Pearl Meadow is a pair of floor-length strand curtains with a soft, boho-heirloom look. Each strand alternates two motifs: a lacy oval medallion with a pearl-centered flower and a leafy sprig with ridged leaves. Short cords strung with ivory pearls link the motifs, and every strand ends in a wrapped tassel.
The whole curtain uses one warm sand-beige cotton. Texture and pearls do the decorating. On the rod, neighboring strands are offset, so each medallion hangs beside a sprig and light filters through evenly.
This pattern uses US crochet terms. One strand is about 82 in (208.3 cm) long. Each panel has 9 strands spaced 3.5 in (8.9 cm) apart, covering about 31.5 in (80.0 cm) of rod. The finished medallion is 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm), and the finished sprig is 1.75 x 4.5 in (4.4 x 11.4 cm).
Here is the construction in brief. You crochet the medallions in the round and the leaves around a short chain, then sew the leaves to a slip-stitch stem. Each strand is assembled from the top down with beaded chain cords and finished with a tassel.
Finished Size and Construction
- Finished size: each panel is about 31.5 in (80.0 cm) wide x 82 in (208.3 cm) long; make 2 panels
- Skill level: Intermediate (simple stitches, lots of repetition)
- Terminology: US
- Yarn weight: fingering (super fine, #1) mercerized cotton
- Hook: 2.5 mm
- Number of pieces per strand: 6 medallions, 6 sprigs (7 leaves + 1 stem each), 13 beaded cords, 1 tassel
- Layout: 9 strands per panel, alternating Strand A (starts with a sprig) and Strand B (starts with a medallion)
- Piece size: medallion 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm); sprig 1.75 x 4.5 in (4.4 x 11.4 cm)
- Medallion size before border: 2.75 x 3.5 in (7.0 x 8.9 cm)
- Border depth: 0.25 in (0.6 cm) all around the medallion
Materials
Choose a smooth mercerized cotton. It keeps the stitches crisp and lets the strands hang straight without stretching. Avoid acrylic, which grows over a long drop. Before you buy, check that the yarn passes through your bead holes.
- Sand/latte beige (only color): 750 g, about 2,550 m (2,789 yd), for example 15 balls of 50 g / 170 m
- Ivory glass pearls, 6 mm: 600 (576 needed for 2 panels)
- Ivory glass pearls, 10 mm: 250 (234 needed for 2 panels)
- 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Big-eye beading needle or dental-floss threader
- Tapestry needle and stitch markers
- Cardboard strip 4.5 in (11.4 cm) wide, for tassels
- Scissors, rustproof pins, blocking board, light spray starch
- Wooden curtain rod up to 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter
The yarn and bead quantities include a margin of about 20% for gauge differences, swatching and trimming.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- BLO – back loop only
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- MR – magic ring
Picot: ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.
Bead slide (B6 / B10): slide one pre-strung 6 mm or 10 mm pearl up against the hook, then make the next ch to lock it in place.
Gauge and Checkpoints
Make one complete medallion and one complete leaf first. Measure each one flat, before and after blocking.
- Chain gauge: 20 ch = 3 in (7.6 cm)
- Flower (after Rnd 3): 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across
- Medallion after Rnd 5: 2.25 x 2.75 in (5.7 x 7.0 cm)
- Medallion after Rnd 6: 2.75 x 3.5 in (7.0 x 8.9 cm)
- Medallion after Rnd 7 (blocked): 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm)
- Leaf: 1.5 x 0.75 in (3.8 x 1.9 cm)
- Beaded cord: 2 in (5.1 cm)
If your medallion is more than 0.25 in (0.6 cm) too big, switch to a 2.25 mm hook. If it’s too small, use a 2.75 mm hook. Each strand has 12 motifs, so small errors add up to several inches. Fix your gauge now.
Medallion (make 6 per strand)
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 8 sc in ring, sl st to first sc. (8 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to first sc. (16 sts)
Rnd 3 (petals): Ch 1, *sc in next st, (hdc, 3 dc, hdc) in next st; rep from * 7 more times, sl st to first sc. (8 petals of 5 sts + 8 sc = 48 sts)
Checkpoint: the flower measures 1.5 in (3.8 cm) across.
