Colored into this free crochet rainbow pattern are all the magical moments of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—a shy sun’s ray peeking out in the middle of a spring shower, the unexpected thrill of a rare rainbow sighting, and the accompanying feeling that maybe there is more magic in the world around us than we give it credit for.
While you patiently stake out, waiting for a leprechaun to lead you to its treasure, there’s no better way to pass the time than with this free rainbow amigurumi pattern!
So, without further ado, here is the pattern for the Rainbow Cutie, part three of three in the St. Patrick’s Cuties collection!
Pattern Information | Free Crochet Rainbow Amigurumi
Supplies:
This list contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting our small business!
- Size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- Medium (4) weight yarn in 6 colors:
- Yarn A – purple (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Lavender)
- Yarn B – blue (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Turqua)
- Yarn C – green (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Spring Green)
- Yarn D – yellow (example uses Big Twist Value: Varsity Gold)
- Yarn E – orange (example uses Big Twist Value: Orange)
- Yarn F – red (example uses Mainstays: Red V)
- 10mm black safety eyes (x2)
- Black embroidery floss
- Pink embroidery floss (example uses DMC 963 Light Dusty Rose) or pink yarn
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)
Alternate Yarn Supplies:
Color Variation 2 (as seen on the left in cover photo):
- Medium (4) weight yarn in 6 colors:
- Yarn A – light purple (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Light Jasmine)
- Yarn B – light blue (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Aruba Sea)
- Yarn C – light green (example uses Big Twist Value: Slime)
- Yarn D – light yellow (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Pale Yellow)
- Yarn E – light orange (example uses Caron One Pound: Peach)
- Yarn F – pink (example uses Red Heart Super Saver: Perfect Pink)
Terminology:
This free crochet rainbow pattern uses English (US) terminology:
- st (sts) = stitch (stitches)
- ch = chain stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (over the span of 2 stitches), also known as a decrease
- sc3tog = single crochet 3 together (over the span of 3 stitches)
Please note that this pattern is written so that each crochet stitch abbreviation is attached to a number, such as 1sc, 2sc, etc. This number denotes how many of that stitch is to be worked into the same stitch.
In other words, 1sc = one single crochet, whereas 2sc = two single crochet worked into one stitch, also known as an increase.
Special Stitch Instructions | Free Crochet Rainbow Amigurumi
Please read through all special stitch instructions carefully before beginning your project, as some techniques may be unique to this pattern.
This pattern is worked in the round, with each round joined at the end with a slip stitch. Unless otherwise instructed, the first stitch of your next round will always be worked into the same stitch as your joining slip stitch has been worked into.
Be sure to always keep the ‘right side’ of your stitches facing outwards as you work. The right side is the front side of the stitch that is facing you as you are completing each stitch.
Single Crochet:
This pattern uses a variation of the traditional single crochet stitch, sometimes referred to as the YU/YO (yarn under/yarn over) method.
Instead of yarning over before pulling through, this method utilizes a yarn under technique on the first pass of each stitch, as seen below.
Begin by inserting your hook into the next stitch, then yarn under (not over) as shown above. Pull through the stitch, then yarn over as normal and pull through both loops on your hook to complete your single crochet.
Using the above technique produces a slightly tighter and stiffer fabric than traditional single crochet stitches. This method minimizes holes between stitches, improves shaping, and decreases stitch slanting.
This pattern will still work with the traditional technique of single crochet stitches, so choose what works best for you—just be wary that your project may result in having slight visual differences than those shown in examples if using the traditional method.
Invisible Decrease:
This pattern uses a variation of the single crochet decrease stitch, often called an invisible decrease. This method produces a tighter stitch that improves shaping and blends in more seamlessly with regular stitches.
Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then insert into the front loop only of the second stitch in the same way.
Yarn under (not over) as shown above and pull through both front loops. Yarn over as normal and pull through both loops on your hook to complete your invisible decrease.
Joining Rounds:
Unless otherwise stated, each round in this pattern is joined at the end with a slip stitch into the first stitch of the round, followed by one or more chain stitches.
