Bear’s Rainbow Blanket
Like many parents, I soon discovered after having a baby that I’d never actually been busy before. Basic things like taking showers and returning phone calls suddenly seemed overrated. But for me, one thing that has never been dispensable is crafting things for my son, Bear.
I’m not saying that I sit around for hours, dreamily stitching away. No, it’s more like a stolen moment here and a quick minute there; a few squares at jury duty, a couple more in a waiting room, and two years later a blanket is born!
As drawn out as the process was, making Bear’s Rainbow Blanket was always an exhilarating ride. Each step contained a world of wonderment, from Koigu Premium Merino’s incredible hand dyed colors to this fascinating stitch pattern that magically turns a circle into a square; from the arrangement of dozens of colors and 108 squares to the daydreams of Bear dragging his Rainbow Blanket off to college!
I think I could have crocheted these squares for the rest of my life, but I finally stopped myself when I had enough to make a 40 x 54-inch blanket, the perfect size for my four year old. The bed pictured here is a queen, but this blanket is also right at home on a twin bed… or under a circle of picnicking stuffed animals!
I’ve crafted quite a few things in my life, and though I have so much fondness for many of those things, this is perhaps the dearest to my heart. This blanket expresses not only my love for my son but for crafting too. To pursue a grand plan to its very end is the chocolate cake of crafting: a rich and deeply satisfying experience!
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
To start concocting your own grand plan, read on! -Whitney
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Materials
To Make the Exact Same Blanket
FINISHED SIZE: 40 x 54 inches (9 squares x 12 squares)
To make your blanket just like mine you can order the 52 skeins of Koigu Premium Merino (KPM), 100% Merino Wool that I used. They are:
- 11 skeins of color #00 for the borders.
- 41 skeins for the inside squares. One skein of each of the following colors:
- First column (far left, from the top):1175, 1173, 1155, 1145, 1143, 2121, 1100, 2227, 2229, 2220, and 1195
- Second column: 1110, 2200, 1240, 1200, 2180, 2100, 2335, 2423, 1521, and 1521.5
- Third column: 2339, 1520, 1051, 1532, 1504, 1500, 2130, 1045, 1043, and 1010.5
- Fourth column: 3016, 2405, 2403, 2390.5, 2290, 3003, 2164, 2416, 1156, and 1400
You will also need:
- A size D crochet hook
Shop our wonderful collection of fingering-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
To Make a Crib Size Blanket
FINISHED SIZE: 32 x 41 inches (7 squares x 9 squares)
To make a smaller version of the Rainbow Blanket, you can order one of our crib-size Rainbow Blanket Bundle right here (no longer available). It includes a total of 13 skeins of Koigu Premium Merino: 7 colors for the inside squares and 6 of color #00 for the outside borders. Arrange the 63 finished squares however you want!
Choose from six different Rainbow Crib Blanket Kits (shown above):
- Pebble (top left): 2390.5, 3003, 1156, 2403, 2164, 2416, and 2290 + 6 skeins of 00
- Kitchen Garden (top right): 1195, 1240, 2200, 2339, 1521.5, 1051, and 1521 + 6 skeins of 00
- Dolphin (middle left): 1500, 2130, 1043, 3016, 1504, 1045, and 1010.5 + 6 skeins of 00
- Mineral (middle right): 2335, 2403, 3003, 2180, 1200, 2290, and 2390.5 + 6 skeins of 00
- Pixie (bottom left): 1240, 1173, 2200, 1143, 2121, 1155, and 2100 + 6 skeins of 00
- Pickup Truck (bottom right): 2403, 2229, 2390.5, 2405, 1010.5, 3016, and 2227 + 6 skeins of 00
You will also need:
- A size D (3.25 mm) crochet hook
To Design Your Own Blanket
Here is what you need to know to:
- Each skein of KPM is 50 grams and 175 yards.
- Bear’s Rainbow Blanket is 9 x 12 squares (108 squares total). To make the same size, you’ll need at least a total of 22 skeins of KPM. If you want a border color, you’ll need 11 of it, plus at least 11 more skeins for the inside squares.
- Each square uses about 32-34 total yards of KPM; 17-18 yards for the inside square and 15-16 yards for the outside border.
- 1 skein of KPM can make 10 inside squares or 11 outside borders.
- Each square measures 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches.
- A skein of KPM Needlepoint Yarn is 3.125 grams and 10.9 yards, so for 1 inside square you need 2 KPM Needlepoint skeins.
- Purl Soho always has a beautiful selection of Koigu’s KPM. Click here to see it all, and have fun!
Notes On Koigu
- Koigu Premium Merino is hand dyed in small batches so please know that each dye lot is unique. This means that if you use one of our kits, it will look a lot like ours but will have some variations. It also means that if consistency is important to you, buy enough!
- KPM is machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. However, please be aware that, while Koigu does its best to set their hand-dyed colors, they do note that “Under certain water and/or soap types this yarn may bleed.” For thorough instructions and excellent tips on setting your yarn’s dye before you begin, please visit our Re-fixing Dyes Tutorial!
Crocheted Square Pattern
Gauge
6 1/4 double crochets crochets = 1 inch
Finished Size
Each square is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches
Inside Square
Round 1: With the Inside Color, chain 3 into an adjustable loop, make 15 double crochet (dc) into the loop…
… join to third stitch of beginning chain with a slip stitch. (16 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 3, [2 dc into next stitch] 15 times to beginning chain, 1 dc into base of chain…
… join to third stitch of chain with a slip stitch. (32 stitches)
Round 3: Chain 3, *2 dc into next stitch, 1 dc into next stitch, repeat from * to last stitch, 2 dc into last stitch, slip stitch into third chain. (48 stitches)
Round 4: Chain 4, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, 1 treble crochet [tr]) into the base of the chain…
..*skip 2 stitches, 1 half double crochet (hdc) into next 2 stitches, 1 sc into next 3 stitches, 1 hdc into next 2 stitches, skip 2 stitches, (1 tr, 2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc, 1 tr) into next stitch, repeat from * 2 more times, skip 2 stitches, 1 hdc into next 2 stitches, 1 sc into next 3 stitches, 1 hdc into next 2 stitches, slip stitch into 4th chain.
Round 5: Chain 3, 1 dc into next 2 stitches, *(1 dc, 2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr, 1 dc) into corner space, 1 dc into each stitch to corner (13 dc’s), rep from * 2 more times, (1 dc, 2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr, 1 dc) into corner space, 1 dc into each stitch to beginning chain (10 dc’s), slip stitch into 3rd chain. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last stitch.
Outside Border
Round 1: Join Border Color into a corner space. (Chain 3, 1 dc, chain 2, 2 dc) into corner space, *1 dc into each stitch to next corner space (19 dc’s), (2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc) into corner space, repeat from * 2 more times, 1 dc into each stitch to beginning corner (19 dc’s), slip stitch into 3rd chain.
Round 2: Chain 3, 1 dc into next stitch, *5 dc into corner space, 1 dc into each stitch to next corner space (23 dc’s), repeat from * 2 more times, 5 dc into corner space, 1 dc into each stitch to beginning chain (21 dc’s), slip stitch into 3rd chain. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last stitch.
Weave in whatever ends you didn’t already crochet over.
Layout
If you are making the same exact blanket as this one, here is the layout of all the squares. (Note that in some of the story’s photos the blanket is flipped over so that this layout is a mirror image of what you may see in the photos.)
Assembling
There are lots of ways to attach your squares together. Some people like to crochet them together using a slip stitch or even a single crochet, but I prefer to sew them together with a length of yarn and a tapestry needle. And again there are several of ways to do that: a running stitch, some variation on a blanket stitch, or my preferred method, a whip stitch. Experiment and decide what you like best!
To whip stitch, I brought the needle under both strands of the edge stitches. Instead of turning the needle around to come back the other way, I pushed my needle through in the same direction for every stitch.
Remember to save yourself some trouble and sew over whatever ends you can!
I hope you enjoy this project as much as I did! And happy hooking!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our crochet patterns and crochet tutorials, buy one of our many kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next crochet or knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Do you know of any good knitting patterns where you could use the same colors and get a similar result.
Wow, Awesome, Love it, Brilliant, Gotta make one!
What a most amazing, beautiful and gorgeous blanket. I love it and would love to make my own. Love how you have arranged the colours. The crochet squares are divine too. Thank you very much for sharing its absolutely beautiful….
I love this! I'm don't crochet, but I was thinking this might be fun to knit as log cabin squares and sew them all together. It would probably give it different feel, though. But very inspiring, you have made a beautiful blanket!
Ugh! I wish this was a knitting pattern! Would totally do this!! Ditto on knowing a pattern that might work for knitting?!
Ugh! I wish this was a knitting pattern! Would totally do this!! Ditto on knowing a pattern that might work for knitting?!
Ahhh! So SO beautiful, must show my rainbow loving 9 year old this!
I think I know what my next major project will be….
Wow, I love this and immediately clicked over to the Purl Soho site to check out the kit….and then nearly fell out of my chair at the price! Koigu is wonderful stuff, but I don't think I could really justify an $800 blanket for my 3 year old…. I would love a less expensive yarn suggestion and echo the requests for a similar knitting pattern!
Absolutely stunning work, beautiful. I love it! Now I will have to make another rainbow blanket, I like your variation of the bullseye square too. Thank you for the inspiration.
Fiona aka KnitKnatKnotUK
Hi everyone who wonders about a Rainbow Blanket for knitters,
I don't know of any specific knitting pattern that would recreate the Rainbow Blanket, but now may be a great time to learn how to crochet! About five years ago, I came across a crocheted blanket that inspired me to learn how to crochet, and I haven't looked back since! The learning curve for crochet is not as steep as for knitting, but it is an equally sophisticated craft with its own advantages. Plus, it's totally fun!
Play around with our Crochet Basics Tutorial, you may catch the bug too!: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-basics/2007/4/12/crochet-basics.html
Whitney
By far, one of the prettiest projects I've ever seen. Although I knit, this makes me want to learn crochet! Lovely, just lovely.
Could this blanket be made from Tosh Merino Light?
Thanks!
Hi Amanda-
Madeline Tosh Merino Light would work well for this!
Thank you for your question!
Molly
Wow this is amazing!
Hi Amanda-We understand the cost concern, please keep in mind you are always welcome to use whatever yarn you like. Any fingering weight yarn would work!
Stunning, absolutely stunning! There is nothing quite like Koigu. I knit the Purlsoho Granny Square blanket with it in a crib size and it is exquisite. The feel and luscious drape of this yarn is unlike any other. On a long car trip, it is the blanket that I used when it was a bit chilly. How I would love to make this Rainbow Blanket, but the price is just a bit much.
Such delightful colours… Beautiful!
I knit and crochet, and would love to make on of these. For all you who don't crochet, it's easy and as addictive as knitting with much faster results.
My question is about the amount of leftover yarn. I'm imagining one square of each color leaves most of the skein unused?
I love the use of all the colors. Although, I'm leaning more toward narrower down the color palette, so I wouldn't have so much left over.
