Materials
• DK or light worsted yarn in red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, purple and pink, about 12-18 g of each color
• Small amounts of contrasting yarn for gift ribbons and bows
• 3.0-3.5 mm crochet hook
• Strong nylon thread, waxed cord or doubled yarn for the center support
• Polyester fiberfill for the gift boxes
• Tapestry needle and sewing needle
• Scissors and stitch markers
• Optional: 2-3 mm craft wire or flexible cord inside the spiral edge for extra definition
• Optional: small plastic canvas squares to keep gift-box sides crisp
Abbreviations
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• inc = 2 stitches in the same stitch
• dec = decrease
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• Rnd = round
• Row = row
• FO = fasten off
Gauge and Pattern Notes
Gauge is not critical, but the spiral strip should be firm rather than floppy. As a guide, aim for about 20-22 sc per 10 cm / 4 in with DK yarn and a 3.0-3.5 mm hook.
This is an independently written, photo-inspired approximation based on the visible construction. The exact number and placement of gifts may be changed freely.
For a smooth color flow, change colors every 10-14 rows and carry the unused yarn only if it does not add bulk. Otherwise, fasten off and join cleanly.
Method
The mobile is built from three components: a long tapered or constant-width rainbow strip, a vertical support cord, and a collection of small stuffed gift boxes. The strip is first crocheted flat. One long edge is then worked with extra stitches so it curls strongly. During assembly, the strip is wound around the vertical support cord in a wide, even helix. Gift boxes are sewn to short hanging threads attached to the cord and spiral at alternating levels.
Formation / Construction Plan
1. Crochet a firm rainbow strip approximately 150-180 cm (59-71 in) long.
2. Shape one long edge so the strip curls into a stable ribbon helix.
3. Crochet one star, one large gift and 10-12 small gift boxes.
4. Prepare a strong center cord with a hanging loop.
5. Wind the rainbow strip around the cord in 8-10 generous turns.
6. Suspend the gift boxes at alternating sides and heights.
7. Finish with the star at the top and the large gift at the bottom.
Full Pattern
Main Rainbow Spiral Strip
8. With red, ch 10. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 9. Turn.
9. Rows 2-12: Ch 1, sc across 9 sts. Turn.
10. Change to orange. Rows 13-24: Ch 1, sc across 9 sts. Turn.
11. Change to yellow. Rows 25-36: Repeat Row 2.
12. Change to green. Rows 37-48: Repeat Row 2.
13. Change to turquoise. Rows 49-60: Repeat Row 2.
14. Change to blue. Rows 61-72: Repeat Row 2.
15. Change to purple. Rows 73-84: Repeat Row 2.
16. Change to pink. Rows 85-96: Repeat Row 2.
17. Repeat the full color sequence once more, or until the strip measures about 150-180 cm. FO.
Shaping the Spiral Edge
18. Join matching yarn at one long edge. Work 2 hdc in every row-end space for the first third of the strip.
19. For the middle third, work 3 hdc in every row-end space.
20. For the final third, alternate 3 hdc and 4 hdc in successive row-end spaces.
21. FO. The strip should curl naturally. If it remains too flat, add a second shaping row of 1 sc, 2 sc in next st around the outer edge.
Small Gift Box – Make 10 to 12
22. Rnd 1: With box color, make a magic ring and work 6 sc.
23. Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
24. Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) around. (18)
25. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. (18)
26. Rnds 5-10: Sc around.
27. Insert a small square of plastic canvas in the base if desired. Stuff lightly.
28. Rnd 11: BLO (sc 1, dec) around. (12)
29. Rnd 12: Dec around. (6) FO and close.
30. For a squared look, pinch four vertical corner lines and sew through them with matching yarn.
31. With contrasting yarn, surface-crochet or embroider one vertical and one horizontal ribbon line.
32. Bow: Ch 18, sl st to first ch to form a loop. Wrap center tightly 5-6 times, knot, and sew to top.
Large Bottom Gift
33. Work as for the small gift, but begin with 8 sc in the magic ring and increase to 24 sts.
34. Work 9-11 rounds straight, then decrease gradually to close.
35. Add contrasting ribbon lines and a larger bow.
Crocheted Star Topper
36. With yellow, make a magic ring.
37. Repeat 5 times: ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next, dc in next, tr in next, sl st into ring.
38. Pull ring closed, join, FO.
39. Make a second star and sew the two together for extra firmness if desired.
Assembly and Final Shaping
40. Cut a 120-140 cm strong center cord. Fold 12-15 cm at the top into a hanging loop and knot securely.
41. Sew the star directly below the hanging loop.
42. Pin the top of the rainbow strip just under the star and tack it firmly to the center cord.
43. Wind the strip downward in an open helix. Keep 8-12 cm (3-4 3/4 in) of vertical spacing between turns.
44. Tack the inner edge of the strip to the center cord at each turn so the helix cannot slide.
45. Attach short 6-12 cm hanging threads to the center cord or inner edge of the spiral.
46. Suspend the small gifts at staggered positions, alternating left and right.
47. Leave 8-10 cm of center cord beneath the final spiral turn and attach the large gift.
48. Hang the mobile and adjust every gift so the composition looks balanced from all sides.
Finishing and Blocking
49. Steam-block the spiral lightly if using cotton. For acrylic yarn, use cool wet blocking instead of direct heat.
50. Hide all color-change tails inside the strip edge.
51. Secure every gift hanging thread with a double knot and a hidden sewing stitch.
52. Check that the center support carries the weight; decorative yarn alone should not support the entire mobile.
53. Keep small stuffed charms and cords away from very young children and pets.
Optional Variations
• Use only red, green and cream for a classic Christmas palette.
• Replace gift boxes with stars, bells, candy canes or tiny hearts.
• Use gradient yarn for the spiral to avoid multiple color changes.
• Add a small bell or crystal drop beneath the large bottom gift.
• Make a shorter 50-60 cm version for a window or cabinet handle