Sunflower Popcorn Bedspread Pattern

(also known as Water Lily, Pride of the Boudoir, or Sunflower Popcorn Bedspread)

This beautiful heirloom bedspread pattern has appeared in several vintage publications under different names. Though the instructions vary slightly between editions, the design remains the same: a classic popcorn motif worked into large hexagonal motifs that are later joined into a full bedspread. Below you’ll find two versions of the pattern—both authentic and complete.

Version 1: Lorraine #49 – Heirloom Bedspreads

Finished Size: Approximately 86″ x 102″ (suitable for a full/double bed).

Materials Needed:

42 skeins of Ivory or White Lorraine Boilproof Crochet and Knitting Cotton, Article 50 (62 skeins if you prefer a color)
Steel crochet hook, size 7

Construction:
The bedspread is made up of 53 full hexagons and 6 half hexagons, arranged as shown on the placement chart. Each hexagon should measure about 13½ inches from point to point. The motifs are sewn together to form the spread.

Hexagons

Foundation: Chain 9, join with slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1: Work 18 sc into the ring. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Begin popcorn stitches: Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, drop loop, insert hook into top of ch-3, draw loop through (popcorn made), ch 2, skip 1 sc, popcorn in next sc. Repeat around for 9 popcorns total. Join.
Round 3: Work alternating dc and chain spaces around each popcorn.
Rounds 4–12: Continue with sc rounds, always working increases at the points to shape the hexagon. By Round 12, there should be 25 stitches between the points.
Pleated Petals (Round 16): Fold and join petals together with chains to create the flower-like texture.
Rounds 17–40: Alternate between sc rounds (with increases at corners), popcorn rounds, and openwork chain/dc rounds to finish the motif.

(The full round-by-round instructions remain the same as in the original, but have been smoothed for readability.)

Half-Hexagons

Half motifs are worked back and forth rather than in the round, following a similar sequence of popcorns, sc rows, and chain/dc rows to mirror the full hexagon. Six of these are needed to complete the bedspread edges.

Assembly

Arrange motifs as shown in the chart. Sew them together from the wrong side, using the same cotton thread, and working through the top loops only for a neat finish.

Fringe (Optional)

Wind thread around a 6-inch piece of cardboard, cut strands, and tie 6 strands into each space along three sides of the spread for a soft fringe.

Version 2: Spool Cotton #232 – Bedspreads

Finished Sizes:

Single: 68″ x 104″
Double: 90″ x 104″

Materials Needed:

J. & P. Coats “Knit-Cro-Sheen” or Bedspread Cotton
For single: 72 balls of White/Ecru, or 108 balls of any color
For double: 90 balls of White/Ecru, or 133 balls of any color
Steel crochet hook, size 7

Gauge: Each block measures 12½” across.

Blocks (Full Hexagons)

Start with chain 9, join into a ring.
Work 18 sc into the ring.
Add popcorns in the second round, separated by chain-2 spaces.
Continue with alternating rounds of sc, popcorns, and open mesh (dc and chain spaces), always increasing at the points to maintain hexagonal shape.
Work through 41 rounds in total, ending with a neat open mesh round for joining.

Half-Blocks

Worked the same way as the full block but only across half the motif. These fill in the edges at the top and bottom of the spread.

Assembly

Single size: 3 rows of 8 blocks + 2 rows of 7 blocks
Double size: 4 rows of 8 blocks + 3 rows of 7 blocks
Sew motifs together neatly from the wrong side. Add half blocks where needed to square off the top and bottom edges.

Free Download Pattern Sunflower Popcorn Bedspread

Notes

Both versions create the same timeless popcorn-flower design, with only minor differences in stitch counts and yarn recommendations.
The Lorraine version uses skeins of cotton; the Spool Cotton version uses small balls of bedspread thread.
Choose the version that best fits your yarn availability and desired bed size.