Pastel Rainbow Granny Square Baby Blanket (Free Crochet Pattern)
Pastel Rainbow Granny Square Baby Blanket (Free Crochet Pattern)
Brighten up any nursery with the cheerful Pastel Rainbow Granny Square Baby Blanket. Utilizing timeless granny square clusters worked seamlessly from the center outward, this delightful pattern pairs effortless rhythmic stitching with stunning self-striping color transitions.
Crafted with Ice Yarns Cakes Blues Baby, a soft anti-pilling premium acrylic cake yarn, you can continuously grow this motif into your desired blanket size without weaving in endless color-change yarn tails!
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- Self-Striping Baby Acrylic Cake Option: Ice Yarns Cakes Blues Baby (100% Premium Anti-Pilling Acrylic; 100g / 3.53oz, 360m / 393yds per cake) in Pastel Multicolor.
- Alternative Baby Yarns: Explore our Baby Yarns Collection or Cakes Yarns Collection.
Yarn Category & Weight Links:
Discover more fine-weight options in our Category 2 Fine Collection and browse self-patterning cakes in our Self-Striping Yarns Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Project Size | Finished Dimensions (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Cakes Blues Baby |
|---|---|---|
| Lovey / Security Blanket | 18" x 18" / 45 x 45 cm | 1 Cake (approx. 250 m) |
| Stroller / Carseat Blanket | 30" x 30" / 76 x 76 cm | 2 Cakes (approx. 650 m) |
| Crib / Baby Blanket | 36" x 36" / 91 x 91 cm | 3 Cakes (approx. 1000 m) |
| Receiving / Large Toddler | 42" x 42" / 106 x 106 cm | 4 Cakes (approx. 1350 m) |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
- Crochet Hook: Size US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, Measuring tape, Scissors.
- Gauge: First 4 rounds of Granny Square = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) using a 3.5 mm hook before blocking.
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- sp: Space
- MR: Magic Ring (Magic Circle)
- 3-dc Cluster: Group of 3 double crochets worked into the same space or ring.
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Center Foundation & Round 1
Make a Magic Ring (or ch 4 and sl st to 1st ch to form a ring).
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), 2 dc into ring, ch 2. *3 dc into ring, ch 2; repeat from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of starting ch 3 to join. (4 groups of 3-dc clusters, 4 ch-2 corner spaces).
2. Round 2 (Establishing Corners)
Sl st across next 2 dc sts and sl st into 1st corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp. Ch 1. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of starting ch 3 to join. (8 groups of 3-dc clusters).
3. Round 3 (Adding Side Clusters)
Sl st into corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 side sp, ch 1. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 side sp, ch 1; repeat from * 2 more times. Sl st to top of starting ch 3 to join.
4. Round 4 and Continuing to Desired Size
In every Corner ch-2 space, work: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc).
In every Side ch-1 space, work: 3 dc, ch 1.
Continue repeating this row structure for 30 to 45 rounds until desired blanket size is reached.
5. Border Finishing
Ch 1, work 1 sc in each dc st and 1 sc in each ch-1 sp around. In each corner ch-2 sp, work: (1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Blocking & Finishing Protocol (100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic)
- Weave in Ends: Fasten off and weave in all yarn tails on the wrong side.
- Steam Blocking: Pin square blanket flat on blocking mats. Hold steam iron 2 inches (5 cm) ABOVE fabric without touching fibers directly. Allow steam to set square alignment. Leave to cool completely.