Rnd 4 (lace frame): Ch 1. Working behind the petals, sc around the post of the first sc of Rnd 3, ch 5, *sc around the post of the next sc between petals, ch 5; rep from * 6 more times, sl st to first sc. (8 sc, 8 ch-5 loops)
Rnd 5 (oval shaping): Sl st into the first ch-5 loop, which becomes the top. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then work the loops in order:
– Loop 1 (top): (dc, 2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr, 2 dc), which is 8 sts with the beginning ch-3, plus a ch-3 tip
– Loop 2: (hdc, 4 dc, hdc)
– Loop 3 (side): 3 sc
– Loop 4: (hdc, 4 dc, hdc)
– Loop 5 (bottom): (2 dc, 2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr, 2 dc)
– Loop 6: (hdc, 4 dc, hdc)
– Loop 7 (side): 3 sc
– Loop 8: (hdc, 4 dc, hdc)
Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (8 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 3 + 6 = 46 sts, plus 2 ch-3 tips)
Tall stitches at the ends and short stitches at the sides turn the circle into an oval. Each half between the tips has 4 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 4 = 23 sts. Checkpoint: 2.25 x 2.75 in (5.7 x 7.0 cm).
Rnd 6 (mesh):
1. Sl st in the next 3 sts and into the top ch-3 tip.
2. Ch 1, (sc, ch 5, sc) in the tip.
3. [Ch 4, sk 3 sts, sc in next st] 5 times, ch 4, sk 3 sts.
4. Work (sc, ch 5, sc) in the bottom tip.
5. Rep from * to * once, then sl st to first sc.
(14 sc; 12 ch-4 loops; 2 ch-5 tip loops)
On each half, the sc land in sts 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20. The last ch-4 skips sts 21–23, so the half ends exactly at the tip. Checkpoint: 2.75 x 3.5 in (7.0 x 8.9 cm).
Next, work Rnd 7 from the Border section. Then sew one 6 mm pearl to the center of the flower.
Leaf Sprig (make 6 per strand)
Leaf (make 7 per sprig): Ch 9. The slipknot end becomes the leaf tip.
Rnd 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work one st in each ch: sc, hdc, dc, tr, tr, dc, hdc, sc. You finish in the slipknot ch. Ch 2 for the tip. Working along the opposite side of the chain, work sc, hdc, dc, tr, tr, dc, hdc, sc. Sl st to first sc. (16 sts + ch-2 tip)
Rnd 2 (ridge): Ch 1, sc in BLO of next 8 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 tip, sc in BLO of next 8 sts, sl st to first sc. (18 sc + ch-2 tip)
The unused front loops form the raised outline ridge. Fasten off and leave a 6 in (15.2 cm) tail at the base. Checkpoint: 1.5 x 0.75 in (3.8 x 1.9 cm).
Stem: Ch 26, then sl st in the 6th ch from hook to form the bottom loop (ch-5). Sl st in the back bump of each of the remaining 20 ch. (20 sl sts = 3 in / 7.6 cm, + ch-5 bottom loop) Fasten off.
Sprig assembly:
1. Sew the base of Leaf 1 to the top of the stem, pointing straight up.
2. Sew three pairs of leaves at stitches 5, 10 and 15 down from the top. That’s 0.75 in (1.9 cm), 1.5 in (3.8 cm) and 2.25 in (5.7 cm) below the top.
3. Angle each pair at about 45 degrees, pointing up and out.
Checkpoint: the sprig measures 1.75 x 4.5 in (4.4 x 11.4 cm), not counting the bottom loop.
Make All Pieces
All pieces use the single beige color.
| Item | Per strand | Per panel (9) | Two panels (18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medallions | 6 | 54 | 108 |
| Sprigs | 6 | 54 | 108 |
| Leaves | 42 | 378 | 756 |
| Tassels | 1 | 9 | 18 |
Each strand also needs 13 beaded cords, which you make during assembly.
Layout for one panel, top to bottom (L = leaf sprig, M = medallion, T = tassel):
Pos S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9
1 L M L M L M L M L
2 M L M L M L M L M
3–12 repeat positions 1–2 five more times
end T T T T T T T T T
The odd strands are Strand A and the even strands are Strand B, so each panel has 5 A and 4 B.
Joining (Strand Assembly)
Method: each motif links to the next with its own beaded chain cord, with a sl st at each end.
Rod loop and top cord:
1. String 3 pearls in the order B6, B10, B6.
2. Ch 24 and sl st in the first ch to form the rod loop, 3.6 in (9.1 cm) around.
3. Ch 2, B6, ch 2, B10, ch 2, B6, ch 2.
4. Sl st into the top of motif 1 and fasten off. On a medallion, use the ch-5 top loop. On a sprig, use the ch-2 tip of Leaf 1.
Cords between motifs (11 per strand):
1. Pre-string B6, B10, B6.
2. Join with a sl st in the bottom loop of the motif above.
3. Ch 2, B6, ch 2, B10, ch 2, B6, ch 2.
4. Sl st into the top connection point of the next motif. (8 ch + 3 beads = 2 in / 5.1 cm)
Bottom cord: make it the same way, starting from motif 12. Fasten off after the last ch 2, leaving a 10 in (25.4 cm) tail for the tassel.
