Checkerboard Popcorn Bedspread Crochet Pattern

Why you'll love it

The popcorn stitches create bold, raised texture that stands out from across the room.
Each square is worked in one color, so there are very few ends to weave in.
The checkerboard layout looks striking but uses just one simple square design.
Every round has a clear per-side stitch count, which makes mistakes easy to spot.
Worsted yarn produces a dense, durable fabric that holds up to daily use.

About the designer

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Mandy’s Crochet Studio writes the free patterns, premium PDFs and step-by-step guides on this site, with stitch counts on every round and a skill level on every pattern.

Last updated October 31, 2026

Materials needed

Tools

5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook
Large-eye tapestry needle
Scissors
Locking stitch markers (helpful for marking side centers)
Measuring tape
Blocking mats and rust-proof pins
Spray bottle or garment steamer for blocking

Gauge & finished measurements

Gauge: 14 sc and 16 rounds = 4 in (10 cm) in worsted yarn with a 5.0 mm hook. Motif gauge: Rounds 1-10 measure about 5.25 in (13.5 cm) from side to side, and a finished square (Rounds 1-20) measures about 10.5 in (27 cm) square.

The pattern

0 of 26 steps done0%

Center Ring (make 45 cream and 45 brown)

Round 1: Make a MR. Ch 1, work 8 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed, leaving a small center opening. Join with sl st to the first sc. (8 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, (sc, popcorn) in the same stitch as the join, then (sc, popcorn) in each of the next 7 stitches. Join with sl st to the first sc. (16 stitches (8 sc, 8 popcorns))
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same stitch as the join, sc in the next 3 stitches. *(Sc, ch 2, sc) in the next stitch, sc in the next 3 stitches; repeat from * 2 more times. Join with sl st to the first sc. (20 sc; 5 per side)

Diagonal Popcorn Rounds

Round 4: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (28 sc; 7 per side)
Round 5: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (36 stitches (28 sc, 8 popcorns); 9 per side)
Round 6: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (44 sc; 11 per side)
Round 7: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 9 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 9 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (52 stitches (44 sc, 8 popcorns); 13 per side)
Round 8: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (60 sc; 15 per side)
Round 9: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 13 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 13 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (68 stitches (60 sc, 8 popcorns); 17 per side)
Round 10: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (76 sc; 19 per side)
Round 11: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 17 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 17 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (84 stitches (76 sc, 8 popcorns); 21 per side)
Round 12: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (92 sc; 23 per side)

Flower Rounds

Round 13: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 10 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch (side center), sc in the next 10 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 10 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 10 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (100 stitches (88 sc, 12 popcorns); 25 per side)
Round 14: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in the next 11 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch (the popcorn of Round 13), popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 11 stitches, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in the next 11 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next stitch, popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the last 11 stitches. Join with sl st to the first sc. (108 stitches (100 sc, 8 popcorns); 27 per side)
Round 15: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 12 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch (side center), sc in the next 12 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 12 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 12 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (116 stitches (104 sc, 12 popcorns); 29 per side)

Outer Rounds

Round 16: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (124 sc; 31 per side)
Round 17: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 29 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 29 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (132 stitches (124 sc, 8 popcorns); 33 per side)
Round 18: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. (140 sc; 35 per side)
Round 19: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 33 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the next corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Popcorn in the next stitch, sc in the next 33 stitches, popcorn in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. (148 stitches (140 sc, 8 popcorns); 37 per side)
Round 20: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last side. Join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in the ends. (156 sc; 39 per side)

Joining the Squares

Layout: Block all squares to 10.5 x 10.5 in. Lay them out right side up in 10 rows of 9 squares, alternating colors in a checkerboard. Start Row 1 with brown and every following row with the opposite color of the row above it. (90 squares (45 cream, 45 brown))
Horizontal seams (make 9): Place Row 1 on Row 2 with right sides together, so the bottom edges of Row 1 meet the top edges of Row 2. With cream, join with sl st through both corner ch-2 spaces of the first pair. Sl st through both loops of both squares in each of the next 39 stitches, then sl st in the next pair of corner spaces. *Ch 1, sl st in the corner spaces of the next pair, sl st in each of the next 39 stitches, sl st in the next pair of corner spaces; repeat from * across all 9 pairs. Fasten off. Repeat for each pair of neighboring rows. (369 sl st + 8 ch-1 per seam (41 per square))
Vertical seams (make 8): The horizontal seams create 9 columns of 10 squares. Place two neighboring columns right sides together. Seam exactly as above, working 41 sl st per pair of squares (corner space, 39 stitches, corner space) and ch 1 over each horizontal seam where four squares meet. Repeat until all 9 columns are joined. (410 sl st + 9 ch-1 per seam (41 per square))

