Add a splash of color and a whole lot of charm to your space with this Rainbow Striped Bow Pillow crochet pattern! This cheerful design combines the timeless appeal of stripes with the playful elegance of a giant bow, making it a standout piece for any room. Whether you’re brightening up a child’s bedroom, adding a whimsical touch to your craft corner, or just love bold, joyful projects, this pattern lets you stitch up a cozy cushion that’s as eye-catching as it is fun to make. 🎀🌈🧶
Designed for creative expression, this pattern invites you to mix and match your favorite rainbow hues, experiment with textures, and customize the size to suit your space. Add a touch of sparkle, a contrasting center band, or even a scalloped edge for extra flair. Whether it’s a thoughtful handmade gift or a colorful treat for yourself, this Rainbow Striped Bow Pillow is a delightful and satisfying project—perfect for bringing a burst of handmade happiness to every stitch! 💖✨🏡
🎀 Rainbow Striped Bow Pillow Crochet Pattern
Bring instant cheer to any sofa, bed, or reading nook with this oversized bow pillow bursting in bright, candy-stripe colors. Two simple, squishy rectangles are crocheted in quick rows, cinched at the center with a wide band, and stuffed for cloud-like squish. Even if you’re new to colorwork, the short row repeats make every stripe feel like a mini finish line—perfect TV-time stitching!
✨ Skill Level
Advanced Beginner – You’ll work flat rows, change colors neatly, seam, and stuff.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 18 in × 10 in (46 cm × 25 cm) bow after stuffing, with a 3 in (8 cm) wide center band.
(Adjust length/width or yarn weight to resize.)
🧶 Materials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Super-bulky chenille velvet (Category 6) – about 45 yd / 40 m of each: ① Hot Pink, ② Orange, ③ Yellow, ④ Lime, ⑤ Aqua, ⑥ Royal Blue, ⑦ Purple (or any 7–8 rainbow shades) |
| Hook | 8 mm / L-11 |
| Notions | 18 oz (500 g) poly-fiberfill • Yarn needle • Locking stitch markers • Scissors |
🧵 Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- blo – back loop only
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sl st – slip stitch
- FO – fasten off
🖍️ Stripe Order & Color Changes
1 round = 2 rows (work RS & WS in same color). The sequence repeats:
Hot Pink → Orange → Yellow → Lime → Aqua → Royal Blue → Purple → Hot Pink …
Jog-less change tip: On the final yarn-over of the last sc before a color switch, drop the old color and yarn-over with the new one. Tug tails snug and continue; work tails over for 4–5 sts to lock.
1️⃣ Pillow Panels (make 2)
Worked flat in blo for plush ridges.
- With Hot Pink, ch 46 (≈ 18 in width).
- Row 1 (RS): sc in 2nd ch from hook & each ch across (45 sts). Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2 (WS): blo sc across, ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 once more (total 2 rows per stripe). Change to Orange.
- Continue repeating 2-row stripes in the color order until you have 32 rows total (16 stripes).
- After final Purple stripe, FO leaving an 18 in tail for seaming.
Make a second identical rectangle.
2️⃣ Center Band
- With Hot Pink, ch 16.
- Row 1: sc in 2nd ch & each across (15 sts), ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: blo sc across, ch 1, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 for 34 rows (approx. 14 in / 35 cm long).
- FO leaving a long tail.
(Band should wrap comfortably around the pinched middle with a 1 in overlap.)
3️⃣ Assembly
- Seam Panels – Place rectangles WS together; whip-stitch around three sides with corresponding stripe colors or hot pink tail, leaving one short edge open.
- Stuff firmly yet evenly, shaping into a plump cushion. Seam final edge closed.
- Shape the Bow – Pinch the pillow at its center; wrap the band around, overlap ends on the back, and whip-stitch invisibly. Add a few tacking stitches through all layers to keep gathers crisp.
- Fluff & Finish – Massage stuffing into corners, smooth ridges, and steam lightly (if yarn allows) to even stitches. FO, weave all ends.
🎨 Customization Ideas
- Pastel dream – swap for ice-cream hues for a softer nursery vibe.
- Single ombré – fade light to dark in one color family.
- Mini bows – halve starting chain and row count for throw-pillow accents.
- Sew on safety eyes & a smile for a kawaii plush bow friend!
Now cuddle up—your technicolor bow is ready to brighten naps, movie nights, and every social-media snap in between! ☁️🌈🎀
