Bavarian Rainbow Afghan

The Bavarian square is a great challenge for an intermediate crochet fan, and with this Bavarian Rainbow Afghan, you'll learn how to put your crochet skills to the test! This colorful crochet afghan pattern has plenty of color and texture, and is great for adults and babies alike.

This free crochet afghan pattern allows you to use the intricate design of the Bavarian square with six different yarn colors in order to create an eye-popping design that will look stunning in your home. Pretty in pastels, this would make a great baby blanket pattern as well as a fabulous little throw to keep in your living room for chilly guests.

Plus, look out below for everything you ever needed to know about Bavarian crochet!

NotesAfghan is worked from the center.

Join with a slip stitch as indicated unless otherwise stated.

Crochet HookH/8 or 5 mm hook

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Crochet GaugeA 4 round square measures 8” x 8”

Finished SizeAfghan Measures: 41” x 41”

Materials List

2 skeins Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Light Blue
1 skein Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Petal Pink
1 skein Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Honeydew
1 skein Red Heart Super Saver yarn in White
2 skeins Red Heart Classic yarn in Light Lavender
2 skeins Red Heart Classic yarn in Peachy
5.0 (US H-8) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

Bavarian Crochet Rainbow Afghan

Instructions:

Round 1: With light blue ch 5, slip stitch in first ch to form a ring, ch 1, [sc in ring, ch 5, 4-tr cl in ring, ch 5] 4 times, join to beginning sc. (8 ch 5 spaces, 4 sc, 4 cls)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 2, lg shell in top of next 4-tr cl, ch 2, [sc, in next sc, ch 2, lg shell in top of next 4-tr cl, ch 2] 3 times, join to beginning sc, fasten off. (8 ch 2 spaces, 4 lg shells, 4 sc)
Round 3: Join white with a sc in first ch 1 space on any lg shell, ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, [sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5] 3 times, join to beginning sc. (8 sc, 4 8-bptr dc, 4 4-bptr dec)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [lg shell in top of the next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of the next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc] 3 times, lg shell in top of the next 4-bptr dec, sc in the next sc, sm shell in top of the last 8-bptr dec, join to beginning sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 4 sm shells, 8 sc)
Round 5: Join petal pink with a sc in first ch 1 space of any lg shell, *ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5**, sc in next ch 1 space, repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc. (4 4-bptr dec, 8-bptr dec, 12 sc)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 4-bptr dec**, repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join to beg sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 8 sm shells, 12 sc)
Round 7: Join light lavender with a sc in first ch 1 space of any lg shell at corner, *ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5, sc in nest ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec**, sc in next ch space, repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc. (4 4-bptr dec, 12 8-bptr dec, 16 sc)
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec**, sc in next sc, repeat * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 12 sm shells, 16 sc)
Round 9: Join peachy with a sc in first ch 1 space of any lg shell, *ch 5, 4-bptr dec, ch 5, [sc in next ch 1 space, ch 5, 8-bptr dec, ch 5] across** to next lg shell, sc in first ch 1 space of lg shell, repeat from * around ending last repeat at **, join to beginning sc. (4 4-bptr dec, 16 8-bptr dec, 20 sc)
Round 10: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, sc in next sc, [sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec, sc in next sc] across to next 4-bptr dec, repeat from * twice, lg shell in top of next 4-bptr dec, [sc in next sc, sm shell in top of next 8-bptr dec] across, join to beg sc and fasten off. (4 lg shells, 16 sm shells, 20 sc)
Rounds 11 & 12: With honeydew, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 20 sm shells, 24 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 13 & 14: With light blue, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 24 sm shells, 28 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 15 & 16: With white, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 28 sm shells, 32 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 17 & 18: With petal pink, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 32 sm shells, 36 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 19 & 20: With light lavender, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 36 sm shells, 40 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 21 & 22: With peachy, repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 40 sm shells, 44 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 23 & 24: With honeydew repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 44 sm shells, 48 sc at end of last Round)
Rounds 25 & 26: With light blue repeat Rounds 9 & 10. (4 lg shells, 48 sm shells, 52 sc at end of last Round)

What is Bavarian Crochet?

