Hexie Rainbow Rounds

Hexie Rainbow Rounds Blanket by Natalie Beard

What is Being Made

The Hexie Rainbow Rounds Blanket is a colorful crochet baby blanket designed by Natalie Beard. This project creates a finished blanket measuring approximately 103cm (40.5 inches) across, making it an ideal size for a baby blanket. The design features hexagonal motifs worked in rainbow colors, allowing crafters to use a vibrant selection of yarn shades to create a striking, multi-colored finished piece. The blanket can be enlarged by adding additional rows, offering flexibility for customizing the final dimensions.

Techniques Used

This crochet blanket employs fundamental techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The pattern uses the magic circle method to begin hexagonal rounds, which is a popular technique for creating seamless circular and geometric motifs. Increases are worked throughout the pattern to shape the hexagons and expand each round. The border features a special picot stitch detail that adds decorative edging to the completed blanket. All techniques are clearly explained through abbreviations and step-by-step instructions written in UK crochet terminology.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create foundation chains and picot details
• Double crochet (dc): A fundamental short stitch used throughout the main body of the hexagons
• Treble crochet (tr): A taller stitch used for increases and creating texture
• Half treble crochet (htr): A medium-height stitch used in the pattern construction
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create the picot border detail
• Picot stitch: A special stitch created by chaining 3, slipping into the 3rd chain from the hook, then slipping into the next 2 stitches, repeated around round 2 of the border for decorative edging

Materials and Tools

This project requires a 4mm crochet hook, which is the appropriate size for working with DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for a colorful selection of DK weight yarn in a cotton blend, with the designer having used Knitcraft Cotton Blend yarn. A suggested alternative is Paintbox yarn in cotton aran weight. The recommended color palette includes ten vibrant shades: Red, Rose Red, Mustard, Mustard Yellow, Orange, Seville Orange, Yellow, Buttercup Yellow, Teal, Spearmint Green, Bright Blue, Marine Blue, Purple, Dusty Lilac, Bright Pink, Bubblegum Pink, White, and Champagne White. Additional materials needed are scissors and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing the blanket.

Pattern Format and Difficulty

The Hexie Rainbow Rounds Blanket is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern and is classified as a beginner-level project, making it accessible to crocheters who are new to the craft or looking for a straightforward, enjoyable make. The pattern is written using UK crochet terminology, so crafters should be familiar with UK stitch abbreviations and definitions. The clear abbreviations and special stitch explanations provided make it easy to follow, even for those still building their crochet skills.