Popcorn Border

Border Round 1: With the right side facing and cream, join with sl st in the corner ch-2 space at the start of a short (9-square) edge. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. Sc in each of the 39 stitches of each square. At each seam, sc in the corner space of the square just finished and sc in the corner space of the next square. At each outer corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space. After the last 39 stitches of the final edge, join with sl st to the first sc. (1,558 sc; 369 per short edge, 410 per long edge)
Border Round 2: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. *Sc in each stitch across to the next corner space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space; repeat from * 2 more times. Sc in each stitch across the last edge. Join with sl st to the first sc. (1,566 sc; 371 per short edge, 412 per long edge)
Border Round 3: Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in the same space. Short edge: sc in the next 2 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, [sc in the next 2 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch] 122 times, sc in the next 2 stitches. (Sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space. Long edge: sc in the next 3 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch, [sc in the next 2 stitches, popcorn in the next stitch] 135 times, sc in the next 3 stitches. (Sc, ch 2, sc) in the corner space. Repeat the short edge, corner, and long edge once more, ending the last long edge in the last stitch. Join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends. (1,574 stitches incl. 518 popcorns)

Abbreviations

This pattern is written in US terms. Your current view: US.

US	UK	Meaning
MR	MR	magic ring (adjustable ring) · how to
ch	ch	chain · how to
sl st	ss	slip stitch · how to
sc	dc	single crochet (UK double crochet) · how to
st(s)	st(s)	stitch(es)

Assembly

1
Make 45 squares in cream and 45 in brown (Rounds 1-20), checking that every side has 39 stitches.
2
Weave in all ends on the wrong side of each square.
3
Block each square to 10.5 x 10.5 in with light steam or water spray, pinning the corners square. Do not flatten the popcorns.
4
Lay out the squares in a checkerboard of 10 rows of 9 and take a photo for reference.
5
Work the 9 horizontal seams, then the 8 vertical seams, as described in Joining the Squares.
6
Work Border Rounds 1-3 in cream around the entire bedspread.
7
Give the border a light final steam so it lies flat.

Important notes

Tip: This is an original pattern inspired by the photo. Hidden construction details, yarn weight, and dimensions are interpreted from the image, and the pattern has not been physically test-crocheted.
Tip: Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, MR = magic ring.
Tip: Popcorn: 4 dc in the same stitch, remove the hook, insert it from front to back through the top of the first dc, pull the dropped loop through, then ch 1 to close. The closing ch 1 is not counted as a stitch.
Tip: The ch 1 at the start of each round does not count as a stitch.
Tip: Stitch counts do not include the 4 corner ch-2 spaces.
Tip: Work every round with the right side facing; do not turn.
Tip: Each round from Round 4 on starts in a corner space. The final stitch of each round is the first sc of the previous round.
Tip: Yarn amounts are estimates based on the stated gauge. Popcorns use a lot of yarn, so tension changes can affect yardage noticeably.

Pattern FAQ

How many squares do I need for other bed sizes?

With 10.5 in squares: a throw uses 30 squares (5 x 6), a twin bedspread 70 squares (7 x 10), a queen bedspread 90 squares (9 x 10), and a king bedspread 110 squares (11 x 10). Each layout has an even number of squares, so you make half in each color.

My popcorns are popping out on the back. What should I do?

When closing the popcorn, insert the hook from front to back through the top of the first dc. Inserting it from back to front pushes the popcorn to the wrong side.

How do I work the border popcorn edge for a different size?

Count the stitches on each edge after Border Round 2. If the count divides evenly by 3, start and end with 1 sc; if it leaves 1 extra, start and end with 3 sc; if it leaves 2 extra, start and end with 2 sc. Work [sc 2, popcorn] in between.

Why is my square cupping or wavy?

Cupping usually means a corner increase was missed, and waviness usually means extra stitches, often from counting a popcorn's closing ch 1. Check the per-side counts: each round adds exactly 2 stitches per side, ending at 39.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

Yes. Bulky (#5) yarn with a 6 mm hook gives squares of about 13 in, so you need fewer squares. Lighter yarns make smaller squares. The stitch counts stay the same; only the number of squares changes.

How should I wash the finished bedspread?

Follow the care label on your yarn. Most acrylic worsted yarns can be machine washed on a gentle cycle in cool water and tumble dried on low. Use a large-capacity machine because the bedspread is heavy when wet.

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Checkerboard Popcorn Bedspread Crochet Pattern

Why you'll love it

About the designer