Surprisingly enough, the term Bavarian crochet does not refer to a type of crochet from a specific region. Instead Bavarian crochet refers to a particular design or technique in crochet patterns. This type of crochet often refers to crochet patterns that utilize Bavarian squares. A Bavarian crochet square consists of a pattern that uses an antique circular crochet motif worked in two rows. One row is simply clusters while the second features shell stitches. This technique allows crochet enthusiasts to add interesting textures to their pieces as well as find new and exciting ways to combine colors for eye-popping designs.

More Bavarian Crochet Patterns

BONUS: Catherine's Wheel Patterns

While there are nuances to the Catherine's wheel stitch that make it a different stitch altogether from Bavarian crochet, the looks are similar. If Bavarian crochet appeals to you, the Catherine's wheel stitch should appeal to you, too!

Abbreviations

bptr: Back post treble

Large Shell (lg shell): (4 tr, [ch 1, 4 tr] twice) in place indicated.

Small Shell (sm shell): (4 tr, ch 1, 4 tr) in place indicated.

4-treble cluster (4-tr cl): Holding last loop of each stitch on hook, 4 tr in place indicated, yo, pull through all loops on hook.

4-back post treble decrease (4-bptr dec): Holding back last loop of each stitch on hook, bptr around each of next 4 stitches, yo, pull through all loops on hook.

8-back post treble decrease (8-bptr dec): *Holding back last loop of each stitch on hook, bptr around each of next 4 stitches*, skip sc between shells and working on next shell, repeat between * once, yo, pull through all loops on hook. The 8-bptr dec is always worked using the last 4-tr group and 1 shell and the first 4-tr group of the next shell.

Up Next:

15 Unique Crochet Stitches

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Morehouse17

Apr 30, 2018

I love to come across posts like this. Not only does the featured design get my interest, there are others in the post as well. Because I have never crocheted the Bavarian before, the extra posts with links of how to create the design is the place to start for me. Thanks for the compilation.

Delphine Bryant

Apr 28, 2018

A former co worker turned me on to this crochet technique. I had been seeing it for a while when surfing the net for patterns and inspiration and truthfully, I thought it would be too complicated. When she expressed the ease in making I became more interested and I have been looking for a project I would like to complete. This adorable Bavarian Rainbow afghan just may be the ticket.

Cheryl Y

Feb 08, 2018

This is a beautiful afghan that would make anyone proud to receive it as a gift. The Bavarian Rainbow Afghan is a eye popping design that is like none other. The change of colors make this one stand out. I've made a sample using one color and it doesn't look as striking as if there were more colors used, but still beautiful. The pattern here on this page is well done and once you get the pattern down, it's quite easy to do. I'll be buying all the color yarns and make a beautiful afghan to give as a wedding gift. Plus, once you get the pattern down, there are other great patterns to make on this page. I like the tote bag.. Thank you so much for sharing this free crochet Bavarian afghan pattern.

KathrynAllison

Jul 28, 2017

Wow, the pastel colors of this afghan really give it a special look. I can see this type of special handmade item being passed down from generation to generation.

NancyDoll

Mar 01, 2017

This pattern is beautiful. I can see it in my imagination as a baby blanket, using many different colors of baby yarn, or as a throw for a couch, made to coordinate with the colors in the room. I could also see it as a "scrap user" afghan to be used in a family room to snuggle under while watching a movie. I absolutely love the pattern. I can't wait to try it out!!

lcarr

Feb 28, 2017

I have made this afghan. It is my mother-in-laws favorite blanket. So much so that she wants me to repair the one I made her years ago instead of making her a new one because she doesnt want a different style. It really is a wool eater, but it is very pretty, and well worth it.

gvsc1971 5811317

Feb 23, 2017

I have been crocheting for almost sixty years, and never saw the term cl anywhere. What does it mean? a "glossary" would have been helpful.

