Neat Ripple Pattern

 

Ahhhhhhhh look at all those hooky ripplesome ripples, aren't they glorious? I love crocheting this pattern, its relatively simple, rhythmic and soothing, but playing with colours in this way is also energising, exciting and a lot of fun. Well to me it is any road. there's something magical and mesmerising about the way the ripple effect makes the colours sing and dance next to each other, and it's a pattern I can see myself coming back to time after time.

When I made my first ripple blanket last year (finished in August 2008),  I followed a pattern in Jan Eatons book (the Soft Waves pattern), and it has to be said that at first this pattern was not plain sailing. But I persevered and eventually I cracked it. But truthfully I always think crochet patterns look and sound far too complex, more than they actually need to be. And I have so wanted to write a tutorial for a ripple pattern that would be easy to understand for beginners and would eliminate certain niggles.

So what I've done here for you is to write my own pattern. I have to be clear about this for obvious copyright reasons that I have not copied this pattern from anywhere. It has been inspired by the one in Jane Eatons book, but it is truly my own. Just so's you know.

 

To start out, you need to crochet your foundation chain. It should be in multiples of 14, plus an extra 3 added on for turning. I would strongly advise before you begin any ripply project to make a small ripple sample so that you're confident of the pattern. Make a chain of 31 (2x14 +3) as I'm doing here, which will give you a good idea of how it forms.

Once you are sure you've got the right number of chains to begin (count carefully as you make them!), make a treble crochet stitch (this is UK treble / US dc) in the 4th chain from the hook. See in the above pic I've stuck my needle in there so you can see where to go...can you see the four chains?? You should be putting your hook under both loops of the chain stitch, and just to clarify what a treble crochet stitch, it is as follows:

yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, bring hook back through stitch (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, draw yarn through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook), yarn over and draw through remaining 2 loops. That's your tr (treble) stitch, ok?

 

For beginners new to crochet, working the first row into a foundation chain can seem incredibly hard at first. I know, because I can so well remember almost giving up when faced with this task. If you look at the above photo, I've stuck my needle in to show you where the next stitch will go...it helps if you twist the chain towards you slightly, so that you are looking down on the side of it rather than the top of it.

 

You should then be able to see the two loops of the chain and see where your hook goes so that it slips under both of these loops (above pic).

 

Ok, back to the pattern...you should have just made 1 tr into the 4th chain from the hook. Now make 1tr into each of the next 4 chains, as pictured above, so there are 5 in total (plus the chain-3).
 

Next you will be working a standard decrease stitch, known as tr2tog (treble two together). This is where you work 2 incomplete tr's, joining them into 1 stitch at the finish. So....here is the stitch in Plain English ::

Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (3 loops on hook).

Yarn over, draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook, as pictured above)

 

Now yarn over and insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, hook back through stitch (4 loops on hook, as pictured above)

 

Yarn over and draw through 2 loops (3 loops left on hook, as pictured above)

 

Yarn over and draw through all three loops to finish the stitch (picture above).

That whole thing is a tr2tog (treble two together)

Now you need to make TWO of these tr2tog's, so go ahead and do that whole same thing again in the next two stitches ::

Yarn over, into next stitch, yarn over, back through stitch (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)
Yarn over, into next stitch, yarn over, back through stitch (4 loops on hook)
Yarn over, draw through2 loops (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over, draw through all three loops.

Ok so far???? good-o, lets move on...

 
 

Work 1tr into each of the next 4 chains (picture above)

You have now worked what I call the "valley", with the 4tr's making the sides and the tr2tog's making the valley bottom. Now time to make the "mountain"....

 

...work 2tr's into the next chain.

And again, work 2 more tr's into the next chain.

These four stitches make the top of the "mountain", can you see in the above picture, the way it makes a V when 2 stitches are worked out of one?

I find it really helps when working a ripple pattern to be able to recognise what the decrease and increase stitches look like. Because when you are working this pattern it's sometimes veeeeeery useful to be able to look back over the row you've just made and see how the pattern has formed, to check for mistakes etc.

OK, after your two lots of 2tr increases on the mountain you need to make 1 tr crochet into each of the next 4 chains.

Then work a tr2tog decrease, and then another tr2tog decrease (the valley again).

Then make 1 tr crochet into each of the next 4 chains.

And finally, if you've done it right, you should have 1 chain left at the end of your foundation chain. Make 2 tr's into this last chain to end the row.

