This pattern is for a sophisticated, geometric crochet blanket—likely referred to as a Hexagonal Pinwheel or Spiral Motif Throw. It uses a clever “offset” increase method to create a subtle spiral effect within each hexagon.
This elegant throw is composed of 52 interlocking hexagonal motifs. Each motif features a “pinwheel” construction, where blocks of double crochet stitches shift slightly in each round, creating a dynamic sense of movement radiating from the center.
The blanket is designed with a staggered layout—alternating columns of seven and eight motifs—which creates the classic “honeycomb” zigzag edge. It is a perfect mid-weight project for DK yarn, offering a rhythmic, repetitive stitch pattern that is both meditative to crochet and visually striking when assembled.
- Skill Level: Intermediate (due to spiral rounds and specific joining techniques).
- Finished Dimensions: 94 x 124.5 cm (37 x 49 in).
- Terminology: US Crochet Terms (Note: Based on the 3ch height for stitches, “dc” refers to Double Crochet).
- Gauge/Tension Note: (Correction to provided text) Your 3-round swatch should measure 5.5cm (approx. 2.1 inches), not 24 inches.
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Size: 94 * 124.5cm /37 * 49in
MATERIALS
- DK weight yarn, 100g/262m/287yds x 8 skeins
- 3.75mm hook
- Yarn needle
MOTIF
Make 52
4ch; join with sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: (RS) 1ch, (dc in ring, 2ch) six times; join with sl st to first dc -62ch sps.
Note: Loop a short piece of yarn around any stitch to mark rnd 1 as right side.
Rnd 2: Sl st in first 2ch-sp, 1ch, dc in same sp and in next dc, 3ch, (dc in next 2ch-sp and in next dc, 3ch) four times, dc in last 2ch-sp and in same st as joining, 3ch; join with sl st to first dc -12dc, 6 3ch-sps.
Markers are used to help distinguish the beginning of each round being worked. Place a 5cm/2in scrap piece of yarn around the first 3ch of each round, moving the marker after each round is completed.
Rnd 3: 3ch, miss next dc, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, *dc in next dc, 3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp; repeat from * four times more, dc in same st as joining; do not join, place marker-18dc.
Rnd 4: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp. dc in next 2dc, repeat from * around-24dc.
Rnd 5: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 3dc, repeat from * around-30dc.
Rnd 6: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 4dc; repeat from * around-36dc.
Rnd 7: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 5dc; repeat from * around-42dc.
Rnd 8: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp. dc in next 6dc; repeat from * around-48dc.
Rnd 9: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp. dc in next 7dc; repeat from * around-54dc.
Rnd 10: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 8dc; repeat from * around-60dc.
Rnd 11: *3ch, 2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 9dc, repeat from around-66dc.
Rnd 12: 3ch, *2dc in next 3ch-sp, dc in next 10dc, 3ch; repeat from * around, sl st in next dc, fasten off-72dc.
FINISHING
With wrong sides together, and working through inside loops, whipstitch Motifs together. forming four vertical strips of seven Motifs each and three vertical strips of eight Motifs each; then whipstitch strips together in same manner following Placement Diagram.
EDGING
Rnd 1: With right side facing, join yarn with dc in any dc; dc in each dc around working 4dc in each 3ch-sp and 2dc in sp at each side of joining; join with sl st to first dc.
Rnd 2: 1ch, do not turn; htr in same st, 1ch, working from left to right, miss next dc, yoh, insert hook in st to right of hook (Fig. 1), yoh and draw through, under and to left of loop on hook (3 loops on hook) (Fig. 2), yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook (Fig. 3), (reverse htr made, Fig. 4), 1ch, *work reverse htr in next dc, 1ch, miss next dc; repeat from * around; join with sl st to first htr. Fasten off.
Construction & Stitch Notes
1. The Spiral Technique
Unlike traditional motifs that “join” each round with a slip stitch, this pattern switches to a continuous spiral starting at Round 3.
- The Marker is Essential: Because you aren’t joining rounds, you will lose your place easily. Use the scrap yarn marker as instructed to identify the first 3-chain space of every new level.
- The “Pinwheel” Growth: Each round increases by 6 stitches. You achieve this by working 2 dc into the 3-chain corner space and then 1 dc into every dc from the previous row except the last one. This “missed” stitch/offset is what creates the spiral look.
2. Right Side/Wrong Side
The pattern notes to mark the “Right Side” (RS) at Round 1. This is important because, in spiral crochet, the “front” of the stitch looks significantly different from the “back.” Ensure your markers stay on the same side so your motifs all face the same direction when joining.
3. Mastering the Join
The pattern calls for a Whipstitch through inside loops:
- The “Inside Loops”: When looking at the top of a crochet stitch, there is a front loop (closest to you) and a back loop (furthest from you). When you put two motifs together with Wrong Sides Facing Out, the “inside loops” are the two loops touching each other in the middle.
- Why this method? This creates a flat, almost invisible seam that allows the motifs to lay perfectly flat without a bulky ridge.
4. The “Staggered” Layout
Because these are hexagons, they do not fit in a perfectly straight grid. They “nest” into one another.
- Column A (4 strips): 7 Motifs long.
- Column B (3 strips): 8 Motifs long.
- The Assembly: You will alternate these: 7 – 8 – 7 – 8 – 7 – 8 – 7.
- This creates the “honeycomb” effect where the shorter columns sit tucked into the gaps of the longer columns.
Tips for Success
- Consistent Tension: Since you are making 52 motifs, check your diameter every 5-10 motifs. If you start crocheting more loosely as you get comfortable, your hexagons will vary in size, making the final whipstitching very difficult.
- Managing Ends: There are two ends per motif (104 total). To save your sanity, weave in the center starting tail after Round 3, and weave in the final tail immediately after finishing each motif.
- Blocking: For a professional finish, “steam block” or “wet block” your motifs before joining. This ensures every hexagon is exactly 15cm from flat edge to flat edge, making the assembly much smoother.
Material Summary (Shopping List)
Extras: A handful of 2-inch scrap yarn pieces to use as markers.
Yarn: 800g of DK Weight Yarn (approx. 2,096 meters / 2,296 yards total).
Hook: 3.75mm (US F/5 or 4/0).