Dinahmayes 7587131

Aug 25, 2017

There is an abbreviations "dictionary" at the bottom of the pattern. CL stands for Cluster. Specifically in this pattern, a 4 triple crochet cluster. There are some videos on Youtube of the bavarian crochet method, if you aren't sure how to do it.

saphy98

Jan 26, 2017

The Bavarian Stitch is definitely for Intermediate crochet people. It is fun once you get started and understand the pattern. I made some small dish cloths before I started the bigger item. Takes time, but the finished item is well worth it. I think this pattern is fun to make and will use for other projects as well.

purple46

Mar 28, 2016

Love this and have wanted to try it. Yeah I am heading to find a video!! But I am a visual learner. Pattern reading not my strongest. But so glad you added pictures to help us out.Beautiful.

windekate1 5877564

Mar 06, 2016

I am wondering how difficult is this Bavarian Blanket to crochet,I am thinking this maybe my next project,I am in love with it

Kaylee

Mar 07, 2016

Hello! We encourage you to try this pattern out. While it may be a relatively new design for you, we have a full tutorial on how to crochet the Bavarian square (linked above). So, that should help! -Kaylee, Editor of FaveCrafts.com

lpalmer59 7490208

Mar 03, 2016

I love the look of this blanket. I have never heard of this type of stitch, and I am very anxious to try this. Crocheting is one of my favorite hobbies, and it is so relaxing for me. I have been crocheting for years, I even create my own patterns, and this is new to me. You gorgeous stitch where have you been hiding all these years?

carolbedworth 6935 994

Mar 10, 2015

I'm doing this one now and i found a mistake in row 9. It says to fasten off, you don't want to do that till end of row 10.

FaveCrafts Editor JL

Mar 12, 2015

Hi there, thanks so much for pointing this out. I have updated the pattern. Thanks again! - Julia

BonInChetek

Mar 02, 2015

I made this in pinks, roses, and lilacs for a baby afghan, turned out beautiful

bobsie 822

Feb 27, 2015

What a beautiful afghan! Thanks for sharing. B. Reiser

blakeway 6605884

Jul 15, 2014

Hi, I love this afghan, but it would have been nicer with flat, smoothe integration of the other colours. It looks like a ridge between colours which I don't really like. Carol-Ann

cantcount 7838795

Oct 21, 2014

The "ridge" you refer to is what makes this a Bavarian afghan. I made one for my granddaughter out of variegated yarn and it was absolutely gorgeous.

windekate1 5877564

Mar 06, 2016

Was it one color,pattern of verigated or did you use a variety of yarns of different shades ?

BJC

Jul 14, 2014

I have discovered that if you try to print the pattern using the PRINT method above the pattern you will be missing part of the pattern. I had to do PRINT PREVIEW & that gave me the whole pattern. Can't wait to try this beautiful afghan.

Melissa Ryan

Jul 15, 2014

Hi BJC--Thanks for the comment. You could also copy and paste the directions into Word and print from there as well. Let us know how it goes! We'd love to see a picture when it's all done! FaveCrafts Editors

gtu61297 8983190

Apr 26, 2014

I was wondering if you could supply a chart with this pattern?

FaveCrafts Editor JL

Apr 28, 2014

Hi there, Unfortunately the pattern designer, Roseanna Beck, did not provide a chart. For specific, pattern-related questions, please contact Roseanna directly via her designer profile. Thanks!

kuhlmom48

Feb 19, 2014

I am going to give this one a try as soon as I can get free of a couple other projects on my hooks at the moment!!! Thank you for sharing this one!!!

kaleejon 6461095

Jul 13, 2013

This is just lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us. Looks soft warm and interesting to crochet. Would be gorgeous in many different color combinations.

iacontessa 7772459

Jul 10, 2013

I have no reason to make a new afghan right now, just finished 3 and have to work on gifts for the new twins; however, this pattern is "the cat's meow" I have to try it tonite!!!