I've just inherited a stack of crocheted “rounds” from my Grandma – not enough to make something super large, but I think I could follow this sort of pattern to build something for a single bed.
thank you!
I love this blog – it is so inspirational! I just got a book of crochet motifs, and I think I'll see if I have enough yarn running around to make something like this. It's gorgeous.
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for posting a stunning crochet project. I crochet. I do not knit, therefore, I am always thrilled to see a crochet project! on your site!
Completely stunning! Hope you won't mind me linking up at Tangled Happy this week. Thanks for sharing this wonderfully colorful rainbow blanket inspiration. Love!
Hi Debbie,
Yes, each skein can actually make 10 inside squares. If you're interested in designing your own version, you'll find lots of helpful information like this in the Materials section of the pattern. Look for “To Design Your Own Blanket”.
Thank you for asking!
Whitney
If anyone's interested, I designed a knitted version of the blocks – posted here on my blog: http://blueberryhillcrafting.com/2012/11/21/rainbow-blocks-blanket-the-beginning/
Wow, what a beautiful blanket! Thanks for sharing and the great photos!
I love this blanket! Do you happen to know of a good way to join the squares as you go? I can't seem to find any instructions on how to join as you go if the granny squares don't have the traditional 3 dc cluster border and I am at a loss!
Hi Sara,
Wow! I didn't even know such a thing existed! I always want to lay my squares out before i sew them together, so your technique never even occurred to me…
I'm sorry I'm not much help, but maybe some of our vastly experienced readers will see your question and have some good advice for you! I also found this link which may be illuminating: http://crochet.about.com/od/motifs/tp/join-as-you-go-crochet-motifs.htm
Thanks so much for asking (and teaching!).
Whitney
Hello!
I love your blanket! It´s beautiful!
I work like you, first I make the grid and then I make the blanket.
Kisses
Néné
Hey there!
I love this blanket! I tried to crochet the square but I am having problems as it keeps curling. Is there are a reason why it keeps doing that? Is the tension too tight?
Many thanks!
Aliye
Hi Aliye,
Hmmm….I wouldn't say that my squares were perfectly flat when I was done them, and I did block a lot of them before I sewed them together (careful of bleeding though!), but it sounds like you might have a more extreme case. So, yes, maybe your tension is too tight. Try going up a hook size or two and see if that fixes the problem!
Thank you so much for asking and good luck!
Whitney
Beautiful blanket! And it's in crochet too! I crochet faster than I knit, so I'm always happy to see crochet projects. And I've been wanting to try out Koigu yarns; their colours are gorgeous and have been catching my eye for some time now. Definitely keeping this in mind for a project next year …
Love the blanket… I too can't really afford to go with Koigu and really loved the colour variation. I ended up purchasing Cascade superwash sport yarn and a few balls of Patons new Classic Wool DK Superwash and it's working up lovely. Both are affordable alternatives to Koigu although I would have preferred Koigu.
Hello! I bought one of the kits to this project with the KPM yarn in it. I started this project and I just saw the notes about the yarn. Is it really necessary to soak the yarn in warm vinegar before starting?
Hi Elizabeth,
If you want to be able to safely wash your blanket in the future, it is necessary to soak some of the colors. With softer, less saturated colors it's totally fine to not pre-soak them, but deep, rich colors will bleed a bit into the white if you don't give them a vinegar bath.
I hope you haven't gotten very far! Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Thank you so much!!! What is the best way to soak the yarn and how long does it need to soak? I appreciate all of your help!! Thank you again!!!
Hi again Elizabeth,
Well, since I've never actually pre-soaked yarn (that's just the way I am!), I just went on a bit of a research expedition for you and all the other readers who are more patient and conscientious than I am!
It seems that vinegar wins out over salt in the dye-fixing department and that you can either soak the yarn in a bath or wash it in a washing machine. In both cases you should use COLD water (I changed my original instructions in the pattern). For the bath, I read somewhere to use 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar, and I read somewhere else to use 2 cups of vinegar in the wash. And either way, be very sure to rinse out ALL of the vinegar and to air dry your skeins flat.
The other solution is to wash the skeins with a Color Catcher Cloth (I know that Shout makes one) or with a color fixative called Retayne.
I hope this helps and that it's not too long before you're on your way!
Whitney
Lovely blanket. I have made a couple of these squares ow in a slightly thicker double knit wool, on a uk size 4.0 needle. I also find that each square curls. The inside round needs a smaller round of 8dcs before beginning the pattern here. My problem is working in a thicker gauge wool, I am struggling with what needle size to use. a 4.0 is too small, a 5.0 doesn't work either. Surely this pattern is transferable to a more realistic wool type and needle size? #frustrated
Hi Jennifer,
There is a 4.5mm hook size between the two sizes you've tried (https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3450-Skacel-Addi-Color-Coded-Crochet-Hooks), so that may be an easy solution to your problem!
Also, my squares didn't hook up perfectly flat either, but they did block out very nicely. So maybe you can try blocking a finished square to see if that fixes the curling.
I hope this helps! Thanks for your question and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
Thanks Whitney. I did try a 4.5 as well 🙂 I think it's all a bit of trial and error isn't it? I've figured out a square I am happy with now but huge thanks for inspiring a modern approach to colour in crochet. If Bear doesn't take this blanket to uni, then i am sure generations will appreciate the work you have influenced for years to come! xx
Hi!
I love this blanket! I'm trying to use up some yarn I have. How many squares did you make for each color? I saw on the map that there were multiple squares of the same color. I know the yarn I'm using doesn't have that many colors. It's Vanna's color yarn.
Also is the border an ivory or a white?
I love your website!
Thank You!
Tiffany 🙂
Hey! I love this blanket and I'm attempting to try it on my leftover yarn I have at home, but I'm net to crocheting and I have a few questions. What do you mean by skipping a stitch? This has completely baffled me! and I also am confused by the parenthesis that tell me number of stiches. Is this how many I should have already done, or is it telling me to make an additional number of stiches?
Hi Stephanie,
Skipping a stitch means that you don't work a stitch from the previous round. This is what creates holes in the corners.
And the number of stitches in parentheses is how many stitches you should have at the end of the round. That number is included so you can double check that you're following the pattern correctly.
Thanks for these questions! Please let me know if you have more… I'm so happy to help someone discover the fun of crocheting!
Whitney
Hi Tiffany,
I made between one and four squares of each color. And the border color is closer to ivory than white!
Thanks so much for your nice comments and good luck!
Whitney
Hello,
I started working on this pattern last night but I keep running into the same problem. When I do the first round of the “square” stitching, I keep ending up with 4-5 stitches left before it meets up with the original corner. I double counted my stitches and everything but every time I end up with the same extra stitches. The square still comes out right except for th big holes where I skipped all those stitches. Am I missing something?
Hi Lillian-Marie,
You should have two stitches left before you meet up with the original corner, but not 4 or 5. Somehow you're using up 2 or 3 fewer stitches than you should. Hmmm…. Are you definitely making a half double crochet into two stitches each time? And are you properly counting the two stitches you skip each time? Maybe you're just skipping one?
If you still can't figure it out, please send us a picture of what you have for further diagnostics! Thank you for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi Whitney,
I just finished my FIRST square and it looks lovely!!!
I have never crochet in my entire life and just started taking it up, so I could do my son a rainbow blanket like yours. I had no problems with the instructions and can't wait to do the rest of them (107). You inspired me, I have never picked up any needle/hook in my life before 😉 Thank you for sharing your project!!!
This is one of the most gorgeous blankets I've ever seen — but as mentioned here, the price is a little prohibitive. KPM actually seems to be the least expensive fingering gauge yarn you guys have, so here's a question: If one KPM skein of any color gives you enough colored squares for 3 blankets, wouldn't it be possible to just go “in” on a kit with three people and split the cost? Or would that not work?
If someone is up for it, let me know!
Hi Kate-
That would certainly work! If you can find 2 people to split it with it sounds like a good plan!
Molly
Such a beautiful and inspiring project! Questions – Will the kits for the large blanket be available again? and What about the Koigu needlepoint yarn in the 11 yard skeins? Is that the same yarn and would one skein make one of these squares? I learned to crochet so that I could make this blanket, and I can't wait to start! Thank you for the inspiration!
Whitney
Having sooo much fun making all these beautiful squares. It was worth learning how to crochet. Unfortunately, I didn't read the setting of the darker colors, before I had completed most of them. I have worked all the inside colors first. Should I put them in a vinegar bath and block them prior to completing the outside borders? Using up my huge stash of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino on a 3.25 hook and it is looking beautiful. Also used some natural dyes to obtain a couple of colors I didn't have. Turmeric and black tea have worked beautifully. Haven't encountered any problems with curling.
Hi. and help! I am practicing on some thick yarn while I wait for my kit to arrive. I am tripped up at round 5. I cannot figure out why I have only 12 spaces for dc across the row between corners, the pattern says I should have 13. I have added up the pattern over and over… and it doesn't add up! Where does the 13th go? I took a photo to illustrate my confusion but I can't figure out how to post it here.
Any help appreciated!
Thanks.
HI Jane,
Perfect! Yes, there's still time to give your inside squares a preventative soak. I'm not too worried about your Cashmerino which is not hand dyed and will probably hold its color (except maybe for very saturated colors), but your turmeric and black tea squares would probably bleed onto the borders if you don't treat them first. For such an unstable dye, you might consider using a Color Catcher which is made by Shout.
Thanks for asking and I'm so happy to hear that you just learned to crochet and that you're loving it! Yay!
Whitney
HI Caitlin,
You're most likely starting your double crochets with the second instead of first stitch. You should be making this round's first dc into the first dc from the previous round's corner. It can be a little hard to see because this round's corner stitches cover it up a bit, but if you tug the corner stitches to the right, you should see a triangular space open up which is where your first dc goes.
Please let me know if I've misdiagnosed the problem and we'll work it out!
Thank you for your question!
Whitney
Thanks for your reply Whitney. Yes, that was exactly my mistake and now they are coming out perfectly. My kit has arrived and I have made four successful squares… only 59 to go!
That is a beautiful Proyect !
I am doing this blanket right now with only
12 colors look great !
My question is can I iron or press (carefully )
Thanks
Elisa
Hi Molly,
Yes, my best guess is that you can. I would definitely put a piece of linen or cotton fabric between the iron and your blanket and try a warm setting.
I'm glad you're happy with your project.Thanks for your question!
Whitney
hi there! i just started this blanket and have done 2 squares. I'm using the softest yarn I can find that is affordable (yarn bee, soft secret) which is absolutely lovely, but it's a medium weight (4). Is THAT the reason my squares are larger than 4.5"? My inside squares measure 4.5". I'm using the D sized hook and working as tightly as I can, but cant get it any smaller than about 6.5" for each full square. I have a feeling it wont look as great with larger squares, but this yarn is soooo amazingly soft, I am going to go with it anyway.
Hoping it's just the yarn weight … if you dont think that's it, let me know what I might be doing wrong!
Thank you!! Gorgeous blanket!
Very generous of you to share your project and taking the time to write the directions for others to make this gorgeous blanket as well. I will begin today and looking forward to this colorful creative, most useful project. Thank you!!!!!
