Rainbow Nap Buddy

Rainbow Nap Buddy Crochet Blanket

What is Being Made

The Rainbow Nap Buddy is a versatile crochet blanket designed by Lisa Ferrel that transforms into a decorative pillow. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished blanket measuring approximately 29" x 48" that folds into a 12" x 23" pillow. The dual functionality makes it an ideal nap companion for home use, travel, or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Techniques Used

This crochet project employs fundamental techniques suitable for beginners learning the craft. The construction involves circular rounds worked in the round with joining, combined with row-by-row construction for the blanket base. The pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases to shape the fabric, including double crochet increases (2 dc in one stitch) and double crochet decreases (dc2tog) to create structured shaping. The blanket is designed to be finished with a zipper closure, allowing it to transform from a flat blanket into a pillow form.

Stitches Used

The Rainbow Nap Buddy pattern utilizes essential crochet stitches that are foundational to the craft:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation chains and turning chains
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch throughout the blanket for fabric density and structure
• Double crochet two together (dc2tog) – a decrease stitch used to shape and contour the blanket
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between color sections

Materials

The Rainbow Nap Buddy requires I Love This Yarn in worsted weight, totaling 13 ounces. The color palette includes 3 ounces each of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Blue, and Purple, plus 3 ounces of White. A Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook is used to work the yarn, and a yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends. The blanket is finished with either one 38-inch zipper or two 19-inch zippers, allowing crafters to choose their preferred closure method based on availability and preference.

Pattern Overview

The blanket begins with a foundation chain of 115 stitches worked in Purple yarn, establishing the width of the piece. Subsequent rows build the blanket using double crochet stitches with strategic increases and decreases to create the desired shape. The pattern then transitions into circular rounds worked with color changes, adding Blue and continuing through the rainbow spectrum. The color progression and stitch increases create visual interest while maintaining beginner-level accessibility. Once the blanket is complete, it is sewn or zippered into a pillow form, creating a functional and decorative finished project.