Stitch-to-stitch logic: each cord has exactly one sl st into a single centered loop at each end, so the strand hangs straight.
Tension: make the cord chains the same size as your gauge chains. Loose cords stretch under the weight of the tassel.
Size checkpoint: each strand should measure 82 in (208.3 cm). In inches, that’s 1 (rod loop) + 2 (top cord) + 6 x 4 (medallions) + 6 x 4.5 (sprigs) + 11 x 2 (cords) + 2 (bottom cord) + 4 (tassel). All strands should match within 0.5 in (1.3 cm).
Border (Scalloped Medallion Edge)
The border is Rnd 7 of every medallion. Work it before you sew on the center pearl and before assembly.
Border gauge: each scallop is about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long and 0.25 in (0.6 cm) deep.
Rnd 7:
1. Sl st into the top ch-5 tip loop.
2. Ch 1, (3 sc, ch 5, 3 sc) in the tip loop.
3. In each of the next 6 ch-4 loops, work (sc, hdc, dc, picot, dc, hdc, sc).
4. Work (3 sc, ch 5, 3 sc) in the bottom tip loop.
5. Rep from * to * once, sl st to first sc, and fasten off.
Counts:
– Each side has 6 scallops x 6 sts = 36 sts and 6 picots, plus half of each tip (3 + 3 sc), for 42 sts.
– Total: 42 x 2 = 84 sts, 12 picots and 2 ch-5 connection loops.
Why the math works:
– Six stitches in a ch-4 loop (1.5 sts per ch) make a flat scallop that neither ruffles nor cups.
– Both sides have identical loop counts, so the oval stays symmetric, and the new ch-5 loops sit exactly on the centerline for hanging.
– The border adds 0.25 in (0.6 cm) on every edge, which gives 2.75 + 0.5 = 3.25 in wide and 3.5 + 0.5 = 4 in tall.
Tassels
- Wrap the yarn 40 times around the 4.5 in (11.4 cm) card.
- Thread the bottom-cord tail under the top of the wraps and knot it tightly.
- Cut the wraps at the bottom. Each strand will be 9 in (22.9 cm).
- Wrap the neck 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the top and knot it.
- Trim the tassel to 4 in (10.2 cm).
Final Blocking
- Before assembly, soak the medallions and sprigs in cool water, then roll them in a towel.
- Pin each medallion to 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm), with a pin in every picot and in each tip loop.
- Pin each sprig to 1.75 x 4.5 in (4.4 x 11.4 cm), with the leaves fanned at 45 degrees.
- Mist lightly with starch and let dry completely.
- After assembly, hang the strands and steam the cords and tassels from 2 in (5.1 cm) away. Don’t let the iron touch the cotton.
- Comb the tassels straight and re-trim them.
Final Quality-Control Checklist
- Each medallion has 84 sts, 12 picots and 2 centered ch-5 loops
- Each medallion measures 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm)
- Each leaf measures 1.5 x 0.75 in (3.8 x 1.9 cm) and has a visible ridge
- Each sprig has 7 leaves, with the pairs evenly spaced and angled
- Each cord has 3 pearls and measures 2 in (5.1 cm)
- All strands are 82 in (208.3 cm) and match within 0.5 in (1.3 cm)
- The A/B order alternates across the panel
- All ends are woven in
Troubleshooting
- Medallion cups: the Rnd 4 loops are too short. Check that each is ch 5, or go up a hook size.
- Medallion ruffles: the loops are too long or the Rnd 7 stitches are loose. Chain more firmly.
- Oval looks round: you may have worked dc where Loops 1 and 5 need tr.
- Strand twists: a cord is joined off center. Re-join it in the middle of the loop.
- Strands are uneven: count the cord chains. One extra ch per cord adds about 2 in (5.1 cm) over a strand.
- Beads won’t slide: use a thinner threader. Never force pearls, because the coating chips.
Care
Dust the curtain with a cool hairdryer or a gentle shake. When needed, hand wash each strand in cool water, lay it flat to dry and re-block lightly.
Final Notes
Here is the measurement chain:
– Chain gauge: 20 ch = 3 in (7.6 cm)
– Flower: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
– Medallion: 2.25 x 2.75 in (5.7 x 7.0 cm), then 2.75 x 3.5 in (7.0 x 8.9 cm), then 3.25 x 4 in (8.3 x 10.2 cm) with the border
– Sprig: 1.75 x 4.5 in (4.4 x 11.4 cm)
– Strand: 82 in (208.3 cm)
– Panel: 9 strands spaced 3.5 in (8.9 cm) apart
If you check each link in that chain, both panels will hang evenly. Work in batches and block as you go.
Happy crocheting!