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Rainbows are a beautiful symbol of optimism and hope, and during these challenging times they have taken on even more significance. We’ve put together a set of rainbow templates you can use to embellish sewing projects and a larger template that can be used for embroidery or punch needle projects.
Rainbow embroidery designs
The first sheet of templates contains five different rainbow designs that all print out onto a single sheet of A4 paper. These are sized so you can use them on clothes and accessories, or as small hoop art pieces.
The small rainbows are quick and easy to embroider, and you can use a variety of different embroidery stitches to achieve different looks. I used chain stitch to embroider a simple rainbow onto one of my little girl’s plain babygrows. I was able to stitch it in a couple of hours (including disruptions from my little one!). If you wanted to make something with more impact, use satin stitch for the different rainbow bands.
If you are new to embroidery, these templates are a great way to start as they are nice and quick. We have a complete guide to embroidery for beginners which walks you through each step, as well as a list of fun punch needle kits if you want to try another project.
If you don’t have all seven colours of thread, use a combination of what you do have: rainbows in different colours can also look lovely.
Punch needle rainbow
The second template sheet contains one large rainbow and clouds design. This prints onto a single sheet of A4, and is sized so it can be used as a large hoop embroidery project, a punch needle project or as a colour in sheet.
I used a ready made 50cm x 50cm Ikea cushion cover for my rainbow punch needle cushion to speed up making it, although you could easily make your own cushion cover (if you want to do this, our guide to making your own cushion covers will help).
For my cushion I used acrylic DK yarn, in classic bright rainbow colours. It was a little tricky to punch into the cushion cover fabric which had a close weave. If you have not done any punch needle work before, I’d recommend starting using monk’s cloth which is easier to punch with.
Find some more rainbow inspiration check out our rainbow craft ideas and free rainbow crochet pattern!
Download the rainbow templates:
Template 1: Small rainbows PDF
Template 2: Large rainbow PDF
If you use any of the rainbow templates, we’d love to see what you make! Please tag us on Instagram with @gatheredmakers or #gatheredmakers.