For a cleaner seam, and to ensure that these stitches are not accidentally worked into later, tighten both the slip stitch and chain as shown below.
Hold your working loop firmly on your hook and pull up with your hook until your slip stitch is tight. Then, pull back on your working tail until your loop is back to fitting snugly around your hook.
Repeat these steps with the following one or more chain stitches before your next round, as well.
Unless otherwise instructed, the first stitch of your next round will always be worked into the same stitch as your joining slip stitch has been worked into.
Pattern Instructions | Free Crochet Rainbow Amigurumi
Crochet Rainbow – Rounds 1 to 5:
With yarn A (purple), chain 17.
Rnd 1: beginning in 2nd ch from hook, *1sc into each of next 15 sts, 2sc into next st,* working into other side of ch sts, repeat from * to * 1 time, sl st into 1st st to join, ch 1 (34).
Rnd 2: [3sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 14 sts, 3sc into next st, 1sc into next st] 2 times, join, ch 1 (42).
Rnd 3: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [1sc into next st, 2sc into next st] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join (48).
Fasten off yarn A and leave a short tail for tying.
Join yarn B (blue) by inserting your hook into the first stitch of the next round. Pull up a loop of yarn B and ch 1.
Tie the tails of both yarn A and yarn B together on the interior of your piece to secure your ends and cut any excess tail.
Rnd 4: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [2sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 2 sts] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join, ch 1 (54).
Rnd 5: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [1sc into each of next 3 sts, 2sc into next st] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join (60).
Fasten off yarn B and leave a short tail for tying.
Crochet Rainbow – Rounds 6 to 9:
Join yarn C (green) by inserting your hook into the first stitch of the next round. Pull up a loop of yarn C and ch 1.
Tie the tails of both yarn B and yarn C together on the interior of your piece to secure your ends and cut any excess tail.
Rnd 6: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [2sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 4 sts] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join, ch 1 (66).
Rnd 7: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [1sc into each of next 5 sts, 2sc into next st] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join (72).
Fasten off yarn C and leave a short tail for tying.
Join yarn D (yellow) by inserting your hook into the first stitch of the next round. Pull up a loop of yarn D and ch 1.
Tie the tails of both yarn C and yarn D together on the interior of your piece to secure your ends and cut any excess tail.
Rnd 8: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [2sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 6 sts] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join, ch 1 (78).
Rnd 9: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [1sc into each of next 7 sts, 2sc into next st] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join (84).
Fasten off yarn D and leave a short tail for tying.
Crochet Rainbow – Rounds 10 to 14:
Join yarn E (orange) by inserting your hook into the first stitch of the next round. Pull up a loop of yarn E and ch 1.
Tie the tails of both yarn D and yarn E together on the interior of your piece to secure your ends and cut any excess tail.
Rnd 10: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [2sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 8 sts] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join, ch 1 (90).
Rnd 11: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [1sc into each of next 9 sts, 2sc into next st] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join (96).
Fasten off yarn E and leave a short tail for tying.
Join yarn F (red) by inserting your hook into the first stitch of the next round. Pull up a loop of yarn F and ch 1.
Tie the tails of both yarn E and yarn F together on the interior of your piece to secure your ends and cut any excess tail.
Rnd 12: *1sc into each of next 7 sts, [2sc into next st, 1sc into each of next 10 sts] 3 times, 1sc into each of next 8 sts,* repeat from * to * 1 time, join, ch 1 (102).
Rnd 13: [sc3tog over next 3 sts, 1sc into each of next 44 sts, sc3tog over next 3 sts, 1sc into next st] 2 times, join, ch 1 (94).
Rnd 14: sk next st, 1sc into each of next 44 sts, sc3tog over next 3 sts, 1sc into each of next 44 sts, sc2tog over next 2 sts, join (90).
Fasten off yarn F and leave an 18 inch tail for sewing closed.
Follow the instructions below for adding eyes, mouth, and blush before stuffing and sewing closed.
