave in ends as you go. It saves a huge job at the end.
- Block every motif. Pin each one to the same size, then let it dry.
- Keep the tension the same. Small motifs show every change.
- Weigh a motif. It tells you how much yarn you really need.
Ways to change this pattern
- Other colors: pink and white, blue and white, or a rainbow with a white border.
- One green: use the same green for the clusters and leaves.
- Throw size: 8 rows of 16 and 15 for a sofa blanket.
- Single motif: make one as a coaster or a bag charm.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do I need?
You should know the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. The African flower hexagon is one of the easiest motifs to learn. If you can make a dc, you can make it.
How long does it take?
One motif takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The full set takes 14 to 16 weeks if you make 3 to 4 motifs a day.
What is the best yarn?
A smooth cotton or cotton blend gives the sharpest stitches and the clearest lace. Avoid fuzzy yarns because they hide the pattern.
How do I wash it?
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap or use a gentle machine cycle. Press the water out with a towel and dry it flat on a clean towel.
Can I make it for a twin or king bed?
Yes. Add or remove motifs per row and the number of rows. Measure your mattress first and add the drop you want on each side.
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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