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Rainbow Afghan Pattern

Rainbow Afghan Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🤗

Soft Hug

Gentle, plush, and full of warmth, creating a sense of comfort and coziness wherever they find a home.

About This Rainbow Afghan Pattern

This pattern creates a 32"x32" rainbow afghan worked in five colors with alternating bobble and double crochet rows for texture. It includes clear row-by-row instructions for increases and markers to shape the arch. The pattern uses medium weight yarn and an H hook to achieve a soft, drapey fabric. Perfect as a baby blanket, play mat, or decorative throw.

Rainbow Afghan Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Colors are used in graduated arches with bobble rows between color sections for extra depth and interest. The pattern finishes with optional top triangles and a simple double crochet border.

Why You'll Love This Rainbow Afghan Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple stitches with a beautiful arching design that always looks impressive. The bobble rows add tactile interest and make the blanket so cozy for snuggling. I enjoy how easy it is to change up the colors to suit any nursery or home decor. Making this afghan feels rewarding and quick, and I find myself returning to this rhythm of rows when I want a relaxing crochet session.

Rainbow Afghan Pattern step 1 - construction progress Rainbow Afghan Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Rainbow Afghan Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Rainbow Afghan Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing this afghan by changing the color order to match any nursery or room decor.

I often swap the five colors for pastel tones for a softer look that works well in baby nurseries.

If you want a bolder statement, try saturated jewel tones or contrasting brights for each arch.

To make a larger or smaller blanket, change your yarn weight and hook size or adjust the number of foundation chains to scale the pattern.

I sometimes use a variegated yarn for one of the arches to add unexpected texture without extra color changes.

Try adding an extra bobble row between color changes for a chunkier texture if you like a more tactile fabric.

You can also make the border wider by adding more rounds of double crochet in the border color to frame the design.

I like to embroider a tiny initial or add a crocheted applique in a corner to personalize gifts for friends and family.

Consider using cotton yarn for a summer version that is lighter and machine-washable for frequent use.

Finally, experiment with corner treatments — you can use picot edging, shell stitches, or a simple crab stitch for different finished looks.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to place or replace stitch markers at the increase section can cause the arch increases to become uneven; always add markers where indicated and move them when you reach them. ✗ Not counting chains or stitches at the beginning of the foundation row can throw off the entire pattern; recount your initial 56 chains and ensure your first dc placement lines up correctly. ✗ Pulling bobble stitches too loosely will make them floppy and inconsistent; keep the bobble tighter than surrounding stitches as suggested in the bobble instructions. ✗ Skipping the turning chain guidelines (Ch 1 or Ch 2) will change row height and alignment; follow the specified turning chain exactly for each row to maintain shape. ✗ Changing colors without a tidy join can create bulky seams at color transitions; carry yarn neatly along the side or use tidy color joins to keep edges flat.

Rainbow Afghan Pattern

Make a cozy, textured rainbow afghan perfect for nurseries or as a warm throw. This pattern uses bobble and double crochet rows to create a lovely arch motif in five colors. You will love the step-by-step rows and clear stitch notes that guide you through each color change. Suitable for crocheters who want a satisfying weekend project with a beautiful finished result.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Rainbow Afghan Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (medium weight/#4) - Ivory: 2 skeins (if you choose Ivory for border, you will need 2 skeins)
  • 02
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (medium weight/#4) - Linen: 1 skein
  • 03
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (medium weight/#4) - Clay: 1 skein
  • 04
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (medium weight/#4) - Tobacco: 1 skein
  • 05
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (medium weight/#4) - Brownie: 1 skein
  • 06
    Note: Similar medium weight (#4) yarn can be used instead of this brand

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size H (5.0 mm)
  • 02
    Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • 03
    Stitch markers (for marking increase section)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Pattern :

Round 1 :

Color 1 Row 1. Ch 56, dc in the 2nd chain from hook, dc 53, dc 6 in the last st, turn your work so that you are working on the back side of the ch, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 2 :

Row 2. Dc 54, (if using stitch markers, place one here) dc 2 in each of the next 6 st, (If using stitch markers, place one here as well) dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 3 :

Row 3. Bobble row. Sc 2, [bobble, sc 3] around, replacing stitch markers as you come to them. Ch 2, turn.

Round 4 :

Row 4. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, dc 2 in the next 3 st, dc 6, dc 2 in the next 3 st, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 5 :

Row 5. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 1] 3x, dc 6, [dc 1, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 6 :

Row 6. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 2] 3x, dc 6, [dc 2, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 7 :

Color 2 Row 7. Bobble row. Sc 2, [bobble, sc 3] around to last 2 st, bobble, sc 1.