Hi Amy,
Yes, the reason your squares are bigger is because your yarn is bigger. Yours is a worsted weight yarn (size 4), whereas I used a fingering weight yarn (more like a size 1).
Using a size D hook with your yarn probably is making a pretty tight feeling square which means your finished blanket will be dense and maybe not very drapey. If you're happy with that look and feel, continue on!
Otherwise, you can either go up a few hook sizes (to maybe a G or H) and end up with bigger squares (and of course, a bigger blanket!), or you can find another yarn that's thinner and hopefully just as affordable!
I hope this info helps. Let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one!
Good luck,
Whitney
Hi, I am really interested in making this blanket.
Must be having a blonde moment… but what wiegth yarn is this?
Would fingering (4 ply) yarn be ok for this?
Thanks
Hi Laura-
It is fingering weight. 4 ply would work fine!
Thank you for your question!
Molly
I started a little while ago on this lovely blanket. I find on almost all of my squares that where the pattern says crochet dc for 19, 23 stitches to the next corner that I have to skip a stitch after I have crocheted into the corner for it all to add up, otherwise I end up needing 20 dcs or 24'. The overall product still looks lovely. Any tips to what I may be doing incorrectly?
BTW – I am using a different yarn but similar weight and 1 hook size larger.
Thanks,
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
How mysterious! The problem could be almost anywhere, so here's a question: for Round 5, do you also have to skip a stitch to get 13 dc's along the side? If not, then the problem must be with that round. If so, then we'll have to troubleshoot further. Let me know; I'd like to get to the bottom of this!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Thank you for such a fantastic pattern. I have started it for my baby due in December. I have made a blanket for each of my kids before they were born and this one is for our last baby…….its the most fun I have had making, sshhhhh but don't tell the others 😉
Hi Dana,
Your question was accidentally lost during a recent site construction. Luckily, I had it on file. For curious readers, here's what you said…
I have been wanting to learn to crochet and now I want to more than ever. I LOVE this blanket for my daughter. Since I do not understand any of this lingo (yet) do you think this is an ok first project for me or will it just frustrate me?
Dana
In answer to your question, it depends! If you're usually a pretty quick learner at things like this and have patience and perseverance, then yes! The square that makes up this design includes a little bit of all the basic stitches, so you'd definitely learn a lot.
If you're not up for a challenge, however, you might want to start with something a bit more basic, like our Fruity Trivets and Potholders: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2013/7/28/super-soft-merino-fruity-trivets-pot-holders.html
Whatever you decide, I hope you do learn to crochet. It's a ton of fun!
Whitney
So, I am having a hard time counting the stitches in the round (I am brand new to crocheting). I always seem to come up with more stitches than I should have. Like on round 2 I come up with 34 instead of 32. I chain 3 and then start into the next stitch right next to the chain. I do like the pattern states and do 2 in each stitch and then 1 DC into the base of the chain – and I have 34 stitches. Do you know what I am doing wrong or do you know of a great website that could show me how to count? Thanks for the help.
Hi Jess,
For Round 2, I suspect that you're making the first pair of double crochets into the stitch at the base of the chain 3 rather than into the next stitch.
And in general, learning where to put your stitches so that the counts come out correctly is maybe the hardest part of learning how to crochet. While you're learning, I think it's helpful to plan the round before you do it. For Round 2, for example, study where you're going to put your 15 double crochet pairs and one chain 3-double crochet pair in order to make 32 stitches. You'll start to understand the structure of crochet better and will get a lot of good practice!
Please let me know if you have any more questions. Thank you for this one and good luck!
Whitney
Wonderfull! ..And what a patience!
I just finished this blanket for our 5th baby boy due in Dec, and am so proud of it. It is so gorgeous, I am using it as the main crib blanket for the room. I used simply soft and soft secret yarns from hobby lobby/joanns/michaels because they have so many color options for less expensive yarn, and they are nice and soft. i would have loved to use superwash wool, but am way too poor for that. 🙂
Thanks for this pattern. I will treasure this blanket forever!
Help! My guage is going crazy! I am a beginner crochet'er and my first square came out at 4 3/4 inches, which I though was close enough, but now mt second square is 5 inches! I am guessing I am crocheting too loose, so should I just go down a hook size, or should I try to tighten up? If I go down a hook size, should I even use those squares in the blanket or would they just look wonky??
Thank you for sharing this beautiful blanket! I'm making the smaller crib blanket due to the cost but suppose I could always add more squares to the blanket as the baby gets older (and I squirrel away more blanket money!).
I'm on 3/63 and loving every second.
Hi Shelley,
A quarter inch difference will definitely not be discernible in the finished blanket.
And as far as changing hook sizes, you could use a size smaller if you want, but it really depends on whether you like the look and feel of the squares you have. Since the blanket doesn't have to "fit", the gauge is more flexible than it would be for something like a sweater or hat. If you continue with the hook you're using, expect your finished blanket to be a bit bigger!
Thanks so much for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful pattern! I am thinking of tackling a variation of this blanket as my first crochet project for my new babe due in January, and was wondering about yarn choices. Mainly I am wondering if I can combine yarn types between then middle and outer parts? I have a bunch of dk baby bamboo colors left over from my first baby blanket, but would like to make this blanket a little fuzzier/softer/fluffier. What I would like to try is using the baby bamboo for the middle and then a bigger gauge perhaps like the Blue Sky Brushed Suri from your shop? Do you have a recommendation and if so could you also recommend the appropriate hook size as I have no experience.
Thank you!!
Hi Kira,
You certainly can combine different yarns, but you do want to make sure that they are close in weight (or "gauge"), otherwise you may end up with some unpleasant problems, like buckling and stretching. If the bamboo you have is a DK weight, then the Blue Sky Suri Merino would most likely be a good partner (and probably not "a bigger gauge", as you suggest).
As for hook size, you'll want to use an F (or 4 mm) hook or thereabouts, depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet.
I'm very excited for you to embark on your crochet journey. Making a blanket for your baby is the best motivation! Good luck and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Hmmm….to be honest, I would probably sit it on my craft table and play with it for a week or so. I would look at all kinds of colour combos, sort them into groups, mix them up into crazy patterns.I would take lots of pictures of it and put it on Instagram so my non yarny friends would realise that I really am obsessed. Then I'd probably look at my Pinterest crochet board http://www.pinterest.com/ozhulagal/crochet-love/ where I have 840 options of things to make!! I am pretty keen on the 'Flowers in the Snow" afghan but can't buy Sport weight yarn in more than about 8 dull colours in Australia (I do have a US address by the way…just incase i win!). Im also pretty keen on the Mixed stripy blanket that Ive seen somewhere online……So I guess the next thing I would do is spend waaaaay too much time on the net looking for more options.
By then it would be winter here again…..(June or July) then I would get started on something, not exactly sure what….I think I'd have to play with the colours a bit more before I could make a final decision!!!
Awesome pattern! It's so hard to find good crochet patterns on the internet, which seems to be ruled by knitting. The more crochet patterns, especially blankets, the better!!
Hi there! I was curious if it would be OK if I used a larger HOOK for this blanket? What are your thoughts on that?
thank you!!! I can't wait to get started 🙂
Hi Gina,
If you are using one of our kits, you should use whatever size hook produces a square that is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches. Otherwise, you could run out of yarn.
If you're using some other kind of yarn or your own collection of Koigu KPM, then you should use whatever size hook makes fabric that you like! Maybe you're a tight crocheter; or maybe you would prefer a looser fabric than I made. Either way, feel free to experiment with different hooks until you like what you get!
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
When will you have full kits available again? I am hoping to split this with a friend and we will make 2 full size and 2 crib blankets total. Does that mean I should order 23 extra skeins of the white? Thanks so much!
Hi Autumn-
Please contact customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com and they can help you with this.
Thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
I want to make a lap afghan to use in our den from this pattern and wonder if your sizing would be too large for this purpose. If so, what would you suggest?
Hi Linda-
The finished size 40 X 54 which seems like a nice throw blanket size to me. But if you would like something smaller or in different dimension please read the section of this pattern called "Designing your own Blanket" and you can make any size you like!
Thanks so much for writing in!
Molly
Hi, Molly,
I've decided to make the 40×50 blanket for my daughter. She likes autumn colors in subtle shades, nothing bright or too bold. She mentioned brick red, sage green, burnt oranges, and blue. I'm not so sure about the blue. I am having trouble locating enough colors locally to visualize the blanket. I want to use no more than 11 or 12 different colors for the inside squares and a neutral for the borders. Is there another neutral that would be better suited to this color scheme, or is 00 ideal? Some of the colors I like in your finished blanket are not listed for purchase. Can you help me by suggesting some colors that would work with this plan? I find it near impossible to choose without seeing the yarns in a grouping in the flesh! Thank you in advance for your help with this project. I can't wait to get started!
Hi Linda,
Beautiful idea! I found a really gorgeous palette for you at the store, so they are all currently available there, and most of them are also available on line. Feel free to call the store at (212) 420-8796 if you'd like to order from them!
The colors are 1200, 2229, 2200, 1220, 1239, 4005, 1233, 2343, 2341, and 2335. And for the border the 00 (ecru) would be nice, or try 2390.5 for another beautiful option!
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this fun one!
Whitney
Hi there- when you suggest a white vinegar bath, how long do you recommend soaking and in terms of rinsing, I assume just warm water?
thanks!
Hi Ella,
I've always let my yarn soak in the vinegar bath for an hour or two, but researching an answer for you, I see that some reliable sources suggest overnight. You learn something new every day!
And, yes, warm water is fine for rinsing. I also throw some Soak soap in there because it doesn't need rinsing and it eliminates the vinegar smell. Soak can be found right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/105-notions-tools-accessories?company=240
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
I just wanted to thank you for this project. Somehow, I have completed it using only leftovers (10 years of knitting + my friend's nan's leftovers!), and it makes me truly happy. I would never, ever have thought of such a simple, effective and beautiful design.
Thank you again,
Ann
I am currently making the crib size blanket in the Kitchen Garden colors. I was thinking about making the blanket a little bit bigger and was trying to figure out some other colors that might go well with the current color scheme. Any ideas?
Hi Jess-
This sounds like a lovely idea! If you email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com they will be happy to help you with picking out extra colors.
Thanks!
Molly
Hello!
I was wondering if the complete rainbow blanket kits will be available for purchase again in the future? Thank you!
-Mary 🙂
Hi Mary-
Please send customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com an email about this and they'll be happy to let you know when we expect more in stock!
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi, I want to reply to all the people asking for a similar knitting pattern. I didn't take the time to look through all the comments to see if someone wrote this already, but ANYWAY, the POP blanket by tincanknits has a very similar look. However, it may be somewhat advanced (it involves knitting squares from the center out).
Hope this helps!
Lovely blanket and tutorial!!! Thanks!
