Prism Cascade Wall Hanging Free Pattern – A Knitted Rainbow Cascade

Bring a soft, sculptural rainbow into your home with this stunning knitted wall hanging. The Prism Cascade features a cascading waterfall of colorful fringe and cozy garter stitch texture, creating a modern, bohemian statement piece that adds warmth and whimsy to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, this free pattern is designed to be accessible, rewarding, and utterly beautiful. Let's transform simple yarn into a vibrant work of art for your walls.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is perfect for using up scrap yarn from your stash, but for the full rainbow effect, you'll want these specific colors.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 7 rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) plus a neutral cream for the base. You will need approximately 100 yards of each rainbow color and 150 yards of cream.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles. A circular needle can be used if you prefer, but straight needles work perfectly.
• Extras: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching fringe, plus a crochet hook (any size, around 5mm) to help pull fringe loops through the fabric.
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch (knit every row). Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure even shaping and a professional finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This wall hanging is knitted flat in one piece, then finished with a colorful fringe. The design features a cream background with a rainbow arc created by short rows and color changes. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous piece in no time.

Base (Cream)

1. Cast On: With your cream yarn, cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
2. Knit the Top Border: Knit every row (garter stitch) for 20 rows. This forms the top border of your wall hanging. After 20 rows, you should be ready to start the rainbow section on a right-side row.

Rainbow Arc (Short Rows)

Now you will work short rows to create the arc shape. Each color section will be a wedge that builds the rainbow. Important: The "wrap and turn" technique is used to create smooth curves. Here's how to do it: Bring the yarn to the front, slip the next stitch purlwise, bring the yarn to the back, and turn your work. When you return to these wrapped stitches, you'll knit them together with their wraps to hide the gap.

1. Red Section:
   • Switch to red yarn. Knit 30 stitches, then wrap and turn (as described above).
   • Knit back to the edge (all 30 stitches).
   • Next row: Knit 20 stitches, wrap and turn. Knit back.
   • Next row: Knit 10 stitches, wrap and turn. Knit back.
   • Now knit across all 40 stitches to close the wraps. When you reach a wrapped stitch, knit it together with its wrap to close the gap. This completes the red wedge.
2. Orange Section:
   • Switch to orange yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence: Knit 30, wrap and turn, knit back; knit 20, wrap and turn, knit back; knit 10, wrap and turn, knit back.
   • Then knit across all 40 stitches, closing the wraps as you go.
3. Yellow Section:
   • Switch to yellow yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence (30, 20, 10) and close the wraps on the final row across all 40 stitches.
4. Green Section:
   • Switch to green yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence (30, 20, 10) and close the wraps on the final row.
5. Blue Section:
   • Switch to blue yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence (30, 20, 10) and close the wraps.
6. Indigo Section:
   • Switch to indigo yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence (30, 20, 10) and close the wraps.
7. Violet Section:
   • Switch to violet yarn. Repeat the same short-row sequence (30, 20, 10) and close the wraps. This completes your rainbow arc!

Lower Border (Cream)

1. Switch back to your cream yarn.
2. Knit every row (garter stitch) for 20 rows. This creates a balanced border below the rainbow.
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. A loose bind-off (using a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off method) will prevent the bottom edge from pulling in.

Finishing

1. Weave in Ends: Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the back of the piece. Make sure to secure them well so they don't unravel.
2. Create the Fringe:
   • Cut strands of each rainbow color, approximately 12 inches long. You'll need many strands—about 3 strands per fringe, with fringes spaced 1 inch apart across the 40-stitch bottom edge (roughly 20-25 fringes total).
   • For each fringe, take 3 strands of the same color, fold them in half to create a loop.
   • Using your crochet hook, insert the hook from the back to the front through the bound-off edge. Pull the folded loop through the fabric.
   • Pull the loose ends of the strands through the loop and tighten gently to secure the fringe.
   • Repeat across the bottom edge, alternating colors in rainbow order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Space fringes about 1 inch apart for a lush, full look.
3. Attach Hanging Loop:
   • Cut a 12-inch piece of cream yarn.
   • Fold it in half and attach it to the top corners of the hanging. You can do this by threading the folded end through the top corner stitch and pulling the tails through the loop, creating a secure knot. Repeat on the other corner, or create a single loop in the center top for hanging on a nail.
   • This loop will allow you to hang it on a dowel, branch, or nail.
4. Blocking (Optional but Recommended):
   • Gently steam block the piece to even out the stitches and help the rainbow arc lay flat. Pin it to a blocking mat, spray with water (or use a steam iron held above the fabric), and let it dry completely. This will give your wall hanging a polished, professional look.

Once your Prism Cascade is complete, hang it proudly and enjoy the cozy, handcrafted, bohemian aesthetic it brings to your space. The visible knit stitches, soft drape, and vibrant rainbow fringe make this a truly unique piece of decor. Happy knitting!