Geo Rainbow Blanket

Geo Rainbow Blanket by Rosina Northcott

Project Overview

The Geo Rainbow Blanket is a crochet project designed as an excellent introduction to colour work techniques. This toddler-sized blanket creates a striking visual illusion through corner to corner (c2c) construction, appearing to be composed of individual geometric squares while actually being worked as one continuous piece. The finished blanket measures approximately 105 x 76cm (41 x 30 inches), making it an ideal size for young children.

Design and Visual Impact

This blanket showcases a geometric rainbow pattern that combines multiple vibrant colours in a cohesive design. The colour work creates a sophisticated visual effect without requiring overly complicated colour changes, making it accessible for intermediate crocheters who are ready to expand their skills. The pattern demonstrates how strategic colour placement can create the illusion of individual blocks within a seamlessly constructed fabric.

Construction Technique

The Geo Rainbow Blanket employs the corner to corner (c2c) method, also known as a "graphgan" project. This technique involves working diagonally across the blanket from corner to corner, building the pattern row by row. The c2c method is particularly effective for creating geometric and pixelated designs, as it allows crocheters to follow a chart similar to cross-stitch patterns. The main body is worked in one piece, which streamlines the construction process and eliminates the need for seaming.

Colour Work and Yarn Management

The pattern incorporates colour work that requires managing multiple yarn colours simultaneously. Crocheters should be prepared to juggle several balls of yarn throughout the project, as the design transitions between different colours to create the geometric rainbow effect. The colour palette includes twelve distinct shades from Paintbox Simply Aran yarn: Bubblegum Pink, Dusty Rose, Spearmint Green, Sky Blue, Raspberry Pink, Tea Rose, Slate Grey, Mustard Yellow, Washed Teal, Duck Egg Blue, Peach Orange, and Sailor Blue. This diverse range of colours creates depth and visual interest in the finished blanket.

Finishing Details

A simple crab stitch border completes the blanket, providing a neat and polished edge that frames the main colour work without detracting from the geometric design. The crab stitch (also known as reverse single crochet) creates a textured, rope-like border that adds definition to the blanket's perimeter.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Paintbox Simply Aran, 100% acrylic, 184m/201yds per 100g ball. One ball each in Bubblegum Pink, Dusty Rose, Spearmint Green, Sky Blue, Raspberry Pink, Tea Rose, Slate Grey, Mustard Yellow, Washed Teal, Duck Egg Blue, Peach Orange, and Sailor Blue
• Hook: 4.5mm crochet hook

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Geo Rainbow Blanket is ideal for crocheters with foundational skills who wish to develop colour work abilities. The pattern balances accessibility with creative challenge, offering enough complexity to maintain interest while remaining manageable for those expanding their technical repertoire. The aran weight yarn and 4.5mm hook create a fabric with good drape and definition, making the geometric pattern clearly visible in the finished piece.