Rainbow Rose

Rainbow Rose Crochet Shawl by Jan Power

What Is Being Made

The Rainbow Rose is a crocheted wrap shawl designed to showcase the vibrant color palette of gradient or color-changing yarn. This upbeat accessory measures 45 inches (114 cm) across the upper edge, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design celebrates the natural beauty of hand-dyed yarns through a straightforward construction method that allows the yarn's colors to take center stage.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This beginner-friendly crochet shawl employs a simple two-row repeat pattern that keeps the construction process straightforward and accessible to newer crocheters. The pattern features a distinctive approach where the top and bottom borders are created as you go, integrating the edging directly into the main fabric rather than adding it afterward. This integrated border technique streamlines the finishing process and ensures the edges are perfectly proportioned to the body of the wrap.

The design incorporates back loop only stitches as a key element, which creates texture and visual interest by working into only the back loop of stitches rather than under both loops. This technique adds depth and dimension to the finished piece while maintaining the beginner skill level throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Treble crochet (tr) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – used in construction and edging
• Half double crochet (hdc) – incorporated into the stitch pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – used in the overall design
• Slip stitch (sl st) – for joining and finishing
• Chain (ch) – foundation and spacing element
• Back loop only variations – of the above stitches for textural effects

Materials and Gauge

The Rainbow Rose calls for Bilum Hand Dyed Yarns Fingering weight yarn in a single ball (100 grams, yielding 437 yards or 400 metres). The yarn composition is 80% merino wool and 20% silk, providing a luxurious blend that drapes beautifully while maintaining structure. The pattern uses color #19 from the Bilum range, though the design explicitly encourages substitution with any favorite gradient yarn or color-changing yarn to achieve different visual effects.

A 4.00 mm crochet hook is recommended, though the pattern notes that you should use whichever hook size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. The target gauge is 15 treble stitches over 3 inches (7.5 cm), which is essential to verify before beginning to ensure the finished wrap reaches the intended 45-inch upper edge measurement.

Yarn Substitution and Customization

A key feature of the Rainbow Rose design is its flexibility regarding yarn choice. The simple two-row repeat and straightforward stitch pattern make this an ideal project for experimenting with different gradient or color-changing yarns. Whether you choose a different hand-dyed yarn, a commercial color-changing yarn, or even a solid-colored fingering weight yarn, the basic construction remains the same while the visual impact can vary dramatically. This adaptability makes the pattern valuable for crocheters who want to showcase special yarns in their stash.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner-friendly, the Rainbow Rose is accessible to crocheters new to shawl construction. The simple two-row repeat eliminates complex stitch sequences or frequent pattern changes, and the integrated border technique removes the need for separate finishing steps. Familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to maintain consistent gauge are the primary requirements for success with this project.