Rainbow Kisses Blanket

Rainbow Kisses Blanket by Three Loops on the Hook

Project Overview

The Rainbow Kisses Blanket is a colorful crochet throw designed by Helen McLean of Sew Sew Baby. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a vibrant blanket using a rainbow palette of DK weight yarn, making it an ideal project for crafters looking to work with multiple colors in a single piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished blanket or throw suitable for home décor or personal use. The design incorporates a rainbow color scheme with eleven distinct yarn colors, each contributing to the overall visual impact of the completed piece.

Skill Level and Suitability

While listed as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is accessible to crocheters with some foundational experience. The project requires understanding of basic crochet techniques and color changes, making it suitable for those ready to expand beyond absolute beginner projects.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Rainbow Kisses Blanket features spike stitches as a primary design element. These stitches create textural interest and visual depth throughout the blanket. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology, which differs from US terminology, so crocheters should ensure familiarity with UK stitch definitions before beginning.

Key technical considerations include managing spike stitches with appropriate tension—the pattern notes that spike stitches should not be worked too tightly, as excessive tension can cause the fabric to pull inward and distort the blanket's shape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply or light worsted weight), specifically Stylecraft Special DK in 100g balls. Each ball contains approximately 295 metres or 322 yards of 100% premium acrylic fiber.

The eleven colors used in the designer's sample blanket are:

• Claret 1123
• Lipstick 1246
• Tomato 1723
• Spice 1711
• Saffron 1081
• Meadow 1065
• Cloud Blue 1019
• Cornish Blue 1841
• Lapis 1831
• Emperor 1425
• Violet 1277

One 100g ball of each color is required, though alternative color combinations are possible depending on crafter preference.

Tools Required

The pattern requires two crochet hook sizes: a 4mm hook for the main body of the blanket and a 4.5mm hook for the border. This two-hook approach allows for subtle gauge adjustments between sections. A yarn needle is also needed for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Tension Notes

While precise gauge is not critical for this project, crocheters should prioritize maintaining consistent, appropriately loose tension in spike stitches to prevent the fabric from puckering or pulling. The pattern emphasizes this consideration to ensure the blanket lays flat and maintains its intended dimensions.