Rainbow Circle Motif Lounge Set: Free Crochet Pattern
Rainbow Circle Motif Lounge Set: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This cheerful two-piece lounge set is made entirely from bright rainbow circle motifs, joined into a grid to create a soft, breathable sleeveless top and matching shorts. It is designed for teens (bust 30–32"), but the simple grid construction makes it easy to size up or down once you know your motif count. The sport-weight bamboo cotton yarn gives it a lovely drape and a cool, smooth feel against the skin — perfect for lazy weekends, sleepovers, or wearing as pajamas. A delicate picot edging at the neck, armholes, and hems adds just the right finishing touch without any complicated shaping.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Sport weight (CYC 2) bamboo cotton, 50% bamboo / 50% cotton, 150 yd (137 m) per 50 g skein. Colors: A (red) 1 skein, B (orange) 1 skein, C (yellow) 1 skein, D (green) 1 skein, E (blue) 1 skein, F (indigo) 1 skein, G (violet) 1 skein. Total approx. 600 yd for the set.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, blocking mats and pins
- Finished size: Teen — to fit bust 30–32" (76–81 cm), waist 24–26" (61–66 cm), hip 32–34" (81–86 cm). Top: 32" (81 cm) wide × 18" (46 cm) long. Shorts: 26" (66 cm) waist, 34" (86 cm) hip, 3" (7.5 cm) inseam.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- dc — double crochet
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- MR — magic ring (adjustable loop)
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- blo — back loop only
- dec — decrease (work two stitches together)
Gauge
One circle motif = 3.5" (9 cm) diameter after blocking; 4 sc = 1" (2.5 cm). Check your gauge by making one motif and measuring it flat after a light block — if it is larger than 3.5", go down a hook size; if smaller, go up.
Tips Before You Start
- Make all motifs first and lay them out before joining so you can balance the colors evenly across the grid.
- Keep your tension consistent between motifs — uneven circles make the join lines wavy.
- Join with slip stitch in back loops only; this keeps the join lines flat and neat on the right side.
- Block each motif lightly before joining if you want crisp, even circles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Top — Circle Motifs (make 24)
Make 24 circles: 4 each in colors A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
Rnd 1: MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. (12 dc)
Top — Joining Motifs
Arrange motifs in a grid 8 wide × 6 high (front and back together). Match colors randomly but evenly.
Joining: With right sides facing, sl st in blo to join motifs. Join all vertical seams first, then all horizontal seams.
Top — Armholes and Neck
Fold the joined piece in half for front and back. Mark the center 2 motifs for the neck opening (approx. 7" wide). Mark 1 motif at each outer edge for the armholes (approx. 3.5" deep).
Reinforcing round: Join yarn at underarm, ch 1, work 1 round sc evenly around armhole (or neck) opening, join with sl st.
Top — Picot Edging (Neck and Armholes)
Rnd 1: Join yarn at underarm, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st.
Rnd 2: *Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in first ch (picot); repeat from * around, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Repeat Rnds 1–2 around the neck opening.
Top — Bottom Hem
Rnd 1: Join yarn at lower edge, ch 1, sc evenly around, join with sl st.
Rnd 2: *Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in first ch (picot); repeat from * around, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Shorts — Circle Motifs (make 16)
Make 16 circles: 2 each in colors A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, plus 2 extra in any colors.
Rnd 1: MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off. (12 dc)
Shorts — Joining Motifs
Arrange motifs in a grid 8 wide × 4 high (both legs together). Join as for the top: sl st in blo, vertical seams first, then horizontal.
Shorts — Shaping Legs
Fold the joined piece in half to form two legs. Join the inner leg seam for 1 motif height (approx. 3.5").
Reinforcing round: Join yarn at leg opening, ch 1, sc evenly around, join with sl st. Repeat for second leg.
Shorts — Waistband
Rnd 1: Join yarn at waist, ch 1, sc evenly around waist opening, decreasing 4 sts evenly, join with sl st.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Shorts — Picot Edging (Waist and Leg Hems)
Rnd 1: Join yarn, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st.
Rnd 2: *Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in first ch (picot); repeat from * around, join with sl st. Fasten off.
Repeat Rnds 1–2 around the waist and around each leg opening.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side. Lightly block the top and shorts to the finished measurements — pin to shape and mist with water, then let dry completely. Check all join lines and edgings lie flat, and adjust with a warm iron over a cloth if needed (do not press directly on the bamboo cotton).
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a single color per garment for a more subtle, tonal look, or alternate two colors in a checkerboard for a bolder effect.
- Add a round of sc in a contrasting color under the picot edging for extra definition at the neck and hems.
- For a longer top, add one extra row of motifs (8 more circles) and adjust the armhole marking accordingly.
