This is a crocheted rainbow pillow — a popular home décor and nursery item. It’s shaped like a rainbow arch, made by crocheting rows in half-circle (semi-circle) formation, using multiple colors in bands. It’s then stuffed with fiberfill and seamed at the back.
It also uses bobble stitches (the raised round “bumps” you see on the yellow, mint, and teal bands) to add texture and charm.
📚 Stitches Used:
From what I can see:
- Chain (ch)
- Double Crochet (dc)
- Bobble Stitch (those cute 3D bumps)
- Slip Stitch (sl st) for joining rounds/edges
- Color changes at the end of each row or as needed
- Stuffing before final closing
📖 Step-by-Step Concept
🥣 Start: Magic Ring / Chain Loop
- Begin with a magic ring or chain 4 and slip stitch to form a ring.
🥣 Row 1: (Pink band)
- Chain 3 (counts as a dc)
- Make several double crochets into the ring to form a half-circle (semi-circle).
- Turn.
🥣 Row 2: (Purple band)
- Change color.
- Chain 3.
- Work 2 double crochets into each stitch across to increase and widen the semi-circle.
- Turn.
🥣 Row 3: (Teal band)
- Change color.
- Chain 3.
- Work increase pattern: 1 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch — repeat.
- This keeps the half-circle shape expanding.
- Add bobble stitches every few stitches:
- Bobble Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2) × 5 times in the same stitch, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
🥣 Row 4: (Mint band)
- Change color.
- Chain 3.
- Continue double crochets, with similar increases, and more bobbles spaced apart.
🥣 Row 5: (Yellow band)
- Change color.
- Same as previous row: dc, increasing as needed, placing bobbles regularly.
🥣 Final Row: (Pink edge)
- Change to pink.
- Single crochet or double crochet around the outer edge for a neat finish.
📌 Assembly:
- Make two identical rainbow halves.
- Place them together, right sides out.
- Slip stitch or single crochet around the edges to join, leaving a small gap.
- Stuff it lightly with fiberfill.
- Close the gap securely.
✨ Why This Works:
The increasing stitches maintain the half-circle shape as it grows. Bobble stitches add texture and a playful look. Color changes between rows give that rainbow effect. Finishing with an edge row keeps it tidy and gives a soft, cushioned border.
🧶 Materials:
- Medium or worsted weight yarn in 5 pastel shades
- 4mm–5mm crochet hook
- Fiberfill or soft stuffing
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
🎨 Variations You Could Try:
- Use brighter or ombré yarn
- Vary bobble placement for patterns (random, heart shapes, etc.)
- Add a cloud or sun motif to the ends
- Make a wall hanging version without stuffing