Thank you so much for this beautiful blanket and … the way of crocheting it … Is that good in english? I'm french and I am afraid of making mistakes ;o)
I'll try to show you the blanket I'm going to begin …
Thank you !
hello whitney, although i don't crochet i am a rainbow-a-holic and NEED this blanket. as other readers have mentioned it is very expensive. but after researching other yarns i decided i just have to use kpm. since i figure it will take an eternity to make the blanket anyway i plan to purchase the 12 (yes an extra) of the 00 and buy a handful of the colors as i can. but looking at the current stock of colors it doesn't seem as extensive as the range you used in bear's blanket. and what is the second set of parenthesis in the color mean? thanks, leslie
oops, not the second set, the first.
hello again whitney, further reading the design your own section i decided to look at the needlepoint yarn selection. now we are talking about broad spectrum color! is this yarn the same as the yarn in the knitting section except in smaller packaging, in otherwords can i buy my 12 skeins of 00 from the knitting selection and go crazy picking the inside colors from the needlepoint selection? please say yes. leslie
Hi Leslie,
Yes!! The needlepoint yarn is exactly the same as the 175-yard skeins! Also, to answer your other question about the number in parentheses, that is the dye lot. Koigu's dye lots are often quite different from each other, so we like to let people know which lots are available in case they're trying to get more of what they already have.
Good luck with your Rainbow Blanket. I'm so glad you've found a yarn and color solution that works for you!
Whitney
Hello!
I would like to do this beautiful blanket in worsted weight yarn. Can you recommend the correct hook size to use? Also, how big do you think will the squares will end up being? Thanks,
Lois
Hi Lois,
The hook size depends on the yarn you choose (even worsted weight yarns come in many weights, from "light" to "heavy"), but in general, a G, H or I hook would be a good place to start your experiments. And I don't know how big each square will end up, but I imagine about 7 inches…?? Try one out, and remember that if it feels too tight or looks too loose, try a different hook size.
Thanks so much for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
Hi Whitney, after 6 months I've finally completed all the squares for the 3 rainbow blankets I am doing for my daughters!!! I just loved doing the squares and am so sad to be finished but of course am now faced with the task of sewing them all up!!! I've completed one blanket but am concerned that the squares aren't sitting nice and flat like yours, they're a little puckered. I attached squares using the single crochet method and am wondering if this (and it's tension) is the problem or is there something I should do such as iron it?
I'd really like to get this right before I move onto the next two, particularly after all the beautiful work I've put into them.
I don't know how to attach a photo so I hope you get what I mean!!
Thanks so much for the gorgeous pattern, it's been such a wonderful journey.
Kate
Hi Kate,
Wow, congratulations on coming so close to finishing such an endeavor! I hope you figure out how to attach photos so we can see all three blankets when they're done!
I would say that some puckering is normal (especially around the corners) and that as the blanket stretches and settles with wear, the puckering works itself out. However, if you're experiencing serious ripples and bumps, then yes, it could be a tension problem with your single crochets (maybe try a bigger hook).
It could also be that you haven't quite sorted out the way the four corners meet. I suggest starting and ending each side by crocheting together the center stitch of the two corners you're attaching. This means that each corner stitch will eventually get crocheted twice (one time for each adjoining square).
Please let us know if you need any more advice, because I want all of that hard work to end beautifully too! Thanks so much for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Would the Cascade 220 Superwash Sport yarn work well for this? Is it a soft yarn? I would love to use the Koigu brand but I have 2 daughters who would love for me to make a blanket and I am looking for something a little less expensive without risking softness and comfort. Thanks so much!
Diane,
Did you use the Cascade 220 Superwash Sport yarn? I am also interested in a more affordable option without sacrificing softness and color. I love the Koigu but I simply can’t afford it for the size I would like to make.
If you did use it, what colors/color pattern did you use?
Thanks,
Jennifer
Jennifer, I used the Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, with a size 5.0 hook and it’s turning out really nicely!! I’m in the assembly phase now. I made the blanket with 8 colours, blues, greens and yellows. Each skein made 5 squares. I lost count of the number of whites steins I used, sorry. My blanket is going to be able 56″ by 35″ when it’s done. Hope that helps 🙂
What lovely blanket. Wonderful colors. Thank you so much for the easy to follow intruction. I already tried one square with a cotton yarn and love it. I willl be looking for to find the rainbow colors and make one for my dougther.
Is there any differences between merino wool and the wool?
http://artikkizimicinoruyorum.blogspot.com.tr/2014/07/battaniye-yapacagm-3.html
Hi Hulya-
Thanks! I'm not sure I understand your question about the wool. Our version of this blanket is made with 100% merino wool, which is a soft and smooth and comes from a Merino Sheep, but the pattern will work with almost any fiber (like cotton, as you know!)
If I didn't answer your question please let me know and thanks for the kind words about this pattern!
Molly
Hi Diane,
Yes, I think that would be a very nice (and affordable!) choice! The Cascade Superwash Sport may be a little thicker than the Koigu KPM, but that just means you'll either make fewer squares or make a bigger blanket!
Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi, I have a question about fixing the colors. I have been dutifully soaking the skeins with the vinegar solution and found that, despite doing this over and over, and rinsing and rinsing, the deeply saturated colors are still running. I’ve been at it for two days, and when I rinse the skein the water is still lightly tainted. Should the rinsing water be clear? I must admit that the intense blue skein may now be ruined. So before I attempt this again I was hoping to find out what I am doing wrong. I’d hate to ruin any more skeins, or worse, not have them fixed properly and have them run into the white when I wash the blanket. Thanks in advance for any help…
Hi Nicole,
Some dye colors are very stubborn, especially, as you say, deeply saturated colors. But even so, you should not have to nearly ruin a skein before the water runs clear! We have been in touch with Koigu about this, and they were sorry to hear your story and are happy to replace your skein for you. We will be directly in touch with you to make sure this happens!
Thank you so much for alerting us to this problem!
Whitney
Thanks Whitney. I appreciate your reply and the offer to replace the skein. I was actually at the store and the girls were so helpful and sorted out the replacement. It does sound like the blue skein was behaving abnormally. I’m pleased to report, however, that I’ve made a good start on the squares and am excited at how they’re turning out!
any ideas on what to do with the leftover yarn? 🙂
Hi Summer,
How about starting with a pair of Crocheted Striped Hand Warmers? https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/02/13/whits-knits-crocheted-striped-hand-warmers/
Maybe a smaller, more colorful version of our Granny Stripe Blanket: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/04/16/elegant-granny-style-the-granny-stripe-blanket/
Some wild Granny Circle Placemats? https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/06/19/whits-knits-granny-circle-placemats/
Or how about another Rainbow Blanket?
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Thanks so much for sharing! I love this pattern ^_^
I’ve been looking for inspiration for a comfort blanket for my nearly 10 year old grandson and have found it in this pattern. Thank you so much.
Love the combination of colours. You did a wonderful job! 🙂
This is so terrific looking! Searching for an “easy to travel with” car project and crochet projects work best for me as I need a break from my long term knit projects in progress and this is it. My Mother in Law was FAMOUS, in our family of course, for her Granny Square ‘Ghans so this will be a perfect future gift for her son, my hubby, in fall/winter/masculine color gradations. I just love it! Thank you!
This blanket is great ! Thanks for sharing !
In putting the blanket together, do you whip stitch with wrong sides together? I am trying to decide whether to whip or slip and am almost finished with my 84 squares, so I’ll need to decide soon! Is there any downside to sewing the pieces together using the whip stitch? Is it a sturdy seam?
Hi Linda D.,
I guess I would say I whip stitched with wrong sides together, but more accurately, I sewed my pieces side by side. That way I was able to get the tension just how I wanted it. If you sew with the wrong sides pressed together, you could find that when you lay the pieces flat, there is a tight ridge along the seam. However, if you sew with the pieces how they’re going to be, that’s less likely to happen.
I’m very happy with the way the whip stitch has held up. Not a single hole yet!
Thanks for asking and congratulations on having come this far! We can’t wait to see your blanket when it’s all done. Send us a photo or a link!
Whitney
Thanks, Whitney! I’ve tried several different techniques for joining the squares, but your choice of the whip stitch looks best. How do you secure the ends of the yarn, slip stitch? Please advise. I am hoping to finish this project in time for Christmas and have 16 squares to go plus the joining. I have developed fairly severe tendonitis in my right hand from crocheting, so am limiting myself to no more than one square a day. My left hand developed the same problem from knitting and resulted in surgery. My hope is to be able to complete this lap blanket before my hand situation makes that impossible! Wish me luck!
Hi Linda D,
The easiest, fastest and best way to secure the ends is to crochet or sew over them! Otherwise, you can thread each tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it indiscreetly into the fabric.
And I do wish you luck! I can’t stand to think that this blanket will end in surgery for you, so I hope you’re able to stick to your one-square-a-day schedule and I hope you think it was all worth it!
Whitney
Hi there!
I am about to begin Bear’s Rainbow Blanket for my son Javier and to start, have bought about half of the colors from your Soho store and online. At my request, my purchased skeins were wound into balls. After requesting this, I remembered that the instructions called for soaking the darker colors in a white vinegar solution. I think if I soak wound balls they will never fully dry so then I was thinking I can soak and then block the darker colored crocheted squares once completed. Then a friend pointed out that they could shrink, which is why you would usually soak before using the yarn. She came up with another solution, which is to soak and block all the squares, regardless of color on completion, soaking the darker colors in vinegar and then a cleansing bath and the lighter colors only in a cleansing bath. If you have any other suggestions or if you think I would be better off unwinding the balls and soaking before I begin, please let me know.
Many thanks in advance for the advice!
Hi Jen!
I think you have some great ideas! If it were me, I would probably crochet the inside squares (excluding the white border), and block all of them following your idea on using vinegor or some other mordant for the darker colors. Then I would crochet the white borders, and block all of the squares; that way during the second time blocking, you can make sure every square is the same exact size before assembling the blanket together.
Happy Crocheting!
Thomas
would this method also work for closing a seam on a flat knitted hat?
Hi Linda!
You could definitely use this kind of stitch to close a hat. I would use a mattress stitch instead, however. Click here for a tutorial!
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
I want to cry. I have spend 3 hours trying to read these instructions and watching you tube videos and I can’t figure out how to do this. Do you know of a video that will show a complete noob how to make this? Your instructions are more for people who have done this before and seeing this blanket I just have to give crochet a go (i’m a sewer). I have all the supplies but no idea on how to follow these pics 🙂
Hi Esther-
Is this your first crochet pattern ever? If that’s the case I would recommend you maybe make a few traditional granny squares first to get the basics down: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2007/03/30/granny-squares/
If that’s not the case, and you have crocheted before, let us know what specific steps you’re having problems with and we can try to talk you through it.
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Yep it’s the first time ever to crochet. I had to watch a you tube video on getting the tension correct. I’ll give the granny squares a try, thank you. Hopefully someone in my extended family will take pity on my over Christmas and give me personalised instructions 🙂
Hi, I love this pattern but $780 is a bit steep for me. What is an affordable alternative to this wool (and has the corresponding colours if possible)? I live in the UK.
Thank you.
Hi Claire!
The Koigu is actually the least expensive yarn per skein we have! I think the best thing to do would be to plan a smaller blanket using a couple of our smaller kits found here. You can also make the yarn go a little further by doing fewer colors, and doing more squares out of each color.
