Deep purple petals, soft lavender petals in front of them and a ring of cream pearls in the middle. Every motif is a clematis flower framed by a cream lace hexagon, and the cream joins make the purple glow.
The pattern uses basic stitches and one new idea: layered petals. You make the lavender petals first, then the purple ones around them. One motif tells you everything.
What you need
- Yarn: DK or light worsted cotton in 3 colors: deep purple (#5B2A82), lavender (#B8A0E6) and cream (#F6EEDB).
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E-4). 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 (90 motifs): about 1,500 m (1,640 yd) of purple, 1,200 m (1,310 yd) of lavender and 2,600 m (2,840 yd) of cream. 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 20 cm (8 in) across, flat side to flat side, after blocking.
Layout: rows of 8 and 7 hexagons, alternating, so each row fits into the one above. 12 rows (6 of 8 and 6 of 7) make 90 motifs and a bedspread of about 160 x 205 cm. For a lap throw use 6 rows (45 motifs).
How to crochet the clematis hexagon
Each motif has a pearl center, two layers of petals (lavender in front, purple behind) and a cream lace hexagon. Work every round with the right side facing you. The number in brackets is your stitch check.
- Round 1 (cream, pearls): Make a magic ring. Ch 3, 3 dc in the ring, close as a popcorn. *Ch 2, popcorn in the ring; repeat from * 6 more times. Ch 2 and join to the top of the first popcorn. [8 popcorns, 8 ch-2 sps]
- Round 2 (lavender): Join lavender in a ch-2 sp. Ch 1, 2 sc in each ch-2 sp and 1 sc in the top of each popcorn. Join. [24 sc]
- Round 3: Ch 1, *sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st; repeat from * around. Join. [32 sc, 4 per petal]
- Round 4 (lavender petals): Ch 1, *sc in the next st, hdc in the next st, 3 dc in the next st, hdc in the next st; repeat from * around. Join. [48 sts, 6 per petal] The 3 dc make the pointed tip.
- Round 5 (purple): Join purple. Ch 1, sc blo in each st around. Join. [48 sc]
- Round 6 (purple petals): Ch 1, *sc in the next st, hdc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts, hdc in the next st, sc in the next st; repeat from * around. Join. [48 sts] These petals frame the lavender ones.
- Round 7 (cream hexagon): Join cream. Ch 1, *sc in the next 7 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next st; repeat from * 5 more times. Join. [54 sc and 6 corner ch-2 sps]
- Round 8 (lace): Ch 1, *(ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in the next st) 3 times, (dc, ch 2, dc) in the corner ch-2 sp; repeat from * around. Join. [18 ch-3 loops and 6 corners]
- Round 9 (shells): In each ch-3 loop work (sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc). In each corner work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc). Join and fasten off. [18 shells, 6 corners]
Rule to remember: the lavender petals are small and the purple petals are big. If the purple ones do not cover the gaps between the lavender ones, check the count in Round 4.
Join the motifs
- Make all motifs and block them flat before you join.
- Lay them in rows of 8 and 7, offset by half a motif. Each hexagon touches 6 neighbors along its flat sides.
- Join as you go: in Round 9, where two shells touch, drop the loop, insert the hook into the middle dc of the neighbor shell, pull the dropped loop through and carry on. Do the same on the corner clusters.
- Join the motifs into rows first, then join the rows. Small open gaps will show at the 3-way corners. That is part of the look.
- A deep purple sheet under the bedspread makes the cream lace stand out even more.
Border
- Round 1 (cream): Join cream at any point. 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.
- Round 3 (picots): Sl st to the middle dc of a shell. *(Sc, ch 3, sc) in the middle dc, sc in the next sc; repeat from * around. Join and fasten off.
Matching cushion
- Cover size: about 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 in).
- Make 1 motif and add a round of cream dc and ch-1 sps to square it off, then block it flat.
- Sew it to the front of a ready-made lavender or cream cushion cover.
Tips for success
- Block every hexagon. Pin each one to the same size, then let it dry. Joining is much easier.
- Count the petals. Eight petals, always. If a round ends with the wrong number, rip back.
- Keep the pearls even. Pull each popcorn to the front so they look like beads.
- Weave in as you go. Three colors mean many ends.
- Weigh a motif. It tells you how much yarn you really need.
Ways to change this pattern
- Other colors: navy, sky blue and cream, or burgundy, pink and cream.
- One shade: use one purple and cream for a cleaner look.
- Throw size: 6 rows of 8 and 7 for a sofa blanket.
- Single motif: make one as a coaster or a cushion front.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do I need?
You should know the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. Layered petals look hard, but you only do the same round twice.
How long does it take?
One motif takes about 1.5 hours. The full set takes 12 to 14 weeks if you make a few motifs each 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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