Free Rainbow step-by-step instructions for learners and beginners.

Rainbows - Learners Version

This version of the pattern has been especially written for those learning to crochet and/or learning to read patterns.

If you have a question about it, no matter how small or "stupid" you think it is, please email me to ask it.

Remember, there are no "stupid" questions when you are learning, how else are you supposed to learn?

I have used -

Thread Rainbows - Dmc Perle or Petra Size 5 in red, orange, yellow, green mid blue, royal blue and violet, 2.00mm hook, needle for sewing in ends.

Yarn Rainbows - DK yarn in red, orange, yellow, green mid blue, royal blue and violet, 4.00mm hook, needle for sewing in ends.

This photo is of the thread versions. The photos below are of the yarn versions.

Small Rainbow
All Instructions in UK terms.
For US terms, use "sc" instead of "dc"

Pattern -
Ch 8 in purple.

Rainbow free pattern chain This means -
Using the purple yarn, cast on using a slip knot then continue to make a further 8 chain. This is known as a starting chain or foundation chain.

Notes -
When working in to your starting chain, you are effectively "turning" the work, although it is very rare for a pattern to say so. This means that the last chain worked becomes the first chain that you work into.

I always work into the back loop of the chain as I find this gives a neater edge. However, this is down to personal preference and, as long as you work into the same loop(s) each time, it doesn't matter which one it is.

Pattern -
Row 1: Dc in 2^nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, change to royal, turn. (9 sts)

This means -
Miss the very first chain and work a double crochet into the next one.
Work a double crochet into the next chain.
Work two double crochet into the next chain (an increase).
Work a double crochet into the next chain.
Work two double crochet into the next chain (an increase). Rainbow free pattern row 1

Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 chain, changing to royal on the last double crochet.
To "change to royal", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the purple, pick up the royal and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.

Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 9 stitches for row 1.

Pattern -
Row 2: Ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, change to blue, turn. (11 sts)

Rainbow free pattern row 2 This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.
Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches.
Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches.
Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, changing to blue on the last double crochet.
To "change to blue", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the royal, pick up the blue and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.
Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 11 stitches for row 2.

Pattern -
Row 3: Ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 3 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, change to green, turn. (15 sts) Rainbow free pattern row 3

This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.
Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into the next stitch.
These last two instructions are worked again twice more, giving a total of being worked 3 times.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches, changing to green on the last double crochet.
To "change to green", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the blue, pick up the green and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.
Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 15 stitches for row 3.

Pattern -
Row 4: Ch 1, (dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) twice, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc) twice, change to yellow, turn. (19 sts)

Rainbow free pattern row 4 This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.

Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches.
Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
These last two instructions are worked again, giving a total of being worked twice.

Work a double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 2 stitches.
These last two instructions are worked again, giving a total of being worked twice, changing to yellow on the last double crochet.

To "change to yellow", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the green, pick up the yellow and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.
Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 19 stitches for row 4.

Pattern -
Row 5: Ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 4 times, change to orange, turn. (23 sts)

Rainbow free pattern row 5 This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.

Work a double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches.
These last two instructions are worked again 3 more time, giving a total of being worked 4 times, changing to orange on the last double crochet.

To "change to orange", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the yellow, pick up the orange and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.
Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 23 stitches for row 5.

Pattern -
Row 6: Ch 1, dc in next dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, change to red, turn. (29 sts)

Rainbow free pattern row 6 This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.

Work a double crochet into the next stitch.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 3 stitches.
These last two instructions are worked again 4 more time, giving a total of being worked 5 times, changing to red on the last double crochet.

To "change to red", work the last double crochet as normal until there are two loops on the hook. Drop the orange, pick up the red and pull through the two loops to complete the stitch.
Turn your work so that the last stitch worked now becomes the first one to work into.
You should have worked 29 stitches for row 6.

Pattern -
Row 7: Ch 1, dc in next 14 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 14 dc, fasten off and sew in ends. (30 sts)

Rainbow free pattern row 7 This means -
Chain 1 - this is for a turning chain and is not counted as a stitch.

Work a double crochet into each of the next 14 stitches.

Work two double crochet into the next stitch (an increase).
Work a double crochet into each of the next 14 stitches.

To fasten off, cut the end you are working with, leaving enough to thread a needle to sew the end in with, then pull the end through the loop on the hook. Pull it tight to close the loop. You can now sew in any loose ends.

You should have worked 30 stitches for row 7.

Large Rainbow
All Instructions in UK terms.
For US terms, use "sc" instead of "dc"

The large Rainbow is worked in the same way as the small one. It just starts with more stitches and two rows are worked in each colour rather than one.

If you have managed the Small Rainbow following the instructions above, try making the Large Rainbow by following the pattern.

Row 1: Ch 12 in purple, 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook, (dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch) 5 times, turn. (17 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 3 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, change to royal, turn. (21 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 3 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, change to blue, turn. (25 sts)
Row 5: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 6: Ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 5 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, change to green, turn. (31 sts)
Row 7: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 8: Ch 1, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 3 times, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) twice, change to yellow, turn. (37 sts)
Row 9: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 10: Ch 1, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc) 3 times, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) twice, change to orange, turn. (43 sts)
Row 11: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 12: Ch 1, (dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) 4 times, dc in next 3 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc) 4 times, change to red, turn. (51 sts)
Row 13: Ch 1, dc in each dc, turn.
Row 14: Ch 1, dc in next 4 dc, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc) 7 times, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 4 dc, fasten off and sew in ends.

Download pdf version

Web Page Designed by Enfys.
©Enfys and Rainbow Valley 2003-2010
Last Updated: April 07, 2010
Home
My Crochet Work
Silk Painting
Quilted Photo Frames
Free Crochet Patterns
Antique Patterns
Learn the Art of Crochet
Links
Rainbows End
Hints & Tips
Basic Crochet Techniques
Crochet Techniques with Tools Patterns for Sale
Baby Patterns
Puppets & Games
Adult Patterns
Jewellery Patterns
Scrapbooking Patterns
Easter Patterns
Halloween Patterns
Christmas Patterns
Home Decor Patterns
Scrapbooking
Patterns
Babies
Flowers
Bugs
For the Boys
Elements
Celebrations
Frames
Journalling
Christmas