A rainbow pillow is one of those nursery pieces that works with every style — boho nursery, modern nursery, pastel nursery — and it makes the sweetest handmade baby shower gift. This one is worked in rows of single crochet with gentle increases to create the arc shape, then seamed and stuffed for a soft, squishy result.
The finished pillow measures approximately 18 inches (46 cm) wide — the perfect size for a nursing chair, crib corner, or nursery shelf.
Materials
- Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-acrylic blend, approx 50g each in 5 colours:
- Colour A: Sky Blue
- Colour B: Mint Green
- Colour C: Soft Yellow
- Colour D: Blush Pink
- Colour E: Peach
- Hook: 4mm (US G/6)
- Other: Polyfill stuffing, yarn needle, scissors
- Gauge: 18 sc x 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- RS — right side
- rep — repeat
- rem — remaining
- tog — together
Notes
- The front and back panels are worked identically — make two.
- To change colour: work the last stitch of the current colour until 2 loops remain on hook, then draw the new colour through to complete the stitch. Cut the old colour leaving a 6-inch tail.
- Weave in all ends before seaming.
- The pillow is shaped like a half-circle arc — increases in the centre rows create the gentle curve.
Pattern Instructions
Front Panel (Make 2)
Foundation: With Colour A, ch 22.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. Turn. (21 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (24 sts)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in next st) 3 times, (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Change to Colour B. Cut A. Turn. (30 sts)
Row 6 (Colour B): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (36 sts)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Change to Colour C. Cut B. Turn.
Row 9 (Colour C): Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (42 sts)
Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 11: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 4 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Change to Colour D. Cut C. Turn. (48 sts)
Row 12 (Colour D): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 13: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 5 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (54 sts)
Row 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Change to Colour E. Cut D. Turn.
Row 15 (Colour E): Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 6 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (60 sts)
Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 17: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, (2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 7 sts) 3 times, (sc in each of next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) 3 times, sc in last 9 sts. Turn. (66 sts)
Rows 18-20: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
Assembly
- Hold both panels together with right sides facing outward.
- Using Colour E and a yarn needle, whip stitch around the entire outer edge, leaving a 4-inch opening along the straight bottom edge.
- Turn right side out and stuff firmly with polyfill, shaping the pillow into a gently rounded arc as you go.
- Sew the opening closed with whip stitch.
Finishing Tips
- For a flatter, more decorative pillow: use less stuffing and flatten by hand before the seam closes.
- For a rounder, cushion-style pillow: stuff generously and close the opening tightly.
- Add a cloud embroidered at each end of the rainbow using white yarn and a simple satin stitch for an extra nursery-perfect touch.
Yarn Substitutions
Any DK weight yarn that is machine washable will work beautifully. Our favourite options for nursery decor:
- Paintbox Simply DK Cotton
- Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/4
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Avoid yarns with a lot of stretch (like pure acrylic) as they may cause the shaped panels to lose their arc. A cotton or cotton-blend holds the shape best.