Rainbow Baby Blanket
Welcome to the Rainbow Baby Blanket crochet pattern. In this video tutorial, I’ll walk you through the easy, enjoyable pattern repeat that builds this colorful design. The open shell stitches create such fun texture and give the blanket a light, airy feel—perfect for everyday snuggles and a great project for any skill level.
You’ll find everything you need to crochet the blanket below, including the yarn, crochet hook, a free pattern, and a video tutorial that includes how to change sizes (find a left hand version at the bottom of this page). If you like this pattern, please share it!
Subscribe to get alerts when new patterns are released.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links for the items I used to crochet this pattern, at no cost to you. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. This blog post also displays ads. The revenue from ads and affiliate links allows me to offer this crochet pattern for free. Please do not copy, paste, or distribute this pattern. If you prefer not to view the pattern on the blog, you may purchase an ad-free digital PDF in my pattern shops for a small fee (link below). Thank you so much for your support!
Crochet Tutorials
If you’re new to crochet, no worries! I have many beginner tutorial videos to guide you through every step of the process. My tutorials are designed to be easy to follow and will help you master the basics and beyond. You can use the search bar anytime to look for a particular stitch or technique.
Crochet Stitches Used For The Blanket
You will use all the main stitches of crochet in this blanket. If you are new to crochet, I have slower video tutorials available that will walk you through working the single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet stitches used in this pattern that you can watch before you start this project.
Suggested Yarn
II used Red Heart Super Saver for this project, and it worked perfectly with the wide range of colors available. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly yarn that comes in bold brights, soft neutrals, and everything in between, making it easy to create the full rainbow effect for this blanket.
For the project, you will need the following:
800 yards of Red Heart Super Saver in White (311) CA
150 yards each of Red Heart Super Saver in:
- Amethyst (356) CB
- Blue (886) CC
- Spring Green (672) CD
- Bright Yellow (324) CE
- Pumpkin (254) CF
- Cherry Red (319) CG
Other Yarn Options
If you’d like to substitute another yarn for the blanket you will need worsted weight yarn using the same yardage above.
Below are some other options that are a great substitute for the Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, at multiple price points.
$
Brava Worsted by Knit Picks/We Crochet is a 100% premium acrylic yarn known for its softness, durability, and affordability. Available in over 50 solid colors, as well as striped, speckled, and tweed variations, it offers a wide range of options for various projects .
$$
Vanna’s Choice yarnis a beloved and versatile yarn that has become a staple in the crafting community. Crafted from a blend of acrylic fibers, Vanna’s Choice offers a soft and easy-to-work-with texture, making it ideal for various projects such as blankets, scarves, and garments. Its durability and machine-washable nature ensure that your handmade creations will stand the test of time.
$$$
Knit Picks High Desert Worsted is a premium 100% American-grown wool yarn made from a luxurious blend of Merino and Merino-Rambouillet fibers. With a tight twist that delivers excellent stitch definition, it’s perfect for showcasing textured patterns and cables. The yarn comes in a beautiful palette of jewel-toned solids and rustic heathers, inspired by the high desert landscape that would make a beautiful rustic blanket.
Crochet Hook Used For Pattern
You’ll need a 6.5mm [US-K] crochet hook for this project.
After testing numerous brands of crochet hooks, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. Below, you’ll find my top picks, ranked from least to most expensive.
$
Clover Soft Touch Amour crochet hooks are my absolute favorite! Their comfy, soft handles make long crochet sessions a breeze.
$$
For just slightly more money, Etimo Tulip Crochet hooks are another winner in my book. With their cushioned, ergonomic handles and smooth hooks, they make crocheting with any kind of yarn super easy.
$$$
For those of you who like to splurge, Furls Crochet hooks are beautiful hooks made from resin, wood, and metal. Their ergonomic design and polished surfaces make each stitch smooth and effortless. Treat yourself to these elegant hooks for a truly premium crochet experience.
Additional Supplies Needed
The only other thing you will need is a yarn needle to weave in the ends. My favorite yarn needles are made of metal, they are easy to slide through any yarn. I like the Susan Bates option below.
