Rainbow Plushy

I've always loved rainbows. I mean, who could resist all those lovely colors? Even though it's a simple matter of light and water droplets, they still seem somewhat magical and mystical. And they make a very fitting symbol of hope, creating beauty after a storm. I'd like to think that they're a quiet reminder that after tragedy, joy is still possible.
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After some personal ups and downs recently, I found myself contemplating the nature of grief. I won't bore you all with philosophical ramblings; suffice it to say that I kept coming back to the mental image of a rainbow. And I felt like I should crochet a rainbow. A huggable rainbow. 

So I'd like to dedicate this pattern to anyone out there who's grieving. I know that a crocheted rainbow can't magically solve all your problems or take away your hurt or loss. But I hope that you'll think of it as my wish to you that you'll find your own healing and peace. Please hang in there, because you matter. And if you ever find yourself in need of an extra hug, well, this rainbow's got your back.

Now for some pattern logistics: the colored section of the rainbow is worked all in one piece (with color changes) and the clouds are crocheted directly onto it. So there's only one tiny bit of sewing involved in this project. And, as an added bonus, you don't need to worry about weaving in the ends from the color changes because you can just tuck them inside with all the stuffing (score!). I added a face to mine, but you're welcome to leave it expressionless for more of a minimalist approach.

 It's pretty simple to adjust the size on this one once you recognize the general pattern for increasing/decreasing (feel free to contact me if you need help with this), but I am going to be fairly insistent about stitch placements. It's still somewhat noticeable just because of the size/color changes in this type of construction,  but this is the best method I've found for minimizing "corners" and keep it as round as possible while maintaining symmetry. I tried a lot of different iterations and this approach definitely worked the best while still being easy to replicate. Oh, and if you're a loose crocheter, you should really consider going down a hook size or two, unless you want it to be extra large (I tend to crochet more tightly). 

On to the pattern! If you'd like an ad-free printable PDF version, you can find one on Ravelry. 

Stitch Glossary:
st(s) = stitch(es)
ch = chain
ss = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
inc = sc increase (work 2 sc into the same st)
dec = sc decrease (sc2tog)

Materials:

• Less than 1 skein each of I Love This Cotton! Yarn in White, Red, Glowing, Banana, Apple Green, Turquoise, and Hot Orchid
• Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: 6mm safety eyes (2)
• Optional: A tiny bit of black yarn for the smile

Gauge (for a 10" x 6.5" rainbow): 
2" = 11 sc
2" = 10 rows

Starting with Hot Orchid:
Ch 16
Row 1: sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc, inc, sc in the next 2 sts, [sc in the next 2 sts, inc, sc in the next 2 sts] 2 times, turn (18)
Row 2: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, turn (21)
Row 3: ch 1, [sc in the next 3 sts, inc, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, turn (24)
Row 4: ch 1, [sc in the next 7 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (27)

Switch to Turquoise
Row 5:  ch 1, [sc in the next 4 sts, inc, sc in the next 4 sts] 3 times, turn (30)
Row 6: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, turn (33)
Row 7: ch 1, [sc in the next 5 sts, inc, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, turn (36)
Row 8: ch 1, [sc in the next 11 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (39)
Switch to Apple Green
Row 9:  ch 1, [sc in the next 6 sts, inc, sc in the next 6 sts] 3 times, turn (42)
Row 10: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, turn (45)
Row 11: ch 1, [sc in the next 7 sts, inc, sc in the next 7 sts] 3 times, turn (48)
Row 12: ch 1, [sc in the next 15 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (51)
Switch to Banana
Row 13:  ch 1, [sc in the next 8 sts, inc, sc in the next 8 sts] 3 times, turn (54)
Row 14: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 17 sts] 3 times, turn (57)
Row 15: ch 1, [sc in the next 9 sts, inc, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, turn (60)
Row 16: ch 1, [sc in the next 19 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (63)
Switch to Glowing
Row 17:  ch 1, [sc in the next 10 sts, inc, sc in the next 10 sts] 3 times, turn (66)
Row 18: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 21 sts] 3 times, turn (69)
Row 19: ch 1, [sc in the next 11 sts, inc, sc in the next 11 sts] 3 times, turn (72)
Row 20: ch 1, [sc in the next 23 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (75)
Switch to Red
Row 21:  ch 1, [sc in the next 12 sts, inc, sc in the next 12 sts] 3 times, turn (78)
Row 22: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 25 sts] 3 times, turn (81)
Row 23: ch 1, [sc in the next 13 sts, inc, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, turn (84)
Row 24: ch 1, [sc in the next 27 sts, inc] 3 times, turn (87)