You might also be successful by doing many more squares of the same color using another fingering weight yarn that has more yardage in each skein. See our full range of fingering weight yarn here!
Happy Crocheting!
Thomas
I love love this blanket and I am currently practicing squares using cheap yarns. I live in the tropics (Indonesia) and I might be crazy to use KPM blanket as an everyday blanket, so can you give me suggestions on cotton yarns suitable for this pattern that you carry?
Hi Jun!
We’re so glad you like this blanket! You could use our Cascade Ultra Pima, though it is a little bit thicker than the yarn called for on the pattern. If you’d like a fingering weight, you might check out our Anzula Milky Way, or Anzula Sebastian, which both are blends with plant fibers.
Happy Crocheting!
Thomas
Thank you for your reply. If I am to go with Cascade Pima, how much bigger (or thicker) would the blanket turn out? The amount of yarn needed would also change, I believe? I can’t wait to start
Hi Jun,
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to say for certain the difference it would make. I would suggest just making a couple of squares, and see how big you could make the blanket based on that!
-Thomas
Whitney,
I’ve communicated with you before regarding this handsome blanket. I’m down to the wire on this project and am pushing to finish joining the 96 squares before Christmas. I am knotting the ends of the yarn using a slip stitch before working the tails in because I’m afraid of the yarn loosening. Is that okay? Also, I am unsure about joining the four corners of my squares. I am putting the squares together by whip stitching the rows separately and then attaching each row to the blanket. Should the corners of the squares be stitched together so they have more of a straight line or should I be keeping the rounded edges free until joining to the row above? I’m finding that it’s easier to stitch the four corners together when the corners of the squares are stitched all the way to the center of the point (creating more of a straight line). Is this correct? After so much work, I don’t want to mess up with the joining! By the way, my blanket will be 8 squares wide by 12 squares long and my squares measure 5″ using Madelintosh merino fingering (sock) yarn. I have a border in sage (for summer), and the interior is in gold, orange, red, dark green, and two shades of brown (for autumn). It will be given to my stepdaughter on Christmas morning, but I hope to visit it often.
Hi Linda!
Congrats on getting this far! Your blanket is going to be so beautiful! Regarding the slip knot, I think that is totally ok – as long as you work your ends in, the blanket will be secure. As far as your corners go, it sounds like you have a great plan for the corners. Whip stitching the pieces together is more of an art than a science, so it is up to you to decide how you’d like it to look! As long as you continue doing the same thing each time, it will look consistent!
Happy Stitching!
Thomas
I finished whip stitching the 96 squares on the Tuesday night before Christmas! It looked fabulous! I’d like to send you a photo of it electronically. Is there a way to do that?
Linda
Hi Linda!
You can either send it to us on facebook, or you can send it to us at purlbee AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thanks!
Thomas
This is one of the very few patterns I like. I’m a newbie when it comes to crocheting and whatnot. I had a very hard time understanding the instructions. This is where a video tutorial would benefit me 🙁
Was anyone able to replicate this pattern?
is this uk or us pattern please
Hi Jo!
This is a US pattern.
-Thomas
I just finished my Rainbow Bear Quilt and what a beauty! It was really great visiting Purl Soho and purchasing the Koigu yarn over a few months. I ended up with 72 different colors in mine, but I did keep the same progression of color.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Hi I have just started making this blanket and as I am using a 5 ply 100%pure wool, with a size D hook. My square doesn’t look neat and flat like yours, it seems to buckle and fold, I am wondering if you have any advice for me please.
Hi Bernadine!
You can try to wet-block each piece to see if you can get it to lay flat. If that doesn’t work, I am just suspicious that perhaps the wool you are using is to thick? Make sure you are using a fingering to sport weight wool so that the circle part of the pattern increases at the right rate.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Hi thanks for your rely, 5 ply in Australia is apparently the same as 2 or Fine , Sport, Baby, 3-ply in America, so it appears that I am using the right weight, I am now wet blocking as i go an this seems to have fixed the problem. I do have one other question and that is as hard as I try and redo I always seem to be 2 stitches short by the time i get to round five and the 2 boarder rows. So when you say stitch to next corner space do you mean into the corner space and then do the eg 2dc 2c 2dc etc or do you mean crochet to the space before the corner space and then do the 2dc,2c,2dc in the corner, when I get to the last boarder row I only have five stitches in the corner is this correct, or should I have 6. I just seem to be making a small error somewhere and despite pulling out rows and recounting I can’t quite figure out where I am going wrong.
thanks for your help
Hi Bernadine!
Whenever it says “stitch to next corner space” it means do do DCs up to and including the stitch before the corner. You won’t do any stitching in the corner space until you begin the direction to do 5 DCs in the corner.
It’s hard to say where you might be getting 2 stitches short, but that could definitely be contributing to the difficulty getting the square to lie flat. If blocking helps, that’s great!
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Thanks Thomas, that clears up my confusion over how far to crochet, and yes despite pulling the first 3 squares apart several times and recounting, I can’t work it out where I am loosing stitches, but blocking is certainly helping and they look fine, so I will keep going on my crib blanket. I wish we had a shop like yours here is Brisbane Australia. it is my favourite sewing/ knitting site and I get lots of lovely ideas from you. If ever i cone to NY, you are on my to visit list.
Hi, if I wanted to find a video to help me with the granny square, where could I find one? I can’t seem to find one that is similar to this pattern. Thanks. 🙂
Hi Madi-
We don’t have a video for a Granny Square but I’m sure you can find one by going to You Tube and searching “Granny Square”- it’s a fairly standard pattern!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi there,
I’m new to crochet and while I’m picking up the basic stitches ok, I seem to be having trouble and my square just isn’t looking right. I’m only up to the second row, but instead of being flat like the one pictured, mine is going wavy… I’m using what I believe is 4ply but I’m using a H/5mm hook as that’s all I’ve got at home at the moment, could this be the problem or am I doing something wrong??
I absolutely love this pattern and am hoping to finish one by the time I have a baby (I’m currently single, so I have plenty of time up my sleeve!)
Hope you can help, thanks : )
Hello Aimee,
Can you send us a few more details about the yarn you’re using? Most companies, depending where they are made, use different ply systems that could mean many different things. If its coming out very wavy, it could mean that you’re crocheting too tight. Feel free to send over some more information at [email protected] and we can get you sorted out!
Alyson
Thanks, I will email you now
I love this blanket, but I am not a crocheter. Have you or anyone else created a pattern for this in knitting that would similar?
Hi Bonnie-
We don’t know of a similar pattern for knitting but you can check out all of our knitted blanket patterns here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/home-projects-knit/blankets-decor-home-projects-knit/
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi there. My question is in regards to sewing the squares together. Everyone always shows the nice finished edge of the stitches, but no one shows the sides of the squares where you turn at. Mine never look very neat along the sides. Any tips?
Thank you
Hi Kristine,
To make the corners lie flat where they come together, be sure that the very corner of each square is stitched to the very corner of each adjacent square. This means that each corner (except the ones that are at the edge of the blanket) will be stitched through twice: once when joining it to the square to its right and once when joining it to the square to its left.
I hope this helps you get the neat finish you’re hoping for. If not, please write back with more questions and we’ll get you on the right path!
Thank you so much for asking and good luck,
Whitney
What a gorgeous pattern! I’ve made two squares in cotton yarn for a friend’s baby to make a smaller baby blanket. So gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
thank you verry mach
After years of longing for this blanket I bit the bullet and purchased the kit. I have seen many different solutions to use for soaking the yarn, but I would prefer to use the proven combination of water and vinegar (i.e. 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup water) for this particular yarn. Could you share? Also, would it be okay to rinse the yarn in Woolite after the soak so the yarn doesn’t smell like salt ‘n vinegar chips?
I learned to crochet just so I could make this blanket and don’t want to mess up any of the steps…any mistake would be too costly:-)
Thank you!
Hi Kate,
I’m so glad you hear you like the blanket. I agree that a vinegar soak would work great. I don’t see any reason a Woolite rinse would be bad for the yarn. We also sell a blocking rinse called Soak which smells great and would work to get rid of the smell: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/company/240-Soak
Thanks for your question!
Jake
Hi Jake.
Thanks for the response regarding the post-vinegar bath rinse. However, you didn’t address my initial question…what is the ratio of vinegar and water for the vinegar bath?
Thanks!
Hey Kate,
The ratio I usually use is a teaspoon of vinegar for a cup of water unless there is a lot of excess dye in which I would put in a tablespoon of vinegar. Blue dye is notorious for bleeding a lot so you can be more generous with the vinegar for those yarns.
Thanks for your questions!
Jake
Hi Jake and Purlbee,
I made a similar blanket for my first crocheting project–much smaller and with grey instead of white, but otherwise all bright Koigu colors. I washed it once in cold water on delicate with no incident, and recently washed it again the same way, and the colors bled very badly! I wonder if there is a way to undo his?
Hello Kate!
What a tragedy! How odd that the blanket didn’t react during the first wash and did react in the second. Unfortunately there isn’t a full proof method to un-do the color bleed, but if you email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com with your address we’d be happy to send you some Shout Color Catchers that may help a lot with picking up the excess yarn dye.
I would recommend trying this product with your blanket in just a tub of cool water or in the sink with very little agitation. I wouldn’t let it soak for too long, no more that 10-15 minutes.
Please let us know how it goes and best of luck! -Alyson
I’m drooling over this blanket. I’m in love! But I’m a knitter and I never crocheted before. (Is that the correct past tense?) I thought about coming in to learn to crochet but I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how to knit this instead and still get the same beautiful, yummy look?
Hi Bonnie-
Crocheted is the correct past tense!
An enterprising Purl Bee reader actually did create a knit version of this blanket that you can see here: http://blueberryhillcrafting.com/2013/03/16/rainbow-blocks-blanket-the-end-finally/
http://blueberryhillcrafting.com/2012/11/21/rainbow-blocks-blanket-the-beginning/
We haven’t tested the pattern but it turned out beautifully for her!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
After some serious lusting after this project, I’m ready to buy my yarn! One question relating to joining: could you obtain the same look by employing a join-as-you-go process? Thanks!
Dear Alana,
Of course you can! What a responsible and disciplined way of going about it! Then you can see the blanket grow! Happy stitching!
Alyson
I tried this pattern yesterday in a practice square. I love the way it looks, and your step-by-step photos really helped me as I don’t have a lot of experience crocheting in rounds. I see more of squares these in my future!
Hi I have been practising the squares and think I am ready to start making my blanket…. but I am in the uk and am struggling to find a place that stocks enough different colours of KPM to make the complete set. Can You recommend either somewhere I can order from which will ship to the uk, a similar brand which will have enough colours in uk, or can you ship to uk? any advice appreciated!
emma
Hi Emma,
Thank you for the comment! You can order from our website and we ship internationally! We actually have all the needed yarns being sold together in a kit which you can purchase here; https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8943
If you’d prefer to choose your own colors you can browse our selection here; https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/410-Koigu-Wool-Designs-Koigu-Premium-Merino-KPM
If you have anymore questions feel free to write us back and good luck with your color selection!
Happy Crafting!
