139 TLC Designs Rainbows

139 TLC Designs Rainbows Crochet Blanket by Tricia Crow

Project Overview

The 139 TLC Designs Rainbows is a medium-sized crochet blanket measuring 52 x 59 inches, designed by independent designer Tricia Crow. This intermediate-level project combines colorwork and textured stitching to create a vibrant rainbow-themed throw blanket perfect for home décor or gifting.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a rectangular crochet blanket featuring a charted rainbow design. The blanket uses a base of single crochet stitches with decorative bobble stitches worked throughout to form the rainbow pattern. The finished piece is substantial enough to serve as a throw blanket for couches, beds, or chairs.

Yarn and Materials

The blanket requires Caron Simply Soft yarn in an aran weight. The total yardage needed is approximately 4,200 yards, broken down as follows:

• 12 skeins of white (3,780 yards) for the main body and background
• 6 colors for the rainbow design (200 yards each color)

A size 7 (4.5mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate pattern employs two primary stitches to build the blanket structure and create visual interest:

• Single Crochet (sc): The foundation stitch used for the majority of the blanket, creating a tight, dense fabric. Single crochet is worked across every row except where bobble stitches are placed, and all odd-numbered rows consist entirely of single crochet stitches.
• Bobble Stitch: A textured, dimensional stitch that adds depth and definition to the rainbow design. The bobble stitch is created by completing five yarn-over and loop-draw sequences in the same stitch, then drawing the final yarn over through all five loops on the hook. These bobble stitches are worked to the back of the fabric, creating a raised texture on the reverse side while maintaining a smooth appearance on the front.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The blanket is constructed from the bottom up, beginning with a foundation chain of 200 stitches. The pattern is organized as follows:

• Foundation: 200 single crochet stitches worked in the second chain from the hook and across the remaining chain (yielding 199 stitches total per row)
• Setup Rows: Rows 2 and 3 consist of single crochet worked across all 199 stitches
• Chart Rows: Rows 4 through 256 follow a detailed stitch chart that indicates where bobble stitches are placed among single crochet stitches
• Finishing Rows: Rows 257 through 259 return to single crochet across all stitches for a uniform edge
• Total Dimensions: 199 stitches across and 259 rows total

Chart Reading and Bobble Placement

The pattern uses a visual chart system where each square represents one stitch. White squares indicate single crochet stitches, while black squares indicate bobble stitch placement. The chart is read from left to right on even-numbered rows. Numbers appearing on the chart indicate the quantity of single crochet stitches between bobble stitches when three or more single crochets appear consecutively, helping crafters accurately follow the rainbow design. All rows begin with a chain-1 turning stitch.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, this blanket requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to read a stitch chart. The bobble stitch technique adds complexity, but detailed instructions are provided. The repetitive nature of the pattern makes it suitable for crafters looking to develop their skills while creating a substantial, finished piece.