While coming up with the design for this blanket, I knew I wanted to crochet a pattern that was unique, and could be neatly rolled up and used as a decorative pillow, rather than simply tossing it over a sofa or folding it away. In this post I’m going to walk you through how to crochet this colorful rainbow baby blanket that I am calling the Roll-Up Rainbow Baby Blanket!
This post may contain affiliate links. When you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
About
This crochet blanket is SO EASY to follow along with. It does involve some frequent color changing, so while I do not categorize it as a “beginner” friendly crochet pattern, I do believe an enthusiastic beginner could absolutely complete this project!
I was able to complete this blanket is a weekend (size medium) so I can confidently say that this is a QUICK project to make, too!
This blanket pattern is available to make in 4 different sizes:
- Small- 34x38in/86x96cm
- Medium- 40x44in/101x111cm
- Large- 46x50in/116x127cm
- XLarge- 52x56in/132x142cm
Stitch Key: ch- chain, Dc/dc- double crochet (U.S.), w/- with, st- stitch, pual- pull up a loop, hk- hook, sl-st- slip stitch, sc- single crochet, yo- yarn over, ins hk- insert hook, g- grams.
Gauge: 9 dc x 6 rows = 4x4in/~10x10cm.
Supplies
Here are the supplies you will need in order to crochet this blanket:
- 6.5mm crochet hook
- Size 5 Bulky Blanket Yarn of choice.
- I originally used Big Twist Posh yarn for this pattern, however it may now be discontinued.
- A great alternative is Premier Yarns Parfait Chunky
- Colors needed: White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Blue.
- Size Small- 136g white, 132g per color.
- Size Medium- 146g white, 171g per color.
- Size Large- 184g white, 207g per color.
- Size XLarge- 208g white, 250g per color.
Written Instructions
We are beginning this pattern by making the rainbow stripes in the color order: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue.
To Start: With Red, chain 96/102/108/114 (small/medium/large/xlarge).
Row 1: Dc into the 3rd chain from your hook. Dc into every chain down to the end (94/100/106/112 dc/row). Chain 2 then turn.
Row 2: Dc into the space between the posts of every dc stitch from previous row. Pull up a loop w/ orange, cut off red. W/ orange ch 2, Turn
Row 3: Dc in between the posts of every stitch down the row to the end. Ch 2, Turn
Row 4: Dc in-between posts to the end of the row. Pull up a loop w/ yellow, cut off orange. W/ yellow, ch 2, Turn
Row 5: Dc in between the posts of every stitch down the row to the end. Ch 2, Turn
Row 6: Dc in between posts to the end of the row. Pull up a loop w/ green, cut off yellow. W/ green ch 2, Turn
Row 7: Dc in between the posts of every stitch down the row to the end. Ch 2, Turn
Row 8: Dc in between posts to the end of the row. Pull up a loop w/ blue, cut off green. W/ blue ch 2, Turn
Row 9: Dc in between the posts of every stitch down the row to the end. Ch 2, Turn
Row 10: Dc in between posts to the end of the row. Pull up a loop w/ red, cut off blue. W/ red ch 2, Turn
Repeat making 2 rows of dc in between the posts for each color– total of (5/6/7/8) times.
Color order: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue
Cut off when done (ends on Blue).
Your blanket should be looking similar to this- Now you need to weave in your yarn tails as snugly as possible and cut.
Then we will move on to the “clouds”…
Bobble Edging “clouds”
To Start: Turn blanket sideways, so stripes are perpendicular to the edging. pual w/ white. (Working on one side at a time).
1: Sc as evenly as possible down the side of the blanket, placing each sc into the gaps along the edge.
2: When you reach the end, ch 4 and turn your work.
3: yo hook 2 times, ins hk into bottom ch, yo, pual, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook.
4: Repeat step 3, four more times. (5 total).
5: yo, pull through all 6 loops on hk.
6: sl-st into the bottom ch to create a “bobble”.
7: sl-st into next 4 st’s, ch 4. Repeat steps 3-6/7 to the end.
You may end on a bobble or a sl-st(s) depending on total sc. I recommend adding another bobble (ch 4, step 3-4) into the last sc stitch.
Optional: Add a second row of bobbles by crocheting under front post of the sc stitches- video tutorial.
Repeat instructions for other side of blanket.
Tip– create a smaller gap between bobbles by slip-stitches less frequently between bobbles. ex: 2 sl-st’s instead of 4.
(Optional)
After I completed my bobble border, I thought it needed a little more “full-ness” to really give that fluffy cloud look. I decided to add a second layer/row of bobbles by slip-stitching under the posts on my initial single crochet border. You can see exactly how I did this by watching this YouTube video:
And now you’re done! I hope you enjoyed crocheting your rainbow baby blanket with me! Let me know where you would display your blanket and if you’re adding this pattern to your project list!
Happy Crocheting!
-Katie
Did you like this pattern? You may also want to check out our Heirloom Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern!
Copyright © 2025 by CozyNorthWoods LLC and Katie Handwork. All rights reserved. No part of this PDF pattern may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner. You may sell finished items created from this pattern; however, you must use your own photos. You may not re-sell, re-distribute or share the contents of this pdf with anyone or on any website, or social platform. Legal action will be taken.
Leave a Reply