Jake
I’m having some trouble with this pattern. Rnd 4 requires 48 sts, which is what I’m supposed to have at the end of Rnd 3, but if I do the
“2 dc into the last stitch” as Rnd 3 indicates, then I will end up with 50 sts not 48 and then I have too many sts to do Rnd 4 properly. However, Rnd 5 seems to require more than 48 sts to work properly, yet no sts have been added in Rnd 4.
The only way I can get the math to work is if I delete the part that says “2 dc into the last stitch” in Rnd 3, and change Rnd 5 to put 1 dc in 11 of the side sts instead of the 13 the pattern calls for. I haven’t even gotten to the outside border yet.
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for the comment! If you slip the last stitch in round 3 you should end up with 48 crochets. That slipped stitch is what kicks off round 4 so as long as it isn’t included in round 3 you should end that round with 48 crochets. Then the following rows should work out properly.
I hope this helps and feel free to write us back if you are still having issues!
Good Luck!
Jake
Hi!
I have been wanting to add a double crochet border to my blanket, in a different color. I’d do 3 treble knots where the squares meet (and there is a dip).
Do you have any tips or advice?
Thank you,
Asmah
Hi Asmah,
Thank you for the comment! I think that this would all work great. I think that there will be a little bit of a dip regardless of the technique used in order to turn the corner nicely. I would go forth with this plan and if there is anything that you would like more advice on feel free to respond or send us an email with photos of your work and we can help figure it out!
Good Luck!
Jake
I am new to crochet and am enjoying this project very much. However, I have noticed that my squares have a slight difference in look when I turn the square over…there is a definite front and back. Should there be? And if there should not be how do I correct this? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Stacy
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for the comment! Crochet does have a noticeable front and back, it’s not as drastic of a contrast as a knit vs purl side of a knit fabric but it is noticeable. You are probably doing everything correct but if you would like to double check we have some really great crochet tutorials you can view here; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet/tutorials/
I hope this helps and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
I’m thinking of making this as a baby blanket for my first baby 🙂 Do you think it will be difficult for a beginner crocheter? Also, would cotton yarn be a good choice of so that it is easily washable or would it lose its shape? Thanks so much!
Hi Alexis,
This isn’t an intrinsically difficult blanket, but maybe you should try a square with some scrap yarn and see how it goes. We’d be happy to answer any questions you encounter!
The Koigu KPM is actually machine-washable (on a gentle cycle), but if you’d prefer a cotton, I think that would be great too. You’re right that it will stretch a bit, but I’m not sure that should stop you! Cascade’s Ultra Pima would be a nice choice: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7117-Cascade-Yarns-Ultra-Pima
Thank you for your questions and congratulations on expecting your first baby. I’m sure he/she will love whatever you make!
Whitney
Hi Whitney,
Thank you for your response. I would definitely prefer to use the Koigu, but I didn’t think it was machine washable. Could you tell me how many inner color pieces I would be able to make out of one skein if I plan on making multiples of each color?
Thanks again!
Hi again Alexis,
Koigu is machine washable (again, on a gentle cycle), although the label errs on the side of caution and says to hand wash it. If you are using saturated colors, you should soak them in a bath of warm water and white vinegar before you wind them into balls (and/or use a “color catcher” when you first launder your blanket [Shout makes one]). And to dry your blanket, I would lay it flat, rather than put it in the dryer.
You can make 9 or 10 squares with one skein of Koigu KPM. There’s lots more information about yardage in the section of the pattern called To Design Your Own Blanket.
Keep the questions coming!
Whitney
Would a sport weight yarn work as well?
Hi Alexis,
Yes, absolutely! In fact, practically any weight yarn would work. The only thing to keep in mind is that the weight of yarn you use will change the size of each square, and thus, perhaps, the number of squares you want to make. And, of course, the warmth and weight of the finished blanket will change!
Actually, Mammaj71 just left a comment (the one following this one) that shares her experience using a worsted weight yarn. Check it out!
Whitney
Hi. I was wondering if there were more pictures of the layout of the crib size blanket? I am using 7 colors (9 of each) and I am trying to figure out how to lay them out. Thanks!
Hello Alexis,
We’re so glad you’re making this fun and colorful blanket! Unfortunately we don’t have any other photos of these blankets at this time. I would lay it out flat and have fun mixing and matching up the colors!
Best of luck! -Alyson
I have to say…I used this pattern with worsted yarn and it turned out just as stunning as the small blocks…I use an “H” Hook and everyone loves them…it is a nice change of pace from my granny squares. Each stitch and angle is beautiful and displays colors beautiful array as well! Thank you!
I am just getting started on this pattern, it’s so beautiful and can’t wait to make if for my baby girl. I do have a question about round 5, it says to make the stitches into the corner space, does this mean it’s not into the actual stitch but the space inside of the stitch? I want to make sure I’m doing this right before I get too far into the project.
Hello Jamie!
You’re right! You won’t be inserting your hook into the actual “v” of the stitch, but just into the little hole created by the previous stitches. Please don’t hesitate to write back if anything else turns out to be tricky! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi!
I see that I can still order the complete kit for the blanket but since I could do 3 blankets with the kit, I would like to order 33 skeins of color #00 for the borders. I cannot do it if I simply order the kit and I cannot see the yarn available anymore. Can you please tell me how I can order the additional 22 skeins in color #00?
Thanks,
Jenya
Hello Jenya!
That yarn is still available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/koigu-painter-s-palette-premium-merino-kpppm-and-premium-merino-kpm.html
Make sure you chose the color KPM 0000 and you will be getting the creamy white color we used in this pattern for the borders. Thanks for writing in! If you have any further issues with your order, please feel free to email directly customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com. Thank you! -Alyson
Hi,
Thank you for pointing out the yarn. I didn’t realize it is the same as the one used for the blanket.
May I ask you to update the links in the pattern description since they are pointing to nowhere currently. Seems you did some web-page restructuring and it would be nice for all of us trying this patter to see the detailed instructions.
Kind Regards!
Jenya
Hello Jenya!
We are still working on the links–thank you so much for letting us know they’re still not functioning correctly! Best of luck and happy knitting! -Alyson
So I am almost finished with this behemoth (10 squares by 14!) and now am facing LOTS of end weaving and whip stitching. My main question concerns laundering and colorfastness. I was planning a “handwash” cycle in my machine – gentle detergent a la Woolite, cold water with minimal agitation. I did use KPM with a few Tosh lights thrown into the mix. I initially pre-soaked all with 50/50 vinegar and water. Even so, my worst fear, after a more than a year’s work, is bleeding and the white borders going dingy.
So I have a box of these Shout color catchers… I guess what I can’t figure out is whether or not that is a one-time process. Like if I toss one in on the first gentle wash, can I assume it did its job and I can then subsequently gentle wash without one? Or in theory would I need to use one every time? The ones I got have a really strong artificial fragrance that I’m sensitive to, so I’m hoping it’s a one-shot thing then I can wash them in something unscented the next time!
I’m probably overthinking this, but I am so paranoid about the colors through the first few washes. I also know you guys aren’t the Shout Customer Advisory Panel , but I’d still appreciate some advice!
Thank you so much for this pattern. It’s been quite a journey!
Hi, Allison!
Thank you so much for writing in! Sorry about the terribly late response! Congrats on nearly finishing this blanket, I am sure you put a lot of time into it! It sounds like you’ve done everything that you can do keep the yarn from bleeding. Soaking all the wool in the vinegar mix will really prevent major bleeding. Because you did this step, you may not need to use the color catcher at all. But I recognize that you’ve put A LOT of work into this blanket, so I’d use the color catcher once. If you’re really concerned there are some great tutorials on how to make your own color catchers (so that you can avoid the artificial fragrance).
Please keep us updated on the colorfastness of your blanket!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I have been slowly working on this wonderful blanket for a year and I am finally to the point where it is time to block my squares and sew them together… So exciting!… Does the 4.5 x 4.5 measurement include the white border? If so, mine seem to be bigger…
Hi, Jeanine!
Thank you so much for writing in! Congrats on nearly completing this project! The 4.5″x4.5″ measurement includes the border. If your squares are larger you may have had a looser tension. Larger squares are okay for this project since it’s a blanket. The larger squares just mean that you’ll have a larger blanket, more to cuddle up with!
If you have further questions, please let us know! Again, thank you for writing in!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
What a lovely pattern! I’m considering making this blanket with a self-striping yarn to help make it both colorful and economical. I can’t seem to find the actual yardage that I should purchase, though. What is the yardage ratio of colored to white yarn? Will I use the same amount of colored yarn as white yarn? or should I purchase more of one or the other? Thank you for providing such an inspiring pattern for free!
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for your kind words about our design! We love getting to see all the different versions of the projects that our designers create! Each square uses about 32-34 total yards of Koigu KPM; 17-18 yards for the inside square and 15-16 yards for the outside border. You will also need additional yarn for the outside borders. Our blanket is made of 108 squares and for the border we used 11 skeins of Koigu KPM for a total of of 1925 yards.
You may want to make your blanket larger or smaller. I hope that this information helps you decide how much yarn will work for you!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you! That is exactly what I needed to know!
Was or could this pattern be converted to knitting instead of crochet?
Thanks
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern has not been converted to a knitting pattern. However, you could use our Log Cabin Washclothes as a base for creating your own knit version. You would knit the squares to approximate Bear’s Rainbow Blanket, using the washcloth pattern but a similar gauge yarn and needle to the blanket. You would then probably have to either sew the squares together or crochet them together.
I hope that this helps and let us know if you do end up making a knit version!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi. Do you recommend blocking each square before assembling them?
Hi Alexis,
Thanks for writing in. Though not necessary, the right thing to do would be to block each square. Since Koigu is a hand dyed yarn, I recommend that you block similar colors together and add a Shout Color Catcher to each bath. Blocking the squares will make seaming a lot easier because they will all be flat and measure the same height and width. Hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Thank you! I actually didn’t use koigu, but I may still do the color catchers when I wash my squares. Is that what you would recommend once the blanket is assembled as well? I want to be able to wash it without worrying!
Also, for blocking, should I use blocking wires or pins?
Hi Alexis,
If you are working with a hand dyed yarn, then I would definitely use color catchers. This way your white edges will stay white even if the dye runs. I don’t think you need to use blocking wires. Rather, you will just get the squares wet and lay them flat to dry. If they are all measuring within a 1/2″ of each other, then there is no need to pin them down. Since crochet can curl slightly after blocking, I would just gently steam the squares after blocking for those whose edges are turning up. This, however, is the most professional way of going about this and like I said in my previous response, you could get away without blocking at all.
Best,
Adam
Thank you, Adam!
Hello
I bough the kit for this lovely blanket and love working on it. I will of course have a lot of yarn left and I would love to do a ‘rainbow’ jumper for myself. Do you have any sugg stone for suitable patterns? Maybe a top to bottom design? Do you think I could use the Striped Spring Shirt pattern?
Anna-Lena
Hi Anna-Lena,
Thanks for writing in. So glad you are liking the Koigu for this blanket. I suggest you follow a top down pattern from one of Ann Budd’s books. The book is called “Knitter’s Handy Book of Top Down Sweaters” and it lets you create any top down sweater design in any gauge yarn. It is such a great source for those who need a basic sweater pattern but would like to add design details. Good luck!
