Welcome to our Rainbow Granny Square tutorial! This beginner-friendly pattern creates a vibrant 4.5-inch square, perfect for adding a burst of color to your crochet projects.
Inspired by the cheerful hues of the rainbow, this square combines classic granny techniques with a playful color progression. It's ideal for creating eye-catching blankets, fun cushion covers, or even colorful bunting for a child's room.
In this guide, we'll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful photos. Whether you're looking to use up your yarn stash or create a mood-lifting piece, this Rainbow Granny Square is your gateway to crochet joy. Let's grab our hooks and bring the rainbow to life!
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Pin this Rainbow Granny Square pattern and add a burst of colorful joy to your crochet collection!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
For our Rainbow Granny Square project, choosing the right yarn and hook size is key to creating a vibrant, cheerful square that'll make you smile every time you see it.
Yarn selection is crucial for both the look and feel of your finished square. While you can use various yarn types, I highly recommend Loopara milk cotton yarn. It's a dream to work with – soft, durable, and oh-so-colorful! This yarn is perfect for granny squares because it shows off your stitches beautifully and has a lovely sheen that makes your rainbow colors really pop.
For this project, we're embracing all the colors of the rainbow. Think vibrant red, sunny orange, cheerful yellow, fresh green, sky blue, and rich purple. But don't be afraid to play around with shades – maybe a coral instead of red, or a turquoise instead of blue. Make your rainbow uniquely yours!
When it comes to hook size, we're using a 2.3mm crochet hook for this pattern. This slightly smaller hook size helps create neat, tight stitches that give your square a polished look. It's perfect for achieving our 4.5-inch square size while maintaining a nice balance between structure and drape.
Granny squares, including our Rainbow design, are beloved by crocheters for good reason. They're wonderfully portable – perfect for crafting on your lunch break or while waiting for the kids at soccer practice. Plus, their modular nature means you can easily customize larger projects. Start with one square and before you know it, you might have a whole rainbow blanket!
By using these recommended materials, you'll create Rainbow Granny Squares that are not only gorgeous but also durable enough to withstand plenty of love and use. So grab your hooks, pick your colors, and let's start bringing some rainbows into the world!
Materials needed for Rainbow Granny Square
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (White 01, Green 15, Blue 31, Blue 32, Yellow 42, Orange 49, Pink 58, Red 61 and Purple 75)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
- Hot melt adhesive
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- dc - double crochet
- tr - treble crochet
- sl - slip stitch
- magic ring
- hdc inc - half double crochet increase
- sc inc - single crochet increase
How to Crochet a Rainbow Granny Square – Step by Step
How to Crochet a Main Body
Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Chain 3. Make 12 half double crochet in ring. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 2: (Half double crochet increase) 12 times. Change color invisibly. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 3: [(Half double crochet increase), half double crochet] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [(Half double crochet increase), half double crochet] 6 times. Change color. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 4: [2 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [2 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Change color. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 5: [(Half double crochet increase), 3 half double crochet] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [(Half double crochet increase), 3 half double crochet] 6 times. Change color. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 6: [4 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [4 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Change color. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 7: [(Half double crochet increase), 5 half double crochet] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [(Half double crochet increase), 5 half double crochet] 6 times. Change color. Slip stitch in top of chain-3. Chain 3.
Round 8: [6 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Change to sky blue. [6 half double crochet, (half double crochet increase)] 6 times. Slip stitch in top of chain-3.
Round 9: Chain. (3 single crochet, 4 half double crochet, 3 double crochet, 2 treble crochet, chain 2, 2 treble crochet, 3 double crochet, 4 half double crochet, 3 single crochet) 4 times. Slip stitch.
Round 10: Chain 3. [12 double crochet, (2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet), 12 double crochet] 4 times. Slip stitch, fasten off, weave in ends.
Round 11: Change color. Chain. [(single crochet, chain 2, single crochet), 28 single crochet] 4 times. Slip stitch, fasten off, weave in ends.
Tips: Maintain consistent tension throughout. For invisible color changes, complete last yarn over of previous stitch with new color.
How to Crochet a Cloud (Make 2)
Chain 6. 4 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook. 3 single crochet in next stitch. 3 single crochet. (single crochet increase, 4 half double crochet). (slip stitch, 4 half double crochet). [slip stitch, (4 half double crochet)] 4 times. Slip stitch.
Rainbow Granny Square Assemble
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Glue in place.
Tips: When changing colors, carry yarn up the side for fewer ends to weave. Block your finished square for a professional look.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you're thinking of making one with those squares, I'm excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I've detailed every method I know and love - each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I'm sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I've perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I'll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care Instructions
Hey there, crochet enthusiasts! Let's chat about how to keep those stunning rainbow granny squares looking as vibrant and cheerful as the day you fastened off that last stitch. With a little love and care, your colorful creations will keep spreading joy for years to come.
When it comes to washing, think gentle – like you're bathing a rainbow! Always go for hand-washing in lukewarm water with a mild, color-friendly detergent. Imagine you're cradling a delicate rainbow in your hands – swish your squares softly in the sudsy water, no rough stuff! After a thorough rinse in cool water, resist the urge to wring them out. Instead, roll them in a clean white towel and press gently to soak up the excess water. It's like giving your square a soft, fluffy hug!
Drying time is when patience really pays off. Lay your rainbow squares flat on a fresh towel, away from direct sunlight. This is your chance to play color magician – reshape those edges to get that perfect square and make sure all your hues are lined up just right. If you're feeling extra precise, pin them to a foam board while they dry. It's like giving your squares a little color-preserving spa day!
For storage, think cool, dry, and dark – like a secret rainbow hideaway. Tuck your squares into breathable cotton bags to keep dust at bay while letting them breathe. If you're stacking multiple rainbow squares, slip some acid-free tissue paper between them to prevent any color transfer. It's like tucking each rainbow into its own cozy, color-safe bed!
Want to keep those colors singing? Here's a rainbow-brightening trick: add a splash of white vinegar to your final rinse. It's nature's way of locking in those gorgeous hues. And for squares that have seen lots of love, a gentle once-over with a soft brush can perk up the texture and make those colors pop again.
Remember, different yarns have different needs, so always check the label. Some might be okay with a gentle machine wash, while others need the hand-wash only treatment. Your rainbow deserves the best care, after all!
By giving your rainbow granny squares this special attention, they'll keep spreading joy and color for many seasons to come. Each time you look at them, you'll be reminded of the beautiful, colorful world of crochet you've created!
What’s Next?
Hey, rainbow crochet enthusiasts! You've just learned how to keep your Rainbow Granny Square looking fabulous – why not spread the colorful love? Share with your crochet group on Facebook, create a vibrant Pinterest board, post a pic of your refreshed creation on Instagram, or tweet your care tips on Twitter. Let's make the world a more colorful place together! Don't forget to use #RainbowGrannySquareCare to help others discover this beautiful rainbow world!
