Dancing on Rainbows

Bright and Beautiful

Rainbows often accompany unicorns in their magical kingdoms, and so following completion of Ellie’s knitted unicorn a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would make a small knitted rainbow to go alongside. Perfect play combination and an excellent decorative piece for any little girls’ bedroom!

Trial and Error!

It took me four attempts to get the precise shape and size that I was aiming for. (Some stubborn perfectionism and not being the best pattern-maker!)

I started to knit the rainbow with only a few ‘bends’ rather than making it a smooth and continuous semi-circle, as I felt this kept things quicker and simpler. However, after a couple of variations with a ‘few’ bends I admitted it just looked a little too clunky. Although it took a bit longer, I eventually settled on the more frequent bends, to give it a neater curvature. This does, however, take a bit more concentration due to the increased risk of losing track; having to re-count the number of stitches.

I chose garter stitch for my finished piece, as although it isn’t as smooth as stocking stitch, I felt that it gave a neater finish when taking into account the cast on and cast off edges. You can, of course, choose to modify the pattern and make it to your own design preference.

A Pot of Gold?

Your finished knitted rainbow may be decorated further if you fancy something different, such adding extra stitching for a child’s initials, or that little pot of gold on top of one of the clouds. This rainbow knitting pattern itself can be used by pattern can be used to make a variety of rainbow-themed things. For example, it can be made a little shorter (by reducing the number of cast on stitches then modifying accordingly) to make a rainbow mane.

Decorating a Room?

A single piece rainbow can be great for several different creations – try a knitted rainbow to make a plain cushion a little more interesting, or make a knitted picture for the wall such as seen with the space scene picture. You can also make one to form part of a handmade greetings card.

Attaching the ends of rainbow together with a little button can turn it into a cute little blanket cover for a unicorn!

Rainbow Styles

Although I originally made only a single piece ‘flat’ rainbow, I thought it would be nice to make two to be sewn back-to-back to make a more sturdy soft-toy version. This makes a nice easy toy to hold, or to tie onto a pushchair, as well as being a nice interactive way to help with teaching and learning colours. Using it as a handle for a little basket is another idea, and an idea thanks to Ellie – extend the pattern slightly on both ends, insert a headband, and there you have some earmuffs!

Contact me to get any new or updated patterns straight to you. Or keep an eye out on the updates section of this website to see the newest creations. Fitting In Knitting is also on Facebook, twitter and Instagram for some sneaky previews of projects as they evolve….

Happy knitting!

Ali 🙂

How to Knit A Rainbow

Total time – from 1 Hour (single rainbow) to 2 Hours 40 Minutes (double with clouds)

Made from one knitted rainbow piece and two knitted cloud pieces. Two separate knitted pieces may be knitted for each rainbow and two separate pieces for each cloud, to be sewn together to make a fuller toy version.

Handmade Gift Ideas!

Get some more ideas, see what you will need and follow the patterns to learn exactly how you can make your own… More Knitted Gift Ideas!

I aim to have a new pattern up on the website every few weeks (children and their busy schedules permitting!) and I’ll let you know as soon as the next one is up and ready to go…