Looking for a bright and cheerful crochet project that works up fast? This crochet rainbow applique pattern is a fun beginner-friendly design made with simple stitches and soft rainbow colors. It’s a cute embellishment for hats, bags, blankets, nursery décor, and all kinds of handmade projects.

Quick answer
This crochet rainbow applique pattern is a beginner-friendly project made with worsted weight yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook. The finished rainbow measures about 7.25 inches wide by 5.5 inches long and works up quickly with basic stitches and simple shaping.

Best for: Beginners
Style: Colorful crochet rainbow applique
Includes: Pattern details, written instructions, and FAQs

Creative ways to use this rainbow

This crochet rainbow applique is more than just a cute embellishment. It’s a fun, versatile piece you can use in lots of creative ways, including:

Nursery décor for wall hangings, garlands, or baby room accents
Bags and backpacks for a playful handmade detail
Blankets and pillows as a cheerful applique accent
Hats and accessories for colorful seasonal styling
Handmade gifts for babies, birthdays, or rainbow-themed projects
Craft fair items and stash-busting makes

Crochet rainbow applique pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the skill level, materials, gauge, and finished size before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner — This rainbow crochet pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping.

Materials needed

Crochet hook size H-8 (5 mm) — Or any hook size that gives you even stitches.
Worsted weight yarn (#4) — In white and 5 rainbow colors.
Yarn needle — For weaving in ends neatly.
Scissors — To cut your yarn.

Finished size

The finished rainbow applique measures about 7.25 inches wide by 5.5 inches long (18.5 x 14 cm).

Gauge

Gauge is not required for this project.

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

The pattern is worked in rows.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) as directed.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Crochet rainbow applique pattern in pastel colors on a white desktop with scissors and a crochet hook nearby.

Crochet rainbow applique pattern instructions

Row 1: With blue yarn, make a magic ring and work 8 dc into the ring. Do not join. Turn. (8 stitches)

Row 2: Join green yarn, ch 2, work 2 dc in each st across. Turn. (16 stitches)

Row 3: Join yellow yarn, ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st*; repeat from * across. Turn. (24 stitches)

Row 4: Join orange yarn, ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts*; repeat across. Turn. (32 stitches)

Row 5: Join pink or red yarn, ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts*; repeat across. Turn. (40 stitches)

Row 6: Join white yarn, ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts*; repeat across. When you reach the end:

Ch 1, continue working around the bottom of the rainbow. Work 3 dc in the end of each color row. In the middle blue section, work:

3 dc in the first end
3 dc in the magic ring center
3 dc in the second end, join in the round with a slip stitch

Row 7: Ch 2 and dc loosely around the entire rainbow applique. In each bottom corner, work dc, chain 1, dc. Weave in all ends.

Step-by-step collage showing the crochet rainbow applique pattern in progress, from the first pastel rows to the finished rainbow with white cloud edging.

Finishing

Fasten off and use a yarn needle to weave in all ends. Block if desired.

Frequently asked questions

What size is the finished rainbow applique?
The finished rainbow measures about 7.25 inches wide by 5.5 inches long.

What yarn do I need for this crochet rainbow applique pattern?
This pattern uses worsted weight yarn (#4) in white and 5 rainbow colors.

What hook size should I use?
Use an H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook or any hook size that gives you even stitches.

Is this crochet rainbow applique pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes. This pattern uses basic stitches and simple shaping, so it’s a great choice for beginners.

Is gauge important for this pattern?
No. Gauge is not required for this project.

More free crochet applique patterns

Looking for more quick, creative projects? Explore my free crochet applique patterns for hats, bags, blankets, and home décor. These beginner-friendly designs work up fast and are great for stash-busting, gifts, and craft fair items, with plenty of cute shapes and seasonal styles to mix, match, and customize.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa