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Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern

Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern
4.3★ Rating
15-20 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🏡

Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern

This rainbow afghan pattern creates a beautiful 32x32 inch blanket using an innovative construction method that starts from the center and works outward. The gorgeous gradient effect is achieved through five carefully selected earth-tone colors that blend seamlessly from light to dark. The pattern features alternating rows of double crochet and textured bobble stitches that create visual depth and tactile interest.

Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The clever corner construction and triangular top sections give this afghan its unique rounded rectangular shape. The final border rounds complete the polished look, making this piece suitable for both nursery decor and adult living spaces.

Why You'll Love This Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern teaches you to think differently about afghan construction - starting from the center creates such a satisfying building process! The color transitions are so smooth and natural, and I find the bobble rows incredibly meditative to work. Plus, the finished size is perfect for snuggling without being overwhelming to complete.

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

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different color combinations for this rainbow afghan pattern! Instead of the earthy tones, I've tried creating a ocean-inspired version using blues and teals that flows from deep navy to seafoam green - absolutely stunning for a beach house aesthetic.

I've also discovered that using variegated yarns can create an entirely different effect, where each row becomes a surprise of color transitions. For a more dramatic look, I sometimes work this pattern in jewel tones, creating a rich tapestry effect that looks incredibly sophisticated.

One of my favorite modifications is adding metallic thread held together with the main yarn for special occasion blankets - it adds just the right amount of sparkle for wedding gifts or anniversary celebrations.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to place stitch markers at increase sections - this makes counting much harder as you progress through rounds ✗ Not maintaining consistent tension during color changes - this can cause puckering or loose sections in the finished piece ✗ Skipping the triangle top sections - these are essential for the proper shape and finished appearance of the afghan ✗ Rushing through bobble stitches - take time to keep them uniform in size and properly tightened for best texture

Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern

Create this stunning rainbow afghan that brings warmth and vibrant colors to any nursery or living space. This beautiful blanket features graduated earth tones from ivory to deep brownie, creating a gorgeous ombre effect that's both modern and timeless. The pattern combines simple double crochet techniques with decorative bobble stitches for added texture and visual interest. Perfect for baby's room or as a cozy throw for family movie nights.

Intermediate 15-20 Hours

Materials Needed for Rainbow Afghan Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek yarn in Ivory (2 skeins)
  • 02
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek yarn in Linen (1 skein)
  • 03
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek yarn in Clay (1 skein)
  • 04
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek yarn in Tobacco (1 skein)
  • 05
    Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek yarn in Brownie (1 skein)
  • 06
    Similar medium weight yarn can be substituted

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size H
  • 02
    Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • 03
    Stitch markers (optional but recommended)
  • 04
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 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.

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.

Row 3 :

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

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.

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.

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.

— Color 2 :

Row 7 :

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

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.

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.

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.

Row 11 :

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

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.

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.

— 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.

Row 15 :

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

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.

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.

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.

Row 19 :

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

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.

— 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.

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.

Row 23 :

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

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.

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.

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.

Row 27 :

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

— 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.

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.

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.

Row 31 :

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

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.

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 :

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.

Row 2 :

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

Row 3 :

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

Row 4 :

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

Row 5 :

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

Row 6 :

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

Row 7 :

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

Row 8 :

Dc2tog, dc 1, dc2tog. Ch2, turn.

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. Generally go for around 80 st, but the most important thing is for the top and bottom to be the same stitch count.

— Border :

Border Round :

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.

Assembly Instructions

  • Complete the main body of the afghan following the row-by-row instructions through Row 33
  • Work the first triangle section by skipping 77 stitches and following the triangle decrease pattern
  • Repeat the triangle pattern on the opposite corner, counting 77 stitches from the other side
  • Work half double crochet evenly across the top and bottom edges, aiming for approximately 80 stitches each
  • Join yarn at any side edge and work the border rounds, placing 5 double crochet in each corner stitch
  • Complete 2-3 border rounds in your chosen border color for a finished look
  • Weave in all yarn ends securely and block if desired for best shape

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers at the beginning and end of increase sections to avoid constant counting
  • 💡Maintain consistent tension throughout, especially during color changes to prevent puckering
  • 💡The bobble stitches should be worked tightly in the final step for best texture definition
  • 💡Border color requires 2 skeins since it goes around the entire perimeter multiple times
  • 💡Afghan measures approximately 32x32 inches when completed with suggested yarn and hook size
  • 💡Pattern works up relatively quickly once you establish the rhythm of increases and bobble rows

This beautiful Rainbow Afghan pattern creates a stunning gradient blanket that's perfect for nurseries, living rooms, or as a treasured baby gift. The clever center-out construction method makes this an engaging project that builds skills while creating something truly special. The earth-tone color palette is both modern and timeless, ensuring this handmade heirloom will be cherished for years to come. Happy crocheting!

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FAQs

Can I substitute different yarn colors for this pattern?

Absolutely! The pattern works beautifully with any color combination. Just make sure to use similar weight yarns and maintain the gradient effect by choosing colors that blend well together.

What if I want to make the afghan larger?

You can easily add more rows by continuing the increase pattern with additional colors. Each row adds approximately 1 inch to the overall size, so plan accordingly for your desired dimensions.

Do I really need to use stitch markers?

While not absolutely required, stitch markers make this pattern much easier to follow, especially during the increase sections. They prevent counting errors and help maintain the proper shape.

Can I skip the bobble rows?

The bobble rows add important texture and visual interest, but you could substitute them with regular single crochet rows if preferred. However, this will change the overall appearance and size slightly.

How do I keep my color changes neat?

Change colors at the end of rows and carry the new color up along the edge. Weave in ends as you go when possible, and maintain consistent tension to avoid loose or tight spots.