Round 8 :

Row 8. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 3] 3x, dc 6, [dc 3, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 9 :

Row 9. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 4] 3x, dc 6, [dc 4, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 10 :

Row 10. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 5] 3x, dc 6, [dc 5, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 11 :

Row 11. Bobble row. Sc 2, [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 12 :

Row 12. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 6] 3x, dc 6, [dc 6, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 13 :

Row 13. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 7] 3x, dc 6, [dc 7, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 14 :

Color 3 Row 14. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 8] 3x, dc ,6 [dc 8, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 15 :

Row 15. Bobble row. Sc 2 [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 16 :

Row 16. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 9] 3x, dc 6, [dc 9, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 17 :

Row 17. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 10] 3x, dc 6, [dc 10, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 18 :

Row 18. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 11] 3x, dc 6, [dc11, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 19 :

Row 19. Bobble row. Sc 2 [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 20 :

Row 20. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 12] 3x, dc 6, [dc 12, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 21 :

Color 4 Row 21. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 13] 3x, dc 6, [dc 13, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 22 :

Row 22. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 14] 3x, dc 6, [dc 14, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 23 :

Row 23. Bobble row. Sc 2 [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 24 :

Row 24. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 15] 3x, dc 6, [dc 15, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 25 :

Row 25. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 16] 3x, dc 6, [dc 16, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 26 :

Row 26. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 17] 3x, dc 6, [dc 17, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 27 :

Row 27. Bobble row. Sc 2 [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 28 :

Color 5 Row 28. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 18] 3x, dc 6, [dc 18, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 29 :

Row 29. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 19] 3x, dc 6, [dc 19, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 30 :

Row 30. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 20] 3x, dc 6, [dc 20, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 1, turn.

Round 31 :

Row 31. Bobble row. Sc 2 [bobble, sc 3] around. Ch 2, turn.

Round 32 :

Row 32. Dc 54 or to stitch marker, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 21] 3x, dc 6, [dc 21, dc 2 in the next st] 3x, replace stitch marker when you come to it, dc 54. Ch 2, turn.

Round 33 :

Row 33. Dc 77, [dc 2 in the next st, dc 22] 2x, dc 6, [dc 22, dc 2 in the next st] 2x, dc 77. Finish off.

— Top Triangles :

Info :

I like to do the triangles in either the 5th color selection or in the border color. Choose what you like best!

Round 1 :

Row 1. Skip 77 st, slp st in the next st, sc 3, hdc 4, dc 11, hdc 4, sc 3, slp st. ch 1, turn.

Round 2 :

Row 2. Skp the slp st, sc2tog, sc 1, hdc 4, dc 11, hdc 4, sc 1, sc 2tog. Ch 1, turn.

Round 3 :

Row 3. Sc 2 tog 2x, hdc 2, dc 11, hdc 2, sc2tog 2x. Ch 2, turn.

Round 4 :

Row 4. Dc2tog 2x, dc 11, dc2tog 2x. Ch 2, turn.

Round 5 :

Row 5. Dc2tog 2x, dc 7, dc2tog 2x. Ch 2, turn.

Round 6 :

Row 6. dc2tog 2x, dc 3, dc2tog 2x. Ch 2, turn.

Round 7 :

Row 7. Dc2tog, dc 3, dc2tog. Ch 2, turn.

Round 8 :

Row 8. Dc2tog, dc 1, dc2tog. Ch2, turn.

Round 9 :

Row 9. Dc3tog. Finish off.

Info :

Repeat this on the second top corner, counting 77 stitches up from the opposite side.

Info :

Hdc an even number across the top and bottom of the afghan. I generally go for around 80 st, but the most important thing is for the top and bottom to be the same stitch count.

— Border :

Info :

Join on one of the afghan sides with a slp st, ch2, dc in each stitch around, placing 5 dc in each corner st. Crochet 2 or 3 rows in the border color before finishing off and weaving in the ends.

Info :

Here are some border color ideas for you!

Assembly Instructions

  • Repeat the top triangle on the opposite top corner by counting 77 stitches up from the other side and working the same decrease rows.
  • Join on one side to work the border: slp st to join, ch 2, then dc in each stitch around, placing 5 dc in each corner stitch for a neat rounded corner.
  • After joining and working one row of DC around, crochet 2 or 3 additional rows in the border color of your choice before finishing off and weaving in ends.
  • Weave in all loose yarn tails with a yarn needle, trimming ends close to the work to keep the border tidy.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers at the beginning and end of the increase section so you do not have to constantly count stitches while shaping.
  • 💡Keep bobble stitches slightly tighter than surrounding stitches for consistent texture and shape.
  • 💡Ensure the top and bottom stitch counts are even before adding the border; I generally aim for around 80 stitches across each long edge.

This Rainbow Afghan pattern is a cozy and versatile project you will return to again and again. 🌈 It combines simple double crochet rows with tactile bobble stitches for a beautiful textured finish. Perfect for a nursery, gift, or as a warm throw on chilly evenings. 🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished afghan measures approximately 32"x32" when using the recommended yarn and H hook.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but the final size and drape will change; adjust your hook size accordingly to maintain fabric consistency.

Do I need stitch markers for this pattern?

Stitch markers are recommended for marking the increase section to avoid constant counting, and the pattern indicates where to place and replace them.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this afghan in about 5-7 hours, depending on experience and pace.