Adding Eyes:
Using the example piece below as reference, insert both safety eyes through the front of your piece, centered at the top of the arch of the rainbow.
The safety eyes should be inserted between rounds 8 and 9 and should sit 6 stitches apart.
Adding Mouth:
Please note that the tutorial images below vary slightly from the written instructions provided for the specific method used in the example crochet rainbow. Please read this section carefully in order to choose the right method for you.
The tutorial images below show how to embroider the face exactly as it appears on other cuties. If you want an exact replica, you may follow the images below, unchanged.
If you are following the images as is, the mouth should be embroidered over top of round 7 and be centered between the eyes. The mouth will be 2 stitches wide and 1 round tall.
The method used in the example Rainbow Cutie photos, however, has the mouth embroidered one round lower.
Because the center stitches of this crochet rainbow pattern arc slightly upwards, I’ve found that I prefer the look of the mouth to be slightly lower, as to counteract this skewing and visually match better with the rest of the set.
Therefore, if you would like your rainbow to match the example photos, the mouth should be embroidered over top of round 6, not 7, and be centered between the eyes. The mouth will still be 2 stitches wide and 1 round tall and otherwise be embroidered the same.
Choose whichever method you prefer and, using the example piece below as reference, embroider a mouth using black embroidery floss.
Begin by inserting your needle from inside to outside, 1 round down (or 2 rounds down, if matching the example Rainbow Cutie) and 2 stitches to the right from where you’ve inserted the left eye. Pull through and leave some tail for tying later.
Then, insert your needle again, 2 stitches to the right, and out again, 1 round down and 1 stitch to the left from where you’ve just inserted, and pull through.
Pass your needle up and underneath the horizontal strand you’ve just created and pull through. Then, insert your needle back into the same space as you’ve last exited from.
Pull your thread through and tug it down slightly until it forms a V-shape. Gently tie both ends together inside your piece, but take extra care not to pull the threads too tight!
Adding Blush:
Using the example piece below as reference, embroider a blush line using pink embroidery floss next to each eye.
Each blush line should start 1 round down (between rounds 7 and 8) and 1 stitch outwards from where each eye was inserted, and span 1 stitch length outwards (away from the center of the face).
Please note, however, that because of the arching pattern of the stitches, the blush line will vary slightly from the reference images below.
Therefore, instead of embroidering 1 stitch outwards, you will be moving 1 round outwards at a 45 degree angle.
Begin by inserting your needle from inside to outside, 1 round down and 1 stitch outwards from where you’ve inserted the eye, and pull through.
Then, insert your needle back in, 1 round outwards (and slightly upwards), and back out through the same space as you’ve last exited from. Pull through and repeat this 4 more times.
On the next pass, insert your needle as normal but do not exit. Instead, pull through and remove your needle, then gently tie both ends together on the inside of your piece, taking extra care not to pull the threads too tight!
Sewing Closed:
After your face is complete, you may now sew the top seam closed and add stuffing as you go.
To sew close, simply squeeze the top slit together so that the two parallel edges of stitches are matched up along the entire length of your rainbow.
Then, take your long tail leftover from fastening off of round 14 and sew each pair of stitches across the top of the rainbow, adding stuffing every few inches.
Finish off your seam by securing with a knot, trimming the tail, and weaving in any excess length.
Conclusion | Free Crochet Rainbow Amigurumi
And with that, you’re done the free crochet Rainbow Cutie pattern! If you enjoyed this pattern, be sure to check out its two companion patterns, the Shamrock Cutie and the Pot of Gold Cutie!
You can also explore the Cutie Collections and the Pocket Pets archives for more original and free amigurumi patterns, or our Home Decor Patterns for other homemade household goodies!
If you’re looking to cozy up with a longer project, check out our Clothing Patterns, or assemble your own designs from one of our Granny Square Patterns!
And don’t forget to browse our downloadable, ad-free patterns in our Etsy store!
Follow Virkadia on Instagram to stay updated on all new and upcoming patterns, crochet content, and amigurumi adventures! Thank you for all of your support!
