15 Rainbow craft ideas to brighten your day

Here at Gathered we're big fans of rainbows! They're one of our favourite things to incorporate into many different types of craft project, and are often seen as a symbol of hope, as well as being a symbol for Pride and inclusivity. So below you'll find our list of fab free rainbow patterns for you to try, and we've also included a few that you can get your kids involved with too - enjoy!

For more creative projects check out our free daily craft patterns and if you're not sure which craft suits you best then take our creative hobbies for adults quiz. It'll show you which craft suits you best!

1. Free Crochet Rainbow Pattern

Crocheters of all ages will love this cute little rainbow motif. The design was originally published in Simply Crochet magazine as a way of embellishing a child's top, but we think it would also look fantastic on a card, or why not just pop it in your window and spread some crochet joy! Find the free pattern here.

2. Free Paper Plate Rainbow Tutorial

It's important to keep kids occupied, and crafty makes is a great activity that you can do together. We found this fab tutorial for this paper-plate rainbow make, where all you need is a paper plate and some felt tip pens (and some optional cellophane strips and pompoms). You can find the full tutorial here and check out our paper crafts for kids for more colourful paper projects.

3. Free Rainbow Cushion Sewing Pattern

If you're feeling in a stitchy mood, check out our fab free cushion sewing pattern. Customise it with three of your own favourite colours, or if you're feeling brave maybe try adapting the pattern to include ever colour of the rainbow! Click here to find the Free Rainbow Cushion Sewing Pattern

4. Crochet granny squares in every colour of the rainbow

Welcome new arrivals with rainbow vibes with Becky Skuse’s sweet and simple Free granny square baby blanket crochet pattern free pattern.

5. Free Knitted Giant Rainbow Pattern by Sincerely Louise

We love this super-size knitted rainbow by Sincerely Louise! Whether you hang it up in your window, or just cuddle up with it on the sofa, it's bound to put a smile on your face. Click here for the Free Giant Rainbow knitting pattern

6. Free Papercraft Rainbow Mobile

Create a radiant rainbow papercraft rainbow, which is sure to bring some seasonal cheer to your living space... or to add a splash of colour into babies bedroom! Find the tutorial here!

7. Free Rainbow Quilt Pattern

If you fancy trying your hand at quilting, this fantastic rainbow quilt is a great project to have a go at! Because it's a pixel project, you'll only need to cut simple squares of fabric to make it, then it's just a simple case of sewing it all together. Click here for the Free Rainbow Quilt Pattern.

8. Polymer Clay Rainbow Necklace tutorial

If your kids (or you crafty folks) have any Polymer clay (e.g. FIMO) stashed away, maybe it's time to crack it out and give this Rainbow necklace a try - kids will love rolling out those little rainbow snakes! Find the tutorial here!

9. Free Crochet rainbow pattern by Cara Medus

Simply Crochet's very own technical editor has created this super-cute little rainbow for you to hook up! You could use it as a decoration, but we think it would also make a fab brooch too! Find the free crochet rainbow pattern here.

10. Mollie Makes free appliqué rainbow pattern

Fancy a colourful embroidery project? Then you can't go wrong with this fab embroidered rainbow patch form Mollie Makes. It makes the perfect addition to a plain white t-shirt! Find the pattern here!

11. Free rainbow templates for embroidery and punch needle fun

Add rainbows to all your clothes and punch needle rainbows into homewares with Bonny Cummings' downloadable rainbow designs.

12. Free rainbow decoration knitting patterns

If you're loving all the rainbow colours but want to try some different shapes, then these knitted decorations are perfect for you! There's 3 patterns to choose from - a circle, star and a heart. Plus, they're all worked up in simple stocking stitch, so it won't take you long to make them! Click here for the Free rainbow decoration knitting patterns

13. Free felt rainbow tutorial

Remember fuzzy felts? Well, why not try making your own rainbow version - it's a great activity for kids, especially young ones as putting the colours and sizes in order provide a fun yet challenging learning exercise. And don't worry if you've not got a felt board to put them on, you'll also find a link in the tutorial on how to make one. Find the tutorial here!

14. Make a pom pom rainbow

If you've got a bag of ready-made pompoms in your craft supply (or just have some yarn and a pompom maker), then why not go full-on with this pompom rainbow make! Kids will love this super-fluffy project (as well as the chance to get messy with a bit of glue – non-toxic of course!). Find the tutorial here!

15. Make a rainbow sun catcher

This cheery project will brighten up windows and is a great kids craft activity. Find out how to make a rainbow sun catcher with our video tutorial.

More craft projects to try at home

If you liked these projects and are looking for more activities, why not check our 30 easy crafts to do at home and our 40 fun craft ideas for kids so the whole family can be inspired. Plus we have 10 top tips to get kids cross stitching and 10 easy Easter crafts for kids to get the creative flying.