Rainbow Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern

Welcome to this soft, cheerful, heartwarming crochet project — the Rainbow Baby Blanket. Whether you’re making it to celebrate the arrival of a rainbow baby, giving it as a thoughtful handmade gift, or simply crafting something colorful and cozy, this pattern is a joy to create. With easy-to-follow rows and bright, uplifting stripes, this blanket brings comfort and happiness in every stitch.

🧶 Materials

Yarn Weight: Worsted weight (category #4)
Yarn Type: Choose a soft, baby-safe yarn that is machine washable and gentle on the skin. Popular options include:

Red Heart Soft Baby Steps
Bernat Baby Blanket (for chunkier feel)
Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
Caron Simply Soft

Yarn Colors Needed:

Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
White (for border and optional base)

You may use traditional bold rainbow colors, soft pastels for a muted palette, or even your custom shades!

Hook Size: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
Notions:

Scissors
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitch markers (optional)

📏 Finished Blanket Size

Approximately: 36 inches wide by 36 inches long (a perfect stroller or crib-size blanket)

Adjustable: You can easily modify the width and height by adjusting the starting chain and the number of stripe repeats.

✨ Crochet Terminology (US Terms)

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
sp – space
sk – skip

🧵 Pattern Notes

This blanket is worked in rows, not in the round.
The granny stripe stitch creates clusters of double crochet, separated by spaces.
Each stripe is made up of two rows in the same color.
The pattern begins with a base color (you may start directly with red or with white as a base).
The blanket is finished off with a simple but elegant white border.
Tension is not critical, but try to be consistent throughout the project.

🔶 Foundation Row (Base Row)

With red (or white if you prefer to start with a neutral base):

Chain 108 (or any multiple of 3 + 6 for the desired width).
In the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 double crochet (dc). (This chain-3 and dc count as the first “half” of your granny cluster).
Skip 2 chains, then work 3 double crochets (all into the next chain) — this forms a granny cluster.
Repeat from * to the last 3 chains.
Skip 2 chains, then work 1 dc in the last chain to finish the row.
Turn your work.

At this point, you should have a row of evenly spaced DC clusters with little gaps in between.

🔴 Row 2 (Red, continued)

Chain 3 (counts as your first dc), then:
Work 3 dc into the space between the clusters from the row below.
Continue repeating 3 dc into each space across the row.
End with 1 dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
Turn your work.

You’ve now completed your first stripe (2 rows of red). Change to the next color.

🟠 Color Changes and Rainbow Striping

Change yarn colors at the beginning of the next row. Fasten off the previous color and join the new color with a slip knot and ch 3.

Repeat the same stitch pattern (2 rows of granny stripe clusters) in each of the following colors:

Stripe Color	Rows to Work
🟥 Red	2 rows
🟧 Orange	2 rows
🟨 Yellow	2 rows
🟩 Green	2 rows
🟦 Blue	2 rows
🟪 Indigo	2 rows
🟣 Violet	2 rows

Repeat this rainbow sequence until the blanket is the desired length (you can do the sequence once or repeat it 2–3 times).

Tip: Weave in your ends every few rows to avoid a big weaving-in job at the end!

⚪ Adding a Border

A white border frames the blanket beautifully and helps neaten the edges.

Round 1 – Single Crochet Border:

Attach white yarn to any corner with a slip stitch.
Chain 1 and single crochet evenly around the entire blanket.
- Work 3 sc in each corner, stitch to keep the shape square.
- Along the sides (row ends), place 1 sc per row or every other stitch for smooth spacing.
Join the first sc with a slip stitch.

Round 2 – Optional Double Crochet Border:

Chain 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in each sc around the blanket.
Place 3 dc in each corner stitch.
Join with a slip stitch to the first dc.

Optional: Repeat this round 1–2 more times to build up a thicker, fluffier edge.

🧡 Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle.
Optionally, lightly block the blanket to square up the corners and even out the stitches.
- To block: Lay the blanket flat, gently stretch it into shape, and pin it in place. Spray lightly with water and let dry completely.
Fold, gift-wrap, or snuggle it up for a special baby!

🧁 Customization Tips

Pastel Palette: Use soft baby pastels instead of bold rainbow shades for a delicate look.
Gender Neutral: Opt for earthy or sky tones – think mint, peach, sky blue, soft lavender.
Personalized Appliqué: Add the baby’s name, a heart, or a sun using appliqué or embroidery.
Larger Blanket: Increase your starting chain (multiple of 3 + 6) and repeat more rainbow stripes.
Thicker Texture: Use bulky/chunky yarn for a plush, weighted feel.

💬 Final Thoughts

This rainbow baby blanket is more than just a project — it’s a joyful, heartfelt gift that brings light, color, and comfort. It’s great for beginner crocheters looking to learn colorwork, and it works up fast thanks to the repetitive stitch pattern. The final result is a bright and beautiful keepsake that’s sure to be treasured.

Videos Tutorials:

Certainly! Here are some YouTube video tutorials that guide you through crocheting a Rainbow Baby Blanket:

Rainbow Granny Stripes Baby Blanket Crochet Tutorial
- This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on creating a rainbow granny stripes baby blanket.
- Watch here: By Cris Crochet Shop Channel
Rainbow Dreams Baby Blanket | Easy Crochet Blanket Tutorial
- A beginner-friendly tutorial that walks you through the process of crocheting the Rainbow Dreams Baby Blanket.
- Watch here: By Amanda Crochets Channel
Crochet Rainbow Blanket Tutorial
- Learn how to crochet a rainbow blanket with an easy one-row repeat design.
- Watch here: By Easy Crochet Channel
The Rainbow Baby Ripple Baby Blanket
- This tutorial demonstrates how to create a ripple-style rainbow baby blanket, suitable for beginners.
- Watch here: By BonnieBayCrochet Channel
CROCHET RAINBOW BABY BLANKET TUTORIAL
- A detailed tutorial showing how to make a rainbow baby blanket using two kinds of yarn.
- Watch here: By Ophelia Talks Crochet Channel