Rainbow Smiles – Top Down V-neck Crochet Sweater Pattern

Rainbow smiles is a top down raglan sweater with a gentle v-neck. Made with simple stitches, it is close fitting with a chevron burst of rainbow colour.

Back during my 2018 visit to Yarndale, I picked up a set of sparkly rainbow 7 mini skeins from Eden Cottage yarns.

I had been saving them for ‘something special’ (we all have that special yarn don’t we!) and began to shape the idea of a chevron rainbow sweater.

The Rainbow smiles sweater was the result!

Purchase Rainbow Smiles now from Ravelry, Love Crafts Crochet or Etsy

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Skill Level

This is a great pattern for beginners looking to try their first garment.

You will need to know how to work basic crochet stitches, basic increases and decreases, work in the round and count!

Rainbow Smiles uses simple stitches all the way through and because it is worked using the top down method, it has no seaming.

Learn more about the advantages of top down method in this post demystifying top down crochet garment making.

The pattern calls for use of foundation chains (which are explained), but modifications are given if you prefer to work into a starting chain rather than use the foundation row technique

Using place markers (which translates as scraps of yarn for me!) is encouraged and the pattern guides you through where to put them

Materials

Crochet Hook

4mm (US G/6) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.

I used my clover amour hook.

Yarn

Approximately 830-1500m 4ply / fingering yarn in total (approx 300g -500g depending on fibre) depending on size chosen.

The sweater pictured used Drops Nord (4ply) in Pearl Grey mix for the main colour (4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7 x 50g balls)

For the coloured yarn: As mentioned, I used my special Eden Cottage Yarns Nateby 4 ply mini, Rainbow Fade series but any coloured yarn of a similar weight will work. You will need less than 10-20g / 40- 80m of each colour depending on size selected.

Yarn Substitution Options: Any lightweight / 4 ply / sport or sock weight yarn which meets gauge can be used for this sweater. I would recommend wool / alpaca, acrylic or blend yarns but would probably avoid 100% cotton as the weight may cause additional stretch.

You may find this post helpful when choosing yarn.

Other Materials & Notions

Yarn needle, scissors and a tape measure

5 Place Markers or scraps of yarn for ‘corners’

You may wish to block this project, in which case I recommend a blocking matt and pins.

Learn more about blocking here.

Sizes

The sweater is designed to be close fitting and the pattern is written in sizes XS through to 3X (bust 74-134cm)

However, because the pattern uses the top down method, you can easily adjust the fit as you go. I have added comments and guidance throughout the pattern on how you might tailor your sweater to the fit that is exactly right for you

This article discusses methods for adjusting the size of top down yoke based crochet sweaters.

Pattern Gauge

The gauge is 15sts x 11rows in 10cm x 10cm of double crochet (US) lightly blocked using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension.

Get the PDF crochet pattern now from Love Crafts Crochet, Ravelry or Etsy

I hope you enjoy the pattern and, as always don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @doraexplored, or use #rainbowsmiles or #doradoes. I’d love to see and share your efforts!

Happy hooking

Dx

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