Why You’ll Love This Pattern

There are many reasons to make this beautiful crochet blanket.

Colorful but versatile: Pastel rainbow colors make the blanket cheerful while remaining soft enough for everyday home décor.

Beautiful texture: Puff stitches give the blanket a dimensional, squishy appearance.

Modern diagonal design: The diagonal arrangement makes the finished blanket look more intricate than a traditional striped blanket.

Customizable size: You can easily make the blanket smaller for a baby, medium-sized for a throw, or larger for a bed.

Great stash project: This design is an excellent way to use coordinating yarn leftovers.

Perfect handmade gift: A finished blanket makes a thoughtful gift for a baby shower, birthday, housewarming, or holiday.

Materials You’ll Need

For a blanket similar to the one shown, gather:

• Medium-weight worsted yarn or an equivalent soft blanket yarn
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Stitch markers, optional

For a particularly plush blanket, choose a soft acrylic, cotton-acrylic blend, or washable yarn with good stitch definition.

Suggested Color Palette

Try creating your own pastel rainbow with:

1. Pastel pink
2. Coral pink
3. Lavender
4. Aqua
5. Turquoise
6. Mint green
7. Pale yellow
8. Soft cream

You do not have to use exactly eight colors. Six colors can create a beautiful result, while ten or more shades can produce a more blended rainbow appearance.

 

Crochet Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st/sts – stitch/stitches
• rep – repeat
• yo – yarn over
• puff – puff stitch

Understanding the Puff Stitch

The puff stitch is the star of this blanket.

A basic puff can be created by repeatedly working partial double crochet stitches into the same stitch and leaving the final loops on the hook. Once enough loops have been gathered, yarn over and pull through all the loops.

Because puff stitches can vary between designers, you can choose a small, medium, or large puff depending on the texture you want.

For this blanket, a medium-sized puff is recommended. It creates plenty of texture without making the fabric excessively heavy.

Basic Puff Stitch

A simple version is:

Puff: Yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat this several times in the same stitch until you have several loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops. Secure the puff according to your chosen stitch variation.

Keep your tension relaxed. Pulling the loops too tightly can make the puff difficult to close.

Gauge

Gauge is not extremely important if you are making the blanket to a custom size, but it is useful if you want predictable dimensions.

Make a small swatch using your chosen yarn and puff stitch before beginning.

Your finished fabric should feel:

• Soft
• Flexible
• Even
• Not overly stiff

If your fabric feels too dense, move up a hook size. If it feels too loose, try a smaller hook.

Finished Blanket Size

The blanket can be made in virtually any size.

Approximate options include:

Baby Blanket

About 30 × 36 inches

Small Throw

About 40 × 50 inches

Standard Throw

About 50 × 60 inches

Large Throw

About 60 × 72 inches

For a bed-sized blanket, continue adding rows until you reach your preferred length.

Remember that yarn requirements will increase with the size.

How to Crochet the Pastel Rainbow Diagonal Puff Stitch Blanket

The overall construction is based on repeating textured rows while changing colors at planned intervals.

The exact diagonal appearance can be achieved by strategically shifting the color placement from row to row rather than keeping every color in a straight horizontal stripe.

Step 1: Create the Foundation Chain

Begin with a foundation chain using your first color.

For a customizable blanket, choose a chain length that corresponds to your desired width.

Keep in mind that your stitch multiple will depend on the puff-stitch repeat you choose. Before making a large foundation chain, work a small sample to determine the correct repeat.

Do not make the chain excessively tight. A tight foundation can cause the bottom edge of your blanket to pull inward.

Step 2: Work the First Row

Begin with your chosen base stitch across the foundation chain.

A row of single crochet or half double crochet can provide a firm foundation for the textured puff stitches.

Keep your tension consistent from the beginning.

At the end of the row, chain according to the turning chain required for your chosen stitch and turn your work.

Step 3: Begin the Puff Stitch Texture

On the next row, begin introducing the puff stitches according to your chosen repeat.

A simple arrangement is to alternate puff stitches with small spaces or supporting stitches.

For example, you can work:

Puff, space, puff, space, puff

and repeat across the row.

The important thing is to keep your puff placement consistent.

As the blanket grows, the repeated puffs will form the raised texture seen in the finished design.

Step 4: Create the Diagonal Color Effect

The most distinctive feature of this blanket is the diagonal color movement.

Instead of thinking of each color as a traditional horizontal stripe, imagine each color forming a diagonal band.

Begin with your first pastel shade.

As you progress through the blanket, introduce the next shade so that it begins slightly farther along the row. Continue shifting the color placement gradually.

This creates the impression that the colors are traveling diagonally across the blanket.

The color arrangement can be completely customized.

For example:

Pink → Yellow → Aqua → Lavender → Coral → Mint

Then repeat or reverse the sequence.

You can also create a gradual rainbow transition:

Pink → Peach → Yellow → Mint → Aqua → Blue → Lavender

Step 5: Continue Repeating the Rows

Continue working your puff-stitch rows while following your color plan.

After every color change, carefully weave in the ends or carry the yarn neatly along the edge if your chosen technique allows it.

Pause occasionally and lay the blanket flat.

This is especially helpful when creating a diagonal design because you can immediately see whether the color bands are moving in the direction you want.

Step 6: Maintain Consistent Tension

Puff stitches naturally use more yarn than standard stitches.

Try to keep the height and fullness of your puffs consistent throughout the blanket.

If some puffs are extremely loose while others are tight, the diagonal bands may look uneven.

