Rainbow C2C Blanket

Rainbow Corner to Corner Blanket

Project Overview

This Rainbow Corner to Corner Blanket is a beginner-friendly crochet project designed by Lisa Ferrel. The finished blanket measures approximately 55 inches square, making it an ideal size for a throw blanket or lap blanket. The project uses the popular corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet technique, which builds the blanket diagonally from one corner, creating a structured and visually striking rainbow color progression.

What Is Being Made

A large square blanket featuring a rainbow color gradient that transitions from red through orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The blanket is constructed using the corner-to-corner method, which creates a geometric block-based pattern that is both modern and traditional in appeal.

Crochet Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in this pattern is the corner-to-corner (C2C) method. This technique involves building the blanket diagonally by working in blocks rather than traditional rows across the full width. The C2C method begins at one corner and expands outward, then decreases back to a point, creating the square shape. This approach is popular because it allows crafters to easily increase and decrease blocks to adjust the blanket size and creates a naturally structured fabric without requiring stitch markers or complex shaping calculations.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern uses fundamental crochet stitches that make it accessible to beginners:

• Chain stitch (ch): Used to create the foundation and to build the structure between blocks
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch that forms the body of each block, with three double crochets creating the width of one block
• Slip stitch (slip st): Used to join blocks together and transition between sections

Each C2C block is constructed using a chain-3 space with 3 double crochets, measuring approximately 3/4 inch. This consistent block size ensures even tension and predictable finished dimensions throughout the blanket.

Construction Method and Color Progression

The blanket is worked in distinct color sections, with each color representing multiple rows:

• Red: Rows 1-12 (increasing rows to build from corner)
• Orange: Rows 13-24
• Yellow: Rows 25-36
• Green: Rows 37-48
• Blue: Rows 49-60
• Purple: Rows 61-67
• Decreasing rows: Row 68 and beyond (to complete the square)

The pattern begins with increasing rows where one block is added on each row, creating the expanding diagonal. After reaching the full width, the crafter maintains the width for several rows before decreasing back down to a single block, completing the square shape.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project uses worsted weight yarn (also called 4-ply yarn), which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for blankets. The total yardage and specific amounts for each color are:

• Red: 1.5 ounces
• Orange: 5 ounces
• Yellow: 7 ounces
• Green: 9 ounces
• Blue: 13.5 ounces
• Purple: 8.5 ounces

The pattern specifies a Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook, which is the appropriate size for worsted weight yarn and produces the correct gauge of 3/4 inch per block. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated as beginner-level, making it an excellent choice for crocheters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project. The corner-to-corner technique, while creating an impressive finished product, uses only basic stitches and a simple, repeating pattern structure. The color changes provide visual interest and break the project into manageable sections, helping crafters maintain motivation throughout the work.