Gauge For Pattern
To achieve the same size as listed below, you will need the following gauge: 4″ = 12 STS and 8 rows in pattern. However, since this is a blanket, unless you want the exact same size listed below, you don’t really have to worry about gauge.
Finished Measurements
Approx. 30” x 40”. The special instructions below will give you information if you would like to make it wider or longer.
Video Tutorial
Pin for Later
If you’re not ready to start the project yet, pin this page to head back quickly.
Special Stitch Used in Pattern
OS (open shell): (SC, HDC, DC 2 times, TR) all around the vertical post of the DC indicated of the row below.
See video tutorial for help.
Construction
The blanket is worked flat in rows and then a border is worked in the round at the end.
Abbreviations Used
- BLO- back loop only
- CH- chain
- FPDC- front post double crochet
- HDC- half double crochet
- ST(S)- stitch(es)
- […] x times- Repeat instructions inside brackets the number of times stated directly outside of the brackets.
Special Instructions for Pattern
- Read through the pattern before beginning.
- Ch 3 counts as a DC throughout.
- You may substitute a tall chain in place of a CH 3. See below.
- Weave in ends as you work.
- Join all new colors during the last ST of the previous row.
- Increase your foundation chain by a multiple of 3 to make the blanket wider.
- For a longer blanket, repeat Rows 2-7 for as long as you want.
COPYRIGHT
The pattern and all related content are the exclusive property of Knit and Crochet Ever After, protected under copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, screenshots, printing, or other electronic or mechanical methods, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from me.
This free crochet pattern is intended for personal use only on the blog. By accessing this pattern, you agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions. Unauthorized sharing or reproduction may result in legal consequences.
Thank you for respecting my hard work and intellectual property!
Rainbow Baby Blanket
Get the ad-free version of the blanket pattern to work from from my Etsy or Ravelry shops. Enjoy a clean, easy-to-read format without distractions. Click the links below to support my work and allow me to make more patterns for you to enjoy!
Blanket Instructions
With CA, CH 90
Row 1: Turn, beginning in 2nd CH from hook, SC in each CH across. 89 STS
Row 2: Turn, CH 3, DC in each ST across. 89 STS
Join CB and fasten off CA.
Row 3: Turn, CH 1, SC in 1st ST, OS around next DC post, skip next 2 STS, SC in next ST, OS around DC post where SC was just made, skip next 2 STS, SC in next ST; repeat from * to * across. 89 STS
Join CA and fasten off CB.
Row 4: Turn, CH 3, working behind the OS STS of Row 3, DC in each unused DC of Row 2 behind each OS and in each SC of Row 3 across. 89 STS
Join CB and fasten off CA.
Row 5: Repeat Row 3. 89 STS
Join CA and fasten off CB.
Row 6: Turn, CH 1, working behind the OS STS of Row 5, SC in each unused DC of Row 4 behind each OS and in each SC of Row 5 across. 89 STS
Row 7: Turn, CH 1, SC in each ST across. 89 STS
Rows 8-13: Repeat Rows 2 through 7 using CC instead of CB at color change. 89 STS
Rows 14-19: Repeat Rows 2 through 7 using CD instead of CB at color change. 89 STS
Rows 20-25: Repeat Rows 2 through 7 using CE instead of CB at color change. 89 STS
Rows 26-31: Repeat Rows 2 through 7 using CF instead of CB at color change. 89 STS
Rows 32-37: Repeat Rows 2 through 7 using CG instead of CB at color change. 89 STS
Rows 38-108: Repeat Rows 2 through 37 two more times to finish off blanket. 89 STS
.
Finishing
Weave in ends before completing border.
With CA, join in any corner with SL ST. SC evenly around blanket; SC 3 times in each corner to make turns.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
I hope you enjoy this pattern and would love to see what you make with it. Be sure to tag me on Insta or Facebook with @knitandcrocheteverafter, I love seeing what you guys come up with!
Subscribe to get alerts when new patterns are released.
f elegance to your creations. The smooth texture and vibrant hues make it great for scarves and shawls.