Rows 25-26: ch 1, sc across, turn (87)
Row 27: ch 1, [sc in the next 27 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (84)
Row 28: ch 1, [sc in the next 13 sts, dec, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, turn (81)
Row 29: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 25 sts] 3 times, turn (78)
Row 30: ch 1, [sc in the next 12 sts, dec, sc in the next 12 sts] 3 times, turn (75)
Switch to Glowing
Row 31: ch 1, [sc in the next 23 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (72)
Row 32: ch 1, [sc in the next 11 sts, dec, sc in the next 11 sts] 3 times, turn (69)
Row 33: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 21 sts] 3 times, turn (66)
Row 34: ch 1, [sc in the next 10 sts, dec, sc in the next 10 sts] 3 times, turn (63)
Switch to Banana
Row 35: ch 1, [sc in the next 19 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (60)
Row 36: ch 1, [sc in the next 9 sts, dec, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, turn (57)
Row 37: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 17 sts] 3 times, turn (54)
Row 38: ch 1, [sc in the next 8 sts, dec, sc in the next 8 sts] 3 times, turn (51)
Switch to Apple Green
Row 39: ch 1, [sc in the next 15 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (48)
Row 40: ch 1, [sc in the next 7 sts, dec, sc in the next 7 sts] 3 times, turn (45)
Row 41: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 13 sts] 3 times, turn (42)
Row 42: ch 1, [sc in the next 6 sts, dec, sc in the next 6 sts] 3 times, turn (39)
Switch to Turquoise
Row 43: ch 1, [sc in the next 11 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (36)
Row 44: ch 1, [sc in the next 5 sts, dec, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, turn (33)
Row 45: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 9 sts] 3 times, turn (30)
Row 46: ch 1, [sc in the next 4 sts, dec, sc in the next 4 sts] 3 times, turn (27)
Switch to Hot Orchid
Row 47: ch 1, [sc in the next 7 sts, dec] 3 times, turn (24)
Row 48: ch 1, [sc in the next 3 sts, dec, sc in the next 3 sts] 3 times, turn (21)
Row 49: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 5 sts] 3 times, turn (18)
Row 50: ch 1, [sc in the next 2 sts, dec, sc in the next 2 sts] 3 times, turn (15)
Rows 51-52: ch 1, sc around, turn (15)
Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing. 

If you'd like to add a face to your rainbow, now is a perfect time to pause and do so. I placed 6 mm safety eyes about 8 sts apart, right where the blue and green stripes touch. Then I stitched a small smile in between. But feel free to personalize it with whatever expression/placement you'd like. 

Now it's time to sew the bottom of the rainbow together. Using the tapestry needle and the long yarn tail, sew the bottom of the purple edges together (don't sew the sides of the purple stripe together). 

Let's take a look at the clouds now. Using White:
Round 1: Work 48 sc evenly around one open end of the rainbow, ss to join (48)

Round 2: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 7 sts] around, ss to join (54)
Round 3: ch 1, [sc in the next 4 sts, inc, sc in the next 4 sts] around, ss to join (60)
Round 4: ch 1, [inc, sc in the next 9 sts] around, ss to join (66)
Rounds 5-6: ch 1, sc around, ss to join (66)
Round 7: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 9 sts] around, ss to join (60)
Round 8: ch 1, [sc in the next 4 sts, dec, sc in the next 4 sts] around, ss to join (54)
Round 9: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 7 sts] around, ss to join (48)
Round 10: ch 1, [sc in the next 3 sts, dec, sc in the next 3 sts] around, ss to join (42)
Round 11: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 5 sts] around, ss to join (36)
Round 12: ch 1, [sc in the next 2 sts, dec, sc in the next 2 sts] around, ss to join (30)
Round 13: ch 1, [dec, sc in the next 3 sts] around, ss to join (24)
Begin stuffing. Continue to stuff as you go. 
Round 14: ch 1, [sc, dec, sc] around, ss to join (18)
Round 15: ch 1, [dec, sc] around, ss to join (12)
Round 16: ch 1, dec around, ss to join (6)

Finish stuffing; be sure to stuff the cloud firmly. Fasten off, leaving an extra long yarn tail (I recommend at least 36" so that you have plenty to work with). Using the tapestry needle, thread the yarn tail through the front loops only of the remaining 6 sts and pull taut to close the circle. Then insert the needle through the center of the circle you just closed. . . 

. . .and back out through the bottom of Round 1 (indicated by an arrow below). Pull the yarn all the way through . . . 

. . . and then put the needle back into the same spot at the center of the cloud . . . 

. . . and back out through a different spot at the bottom of round 1. Pull the yarn all the way through and pull taut. This will create the first indentation to help shape the cloud.

Repeat this process (inserting the needle though the center of the cloud and pulling it back out at a different spot at the bottom of round 1) around the cloud. You can choose whether or not you want to make each indentation evenly spaced. I decided that I wanted mine to be uneven, so I made some indentations closer together and other further apart. Once you have all the indentations you want, tie off the yarn tail and weave in any ends. 

Repeat for the second opening of the rainbow, being sure to stuff as you go. 

And there you have it! A cuddly, friendly rainbow pal. I hope that you enjoy this pattern and that it brings a little bit of extra hope to your day. If you like the pattern or just want to support my blog, you can find an ad-free printable PDF version on Ravelry. And, as always, if you have any questions or comments about this pattern, you can reach me on social media or in the comments section below. Happy hooking! 

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***You're welcome to do whatever you'd like to with finished products made from this pattern but if you do sell them, I ask that you link back to my page. You may not copy this pattern, repost it anywhere (either altered or in its original form), or claim it as your own. You may not use any photos on this site for your own use. ***