Best,
Adam
Is it possible to knit granny squares? My daughter has sent me the link to this pattern, and we love it. However, I am an avid knitter, and while I can crochet, it effects my carpal tunnel terribly. Thand you for your time!
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for writing in! It is totally possible to knit granny squares. They look a little different but are beautiful and good for travel knitting. While we don’t have any knitted granny square patterns, there should be plenty on Ravelry or YouTube. Good luck on the search!
-Adam
Hi!
I adore this pattern but can’t afford the entire blanket kit in one pop. I was hoping to buy the yarn individually as I could afford it but it looks like some of the colors aren’t available on an individual basis. Is this true and if so is there another place I can get access to individual skeins?
thanks!
Hi Lindsey,
I’m so glad you love this pattern! It’s a really sweet blanket. Since this is an old pattern there are some colors we don’t carry anymore. I suggest you choose colors that are close to the out of stock colors. There are so many Koigu colors to choose from! Best of luck on the project!
-Adam
Hey Whitney!
I was so inspired by your design that I picked it up for my project and it’s finished. Took me 9 months, but I’m really proud. I am not too fond of wool for crochet, so I used cotton instead. I guess it’s heavier than yours.
Thanks for your pattern!
Regards,
Sanne (the Netherlands)
I crocheted this beautiful blanket for my stepdaughter using her favorite autumn colors in Madelinetosh fingering merino wool two years ago. Two of the squares developed holes, which must be moth or beetle damage. Needless to say, I was horrified to see the damage! She uses the blanket in her living room as a cover while watching TV, so it is always out. I have it now and have already soaked it in a 50/50 solution of water and distilled white vinegar, rinsed and dried it flat. Now I’m ready to crochet the replacement squares and do the repairs on the blanket. I have searched the net for ways to protect fine knitted/crocheted items from this kind of problem, but wonder if you could offer some additional comments and/or advice. This blanket is especially precious for many reasons. One is that I damaged my right wrist so badly from the work that it required release surgery to resolve the tendonitis! A warning to everyone out there working with needles and beautiful natural fibers, beware of insect damage and take extra good care of your hands and wrists.
Hi Linda,
How heartbreaking! As knitters and crocheters, moths are our great enemy! Storing hand knits with lavender and cedar certainly helps to keep the moths at bay. Making some nice sachets to store with the blanket could help greatly. Additionally, cleaning the blanket regularly (even if it is dry cleaning the item) can help keep moths away. Finally, after washing, you can store the item in an airtight bin when it is not in use for extended periods.
I hope that this helps and take care of your wrists!
Cassy
Hello I want to make this blanket in queen size. Have you any advice on how to arrange the squares to get w bigger size. I was looking for advice on colour placement? Many thanks
Hi Clare,
Thanks for writing in! First of all you will need about 270 squares to get a blanket around 65″x79″. this is more of a queen size bed topper and you will have 15 squares along the width and 18 along the height of the blanket. The best way to go about arranging color is by doubling the blanket and adding some more similar colors. If you’ll notice in one of the first pictures the blanket starts with pinks and then moves to reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues and then purples. I would try to stick to this color spread if you want the blanket to look similar. Let us know how it goes!
Best,
Adam
Hi. I have just finished all my squares for a crib sized blanket. I am kind of confused about seaming it up. I plan on doing the whip stitch, but the video posted seems different than the way it was done in this pattern. Could you please tell me the best way to assemble the squares? Thank you so much!
Hi Alexis,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly assemble these squares in a number of ways. I will say that no one way is better than the other. Some people prefer to crochet them together but my preference is to whip stitch them together. This video illustrates how I have whipped stitched crocheted squares together in the past. I think that it makes an easy but neat and lovely finish. I would highly recommend it!
I hope that this helps and happy crocheting!
Cassy
Thank you Cassy. Would you recommend doing each row first and then sewing the rows together? I understand how to do the whip stitch but am confused about the order of how to assemble them. Not sure if my question is making sense.
Thanks!
Hi Alexis,
My preference is to make all of the squares and then arrange them and sew them together. I sew rows together and then sew each row to the next. However, there is not wrong answer and no set order of operations! You can sew them together in any order that works best for you!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi:
Es posible mandarme el gráfico de este grany square, porque no me sale bien con las indicaciones.
Muchas gracias
Hi Mari,
Thanks for writing in! I hope that I am translating your question correctly. We do not have visual or graph directions for this project at present. Only the written directions are available. We will certainly keep your request in mind!
Best,
Cassy
Hi,
I wonder if you have and could share the charts of this granny square. I´m folling the directions, but I don’t get to the same point… I think that a chart will help me.
Thanks in advance!
Hi M,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have visual or graphed directions for this project at present. Only the written directions are available. We will certainly keep your request in mind!
Best,
Cassy
Hi! I was taking notice of the photo of you whip stitching your squares together, I really like the needle you were using. I would like to know what kind that is cause it looks like it is easier to use than the needles I have been using. Thank-you in advance for your answer. Also thanks for making your web site available with so much info.
Happy Crocheting,
Joanwin
Hi Joanwin,
Great question! The needle that we used here is Clover’s Jumbo Bent Tip Tapestry Needle. The bent tips on these needles are very helpful for stitching knit or crocheted fabric together!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi – just wondering when the blanket bundle will be back in stock?
Thanks
Hi Cath!
Thank you for writing in! We can definitely let you know when the blanket bundles are in stock. If you go here and select the bundle you’re interested in a little box appears under the price. You can enter your email in the box and we’ll email you once the bundle is in stock!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Lovely pattern! I’ve noticed the whip-stitched outer edges of these squares look a bit less straight than for granny squares. Any tips on getting straighter seams? Should I try a border of sc stitches after assembling the blanket, or maybe adding a chain stitch to the corners of the last round of each square, for extra ease while whip-stitching (instead of 5 dc in each corner, do [2 dc, chain 1, 2 dc] maybe)? Or should I just pull the whip stitches tighter?
Hi,
Thanks for writing in! The edges of this lovely blanket are, indeed, slightly rounded. We think that it adds to the charm of the blanket. I am not sure that there is a straightforward way to square out the corners without reworking the pattern. You could block the individual squares into a squarer shape before stitching them together.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Love the crochet blanket .Can you tell me what ply is this koigu merino that you have used thankyou
Hi Heather,
The Koigu that is used is a fingering weight yarn. It takes a size D-F crochet hook or a us 3-5 knitting kneedle.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Hello. I’m having a problem on round four of this pattern. By the time I get to “slip stitch into 4th chain” I the round, I’m not close enough to the 4th chain. Some how I must not be skipping stitches correctly…? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for writing in and my apologies for the delayed response! One thing that might be helpful is to use locking stitch markers to mark the stitches that you are working ahead of time. I also find it helpful to say the directions out loud as I do them. This helps me to not make a mistake as I am saying what I should be doing as I work.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’ve been holding onto this pattern for years- and now that I finally learned to crochet, I’m ready to make it! I really want to use leftover yarn from years of knitting projects- like an actual vintage quilted blanket pieced together from fabric scraps, each yarn has a sentimental value to it. But that means that the yarns are all different weights- some merino, some worsted, some bulky- should I adjust the pattern for each type of weight, so that the squares end up roughly the same size? Like doing two rounds instead of three before adding the round with the corners (round four in the pattern)?
Thanks! -Kerri
Hi Kerri,
Thanks for writing in! It certainly may be possible to use different gauges here but I am afraid that there is not a prescribed method to do so. You may have to do a bit of trial and error to figure out what will work for you. The main thing to keep in mind is that using different gauges will result in a blanket that is thicker in some places and thinner in others. I would recommend trying a few squares in different gauges and see what works and how you like it. The nice thing about this pattern is that the modular quality allows you to try things out in advance of jumping into the whole blanket!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I have wanted to make this blanket for a very long time! I am an experienced knitter but I don’t know how to crochet (yet). Do you have any suggestions for specific books, blogs or websites that would help teach me, with this project in mind?
Thanks ~ Jennifer
Hi Jen,
Welcome to the world of crochet! I think you will have a fairly easy time picking it up since you already knit, and you will be pleased to see how much faster crochet can be than knitting! The TNNA guide “How to Crochet” is very straightforward and has clear pictures and explanations of everything. I would also recommend either the Stitch Encyclopedia – Crochet or Crocheting in Plain English as they go more in depth than the TNNA guide – unfortunately the second two books are out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when they return on the product pages.
Alternately, if you would like to try a simpler yet similar project before attempting Bear’s Rainbow Blanket, our Granny Square Blanket Kit has everything you need to get started, and the included Granny Square Blanket Pattern is designed with brand new crocheters in mind!
Best of luck, and happy crocheting!
Julianna
I spotted this pattern early last year and loved it so much I decided to teach myself to crochet and make it. The wool you used isn’t available here in NZ so instead I decided to make it from a variety of brands of 8ply (DK) 100% wool because a) there was lots of colour and brand choice, and b) I thought it would be a bit easier to have a thicker yarn seeing it was my first attempt.
A year and a few months later it’s done! I made 80 squares 8×10) in the end and I’m so pleased with it! I never got bored crocheting it as the ever-changing colours kept the interest up.
Thank you so much for posting this pattern! Your instructions were very detailed and so helpful and such an inspiration.
Cheers
Rosie
Hello Rosie,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story! I’m thrilled to hear you had such a great experience.
Happy Crocheting!
-Marilla
Hi @ll at Purl Soho,
I am crocheting this beauty now since dec 2013 and it was thought as a long time project from the beginning. But nowadays I want to get finished with it and am nearly done. There will be 195 (13×15) squares in the end. Now I am thinking about the assembly of all my squares, have already spread them on the floor to have a preview on the finished look – I could hardly wait to cuddle in it now 😉
I like the look of the whipstitch and will try it this way.
My question is: do you reccommend to wash and block all these squares before sewing together?
Thanks for your suggestions – Melanie
Hello Melanie,
This is a great question! KPM is machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. However, please be aware that, while Koigu does its best to set their hand-dyed colors, they do note that “Under certain water and/or soap types this yarn may bleed.” For thorough instructions and excellent tips on setting your yarn’s dye before you begin, please visit our Re-fixing Dyes Tutorial. I would recommend washing your squares with color catchers, which can be found at your local super market.
I hope this helps and congratulations on being almost done!
-Marilla
Hi,
I, too, am about to assemble the blanket squares I have put together. Are you saying we should wash all the squares with color catchers BEFORE we see the blanket together, or just always when we put them in the wash? And we don’t need to block the squares? I’m a little nervous, as I made 4 of this over the course of a year for the kids, and worry I will ruin them.