A relaxed, steady rhythm is ideal.

Step 7: Finish the Blanket

Continue until your blanket reaches the desired length.

Finish with a final row of your preferred border stitch.

Fasten off and leave a long enough tail to weave securely.

Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends.

For the neatest finish, weave each end back and forth through several stitches on the wrong side of the blanket.

Adding a Crochet Border

A border can give the blanket a polished appearance and help stabilize the edges.

A simple single-crochet border is an excellent choice because it does not compete with the puff-stitch texture.

Work evenly around the blanket, placing additional stitches in the corners to prevent them from curling.

You can use:

• One color for a clean finish
• Turquoise for a bold contrast
• White or cream for a soft neutral border
• Alternating pastel colors for a rainbow border
• The same color as your foundation row for a coordinated appearance

For a more decorative finish, consider a shell, scallop, picot, or small puff-stitch border.

 

How to Make the Blanket Larger

One of the best features of this design is that it can be customized.

To make a wider blanket, start with a longer foundation chain while maintaining the required stitch repeat.

To make a longer blanket, simply continue working additional rows.

If you want a large bed blanket, consider using a slightly lighter yarn to prevent the finished project from becoming excessively heavy.

Color Combination Ideas

The pictured blanket uses a lively mixture of pastel rainbow colors, but there are countless combinations you can try.

Soft Spring Rainbow

• Blush pink
• Butter yellow
• Mint
• Aqua
• Lavender
• Peach

Ocean Pastels

• Pale blue
• Aqua
• Turquoise
• Seafoam
• Lavender
• Soft gray

Pretty Pink Rainbow

• Rose
• Blush
• Peach
• Cream
• Lavender
• Mint

Baby Nursery Palette

• Powder blue
• Soft pink
• Cream
• Pale yellow
• Mint
• Lavender

Bold Rainbow

For a stronger version, replace the pastel shades with saturated pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Tips for Perfect Puff Stitches

Keep your loops the same height. This gives the blanket a more professional appearance.

Do not pull too tightly. Puff stitches need room to expand.

Use a yarn with good stitch definition. Extremely fuzzy yarn can hide the beautiful texture.

Check the back of your work. Make sure your stitches remain secure and your color changes are neat.

Count periodically. Puff stitches can make it difficult to visually identify every stitch, so checking your stitch count every few rows can prevent problems.

Common Problems and Solutions

Why are my puff stitches too small?

You may be pulling the loops too tightly. Try drawing each loop slightly higher before completing the puff.

Why is my blanket getting narrower?

Check your stitch count at the end of every row. Puff stitches can make it easy to accidentally skip a stitch.

Why are my edges curling?

Curling can happen when your foundation chain is too tight or your tension changes between rows. Blocking the finished blanket can also help.

Why does my blanket look stiff?

You may be using a hook that is too small or pulling your stitches too tightly. Try a slightly larger hook.

How can I make the diagonal stripes more noticeable?

Use stronger contrast between neighboring colors and shift the color placement more dramatically between sections.

Blocking the Finished Blanket

Blocking is optional but can make a significant difference.

After finishing the blanket, gently wash it according to the yarn manufacturer’s instructions.

Lay it flat on a clean surface and carefully shape the blanket into a rectangle.

Pay particular attention to the corners and edges.

Allow it to dry completely before removing it from the blocking surface.

Always check the care instructions for your yarn before wet blocking.

Care Instructions

For a blanket made from washable acrylic yarn, machine washing on a gentle cycle is often convenient.

However, always follow the care instructions for your particular yarn.

Avoid excessive heat because it can affect some synthetic fibers and may flatten the texture of the puff stitches.

When possible, lay the blanket flat to dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pastel Rainbow Diagonal Puff Stitch Blanket beginner-friendly?

Yes, especially for crocheters who are already comfortable with basic stitches. The puff stitch may require a little practice, but once you understand the technique, the repeating texture becomes easier to work.

What yarn is best for this blanket?

A soft worsted-weight acrylic or acrylic blend is a practical choice. It is washable, affordable, available in many colors, and generally produces excellent stitch definition.

Can I use chunky yarn?

Yes. A chunky yarn can create an extra-cozy version of the blanket. You will need to adjust your hook size and expect the finished dimensions and yarn requirements to change.

Can I make this blanket with fewer colors?

Absolutely. Try three or four coordinating colors for a simpler design.

Can I use leftover yarn?

Yes. This is an excellent stash-friendly project. Just try to use yarns with similar weights and fiber characteristics so the finished blanket remains consistent.

Can I make this into a baby blanket?

Definitely. Simply reduce the width and length to your preferred baby blanket dimensions.

Does the diagonal design require complicated techniques?

Not necessarily. The diagonal appearance is primarily created through color placement and repetition. Once the color sequence is established, the design becomes much easier to follow.

Final Thoughts

The Pastel Rainbow Diagonal Puff Stitch Blanket is a beautiful example of how simple crochet techniques can create an eye-catching finished project. The combination of dimensional puff stitches and diagonal pastel color bands gives this blanket a wonderfully cheerful personality.

Whether you make it as a cozy throw, nursery blanket, or larger bedspread, the design offers plenty of room for creativity. Experiment with different color palettes, change the border style, adjust the size, or use your favorite yarn to make a completely personalized version.

Most importantly, enjoy the process. Crochet blankets take time, but every row adds another little piece of texture, color, and handmade character.

Grab your favorite pastel yarn, your crochet hook, and start creating your own Pastel Rainbow Diagonal Puff Stitch Blanket today!