Thanks again,
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! If you didn’t re-fix the dye before crocheting the squares, the safest option would be to block the squares separately before putting them all together, just in case one of the colors bleeds! It isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s also much easier to sew together crocheted squares after blocking, so your seams will turn out extra tidy. To save on time, I don’t think it’s necessary to do a full soak and wash, but a quick five-minute soak in cool water with a bit of no-rinse wool soap, like our Sweater Soap, should be enough time to see if the color bleeds and to get the square wet enough to pin out and block. You could also batch up similar colors to wash together, but if you see the water change color at all, I would get everything out quickly so you can determine which square is the culprit! Any squares with color issues should be soaked with a color catcher and rinsed thoroughly, and I would throw a few in with the blanket the first time it’s washed after assembly just to be on the safe side!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
When will this complete kit be back in? Seems like it’s been a long time! Thanks!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m sorry to say that we are no longer stocking this kit; however, we do still carry Koigu KPPPM and KPM, and all the colors you need are listed above and can be ordered separately. I do apologize that this item is still listed – we’ll look into correcting that as soon as possible!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi there
Love this pattern and am thinking of making the crib size.
Is there a layout plan for the 7 x 9 baby crib blanket please?
Thanks
Margaret 🙂
Hi Margaret,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for writing in! We do not have a recommended layout for the smaller blankets, so you can arrange the squares in whatever order you find pleasing!
Happy crocheting!
Julianna
Hello – I’m here because I followed a link from a Facebook page We Like Knitting who posted a “tip” from beautifulskills.com. It was just a direct copy and link to your page. Nice to find Purl Soho as usual, with your great tips, but questioning whether you permit/like this? Is it just more publicity for you, therefore ok?
Hi and thanks for reaching out! While we do prefer that blog and website owners ask permission before linking to our projects and tutorials, this does lead back to Purl Soho for the actual pattern, which is ultimately what we prefer. Thank you for bringing this link to our attention, and we will contact the page owners to ask for proper credit!
Best,
Julianna
I’ve started this beautiful blanket and love doing it. I’ve been blocking the squares as I go. (the squares are very out of shape when finished). I’m really stretching to get them close to 4x4in. And then, there seems to be a good bit more space between the stitches that what appears in your squares. Any suggestions or thoughts on what I could be doing wrong?
Hello Jill,
Thank you for reaching out! It sounds like your gauge is just a bit off. I would reccomend going up a hook size.
I hope this helps and let us know if you continue to have issues!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi,
I think I have found a discrepancy between this pattern and the rainbow blanket bundle and was wondering if you could help me with it.
The rainbow blanket bundle has color 2343 but this one instead has color 2423.
what should I do?
Thanks,
Cecile
Hi Cecile,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m so sorry to hear that you have received the wrong color in your bundle! Please do reach out to us at [email protected] and we will be happy to send along the correct color!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you Julianna,
There was no error in what I ordered if that’s what my email made you think. I was just wondering what the accurate color was suppose to be 2423 or 2343?
Best,
Cecile
Hi Cecile,
I apologize for the confusion! The colors of Koigu KPM often shift over the years and can vary quite a bit between dye lots, so we do occasionally have to change what colors we include in the bundle if they no longer match what we used in the original blanket. In this case, 2423 was used in the original blanket and at that time was a light olive green, but now is a grey that is quite different, so we are using 2343 in our kits. You may find a few other deviations in your bundle, but rest assured that we have done our best to match the colors you see in the images here!
Best,
Julianna
Could you recommend another yarn for the border color? KPM 0000 seems to be out of stock everywhere.
Thanks!
Emily
Hi Emily,
Thanks for writing in! The most similar yarn we have that would work for this pattern would be Posy, but unfortunately we are also out of Posy in Heirloom White. You might consider Posy in Mourning Dove or Drizzle Gray for a different, yet still neutral, main color!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, 2 questions. My circle is puckering (ie, is not flat) as I crochet it. Any advice? Also, I’m having trouble determining where to put the slip stitch when I finish a round. By the way I’m counting, the right stitch is the last one in the chain up, therefore I’m putting the needle through the middle of the V. Is that right? Otherwise it seems like I’m putting the slip stitch into the first dc of the round. I’m sorry if this is confusing. Thank you!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! If you are sure that you have the correct number of stitches per round, I suspect that the square simply needs to be completed and blocked! I would suggest counting your stitches after each round for a little while to make sure you are getting in enough increases, if you aren’t already. That does sound like you are working into the chain correctly! If you want to double check, you could place a removable stitch marker in the third chain stitch at the beginning of the next round so you can clearly see where to work your slip stitch when you work back around to the stitch marker.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi, I am enjoying crocheting these squares and find the pattern and the yarn both very beautiful. I have already made quite a few of them, and have always the same trouble: on round 5 , after I do the corner, I only have space for 12 stitches instead of 13. I think my round 4 is correct, it goes along perfectly well with what the pattern says. What could I be doing wrong in round 5? I would love some help. On another note, my squares look great but are not flat at all, not sure why. I guess that will be fixed when I attached them together, but I am not sure. Thanks!
Hi Carolina,
Thanks for writing in! As long as you are starting with the correct number of stitches, there will be 13 stitches along each side of the square in this row, so I suspect you might be missing the first stitch after working (1 dc, 2 tr, ch 2, 2 tr, 1 dc) into the corner space. When you have to squish so many stitches into a small corner space, it’s quite likely that they will overlap the first stitch of the side edge. I would recommend scooting these stitches to the right so you can locate the first stitch, keeping in mind that crochet stitches are shaped like upside-down L’s, so the correct spot to insert your hook will be located just to the right of the post of the first stitch.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
thanks for writing, Julianna! i looked again and I am not missing that stitch after the working space. could it be that i am not counting correctly?
Hi Carolina,
Hmm, that is odd! This blanket has been made by many crafters without problems, and I crocheted a square to test it out and it worked fine, so something must be amiss with your stitch counts! I would recommend counting very carefully while you are crocheting the previous row. If all else fails, it should be fine to increase one stitch in Row 5 to make the stitch count correct for the rest of the square!
Best,
Julianna
I’m enjoying working on this blanket! I absolutely LOVE the design, and it made me want to learn how to crochet. This is only my second project after your granny square blanket, so I’m still quite new. I am using a DK weight for this project (Cascade Sport 220), as I could not afford the Koigu, as beautiful as it is. My question is that I’ve noticed a gap between the chain and the first DC in the round. When I come back to slip stitch into the chain, I still see it. Do you have any tips to make this gap less apparent? Perhaps it’s the yarn? I tried doing sort of a standing DC (though I think that method is supposed to be for changing colors), and I slip stitched into the true first stitch of the row. That sounds confusing but it sort of worked, though I’m sure you aren’t supposed to do that in crochet, probably. 🙂 I saw a video about trying a DC2Tog at the end of the row. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
Hi there! Just wanted to add that I tried a technique I just read about in the comments section of the same video. The poster said to chain 2 at the start of the round, DC in the same space, and then continue around. Instead of slipping into the third chain at the beginning of the round, slip into that first DC. Worked like a charm! No gapping. Hopefully this technique won’t mess up the pattern otherwise and will make for a slightly neater look in my work. Just thought I’d share! Still curious to hear what you would do. Thanks!
Hi Jess,
Thank you for the great tips! It is somewhat normal to have a gap or irregular area at the beginning of each round when beginning with a chain, but it’s usually much less apparent after the squares are blocked. I usually find that I can avoid this by working my starting chain a little tighter than usual, but there are several methods for tidying this area up, so I’m glad you found one that works for you!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you! To anyone interested, I like the look of the closed up circle better (Chain 2, DC at start of the round), but it doesn’t work up quite as square as the regular pattern. So I think I’m going to go back to the pattern as written. 🙂 I’m sure no one else will even notice!
Love this pattern. Have made about 60 squares so far with 12 colours, so have to work out a design before going any further. Making with 100% cotton 8ply
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! That sounds great, I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying this pattern and can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
I am down to last 3 colors but I cannot find these colors so I’m wondering if you can suggest the closest color that you have in stock for me. The color I see in the picture through the computer doesn’t seem so accurate. The colors I need are 3016, 1532, 1173. Thanks for your help!
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately those 3 colors are discontinued and there isn’t an exact substitution them so I can suggest some that will be close but not the same! For 3016 I would recommend 2409, for 1532 I would recommend 1503 and for 1173 I would recommend 1156!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi!
What color substitution would you recommend for colors 1100 and 2200?
Thanks!
Hi Andrea!
I’d suggest KPM 642 in place of 1100 and KPM 1195 or 2220 in place of 2200.
Take care,
Kelsey
Hello!
I have made this blanket twice (we love it!) and I still have some yarn left on every color. Any idea what I can make with it? Thanks!!
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed making this blanket! Here is our full collection of fingering weight yarn accessories: Fingering Weight Yarn Accessories
Depending on how much yarn you have left you could possibly make a hat, hand warmers, a pair of socks, or even a scarf! Just be sure to check your gauge prior to beginning!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Any hot tips on how to weave in the ends? this is my first flat crochet project, and the ends are all dangly!
Hi Chloe,
Thanks for writing in! There isn’t a specific method or technique for weaving in ends in crocheted pieces, but due to the dense and textured nature of crochet fabric, it’s much more forgiving in terms of hiding your ends than knitting!
If you are weaving in near a seam, I would suggest hiding your ends in the seam itself. Otherwise, to weave in your ends in crochet, on the wrong of side of the work, you can either work them through the row they are on or, in a more open fabric, work diagonally, going around any lacy areas or holes for 2 to 3 inches. As long as you make sure not to go across the middle of any open spaces, they should be quite easy to disguise! Also, another tip I learned is that it’s good to weave the ends in going in three different directions (e.g. going upwards through a back loop, then back down through the next back loop, and then up again through the next back loop). You can do this as any times as you feel necessary, and the idea is that no amount of pulling in any direction will cause the yarn to become undone!
I hope that helps!
All the best,
Cat
As many of the colors for this pattern are no longer available, are there suggested substitutions?
Hi Aimee!
Thank you for your question! You can use your favorite fingering weight yarn for these colors, and since there are so many included in this pattern, this blanket is a great way to use up scraps from other projects as well. Posy is one of my favorite fingering weight colorful yarns, and Brooklyn Tweed’s Peerie is another fantastic choice for your Rainbow Blanket, if you’re looking for some new yarn!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
I’m a beginner and I really don’t know what you’re talking about when you say make an adjustable chain. I really loved your blanket and I would like to make my own. Is there any way you could post a video of it. I’m also a visual learner… Thanks
Hi Janice!
Thank you for your question. An adjustable loop is a loop of yarn that is used to create the initial round of double crochet stitches in this pattern. We have a full tutorial for an adjustable loop that you can check out right here!
I hope this helps, and happy crocheting!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi Purl Soho! I am excitedly waiting for the restock of the Linen Quill Minis. Would those work for this pattern with some additional skeins of Linen Quill for the white “background” yarn?
Thanks,
Maxine
Hi Maxine,
Thank you for writing in and what a wonderful idea! You can definitely use the Linen Quill Mini Bundle for the project with quite a bit of yarn left over! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy making,
Gavriella
Hey Purl Soho team – wanted to know what other yarns you recommend for this project since it seems you no longer carry the yarn used here. Any recs would be great!
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for reaching out! Our Linen Quill Mini bundle would be absolutely wonderful for this project! Please let us know if you have any questions!
Happy making,
Gavriella