I've drawn a little diagram above there, underneath the first row so you can get a feel for the pattern visually, to see how the ripples are formed.

 

ROW 2, same colour.

Chain 3

Make a tr crochet stitch in the SAME stitch...see where I've stuck my needle to show you where to go?

 

Now follow this  pattern, exactly as before ::

Make a treble stitch into each of next 4 stitches.

tr2tog (decrease)

tr2tog (decrease)

Make a treble stitch into each of next 4 stitches.

2tr's into next stitch (increase)

2tr's into next stitch (increase)

Make a treble stitch into each of next 4 stitches.

 

tr2tog (decrease)

tr2tog (decrease)

Make a treble stitch into each of next 4 stitches.

If you started out with 31 stitches, you should have reached the end of the row now, as pictured above. Two more stitches to go.....

You now need to make 2 tr's into the top of the chain-3 from the previous row. See in the above pic where I've stuck my needle to show you where to go?

 

This chain can often be quite tight, you may have to work hard to wiggle your hook into that little hole....

 

There, can you see the V of the last 2tr's in that row on the left there? Good! Now fasten off and turn the work round to join in a new colour.

 

Joining a new colour is easy...simply knot the two yarns together as close to the stitches as you can. Insert your hook through the first stitch, yarn over the new colour and pull it through to the front ready to begin.

All rows from now on will be the same. So here we go, ROW 3  ::

Chain 3, then make 1 tr into the same stitch, as pictured above.

 

Now work the following :: 

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

2tr into next ch

2 tr into next ch

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from previous row.

And thats the end of that row, so turn round and get ready for ROW 4... 

Same as before, begin by chaining 3, then make 1tr into same stitch...

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

2tr into next ch

2 tr into next ch

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from previous row.

THE END

*********************************

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Did you manage it?? Did you do it??? Are you full of Ripplesome Ripply Joy???? Got enough yarn to now make a longer chain, to start a Neat Ripple cushion, a blanket perhaps??????

And in case you wish to print out some Compact Instructions to pop into your yarn basket, I'm writing out a more condensed Patterny version just for you. You will obvisouly need to copy/paste/print it for yourself........

**********************************************************************

NEAT RIPPLE PATTERN

tr2tog = work two incomplete tr stitches, keeping last loop of each stitch on the hook, as follows ::

YO, into stitch, YO, back through stitch (3 loops on hook)

YO, draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)

YO, into next stitch, YO, back through stitch (4 loops on hook)

YO, draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook)

YO, draw through all 3 loops.

 

To begin, chain multiples of 14, plus 3 for turning.

 

ROW 1

1 tr into 4^th chain from hook

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

*2tr into next ch

2 tr into next ch

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs*

Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 tr into last chain, turn.

 

ROW 2

ch3, 1 tr into same stitch,

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs

*2tr into next ch

2 tr into next ch

1tr into each of next 4 chs

tr2tog

tr2tog

1 tr into each of next 4 chs*

Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from previous row.

Repeat row 2 for length required.

**********************************************************************

Well........GOOD LUCK!!!!!! HAVE SOME NEAT RIPPLY FUN!!!!!!!!

And let me know how you get on.......let me see some pictures??? Ahhh thanks, I look forward to that :o)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All my tutorials are created for you to use and enjoy for free. However, if you would like to make a donation you can do so using the button below (all donations are gratefully received and will be used to fund future projects).

 

xx Thank you xx

Comments

[Little Red]

Oh God. It's only because you don't know me and will probably think I'm a spammer that I'm restraining my urge to allcap throughout this comment because OMG OMG OMG this is the most perfect thing! I now need yarn in ALL THE COLORS! 1st up on my New Year's Resolutions Projects is to Learn To Crochet Things Besides Dishcloths Since I'm Actually One Of Those People Who's Really Attached To Those Dish Brush Things and this is ittttt! This is what crochet was made for I think!

Also, thanks for the teach on how to increase and decrease! :) I was prepared to just wing it on various projects with my knitting knowledge (I mean... it's all yarn... right?) and would have done fine on the increases and not so well on the decreases. So, big thanks!

[Paige]

What an amazing tutorial!!! I started mine last night and am loving making my pretty rippley blanket (although i did find that first row of triple really really hard)Thank you so much for doing this lovely clear and easy to follow pattern and post! you are a star and my crochet hero!!

[Mandie]

Having run out of wool on my Granny Summer Garden Square blanket and my wool shop is closed for Christmas.. I am now about to embark on the biggest project ever.. My ripple blanket. Lucy your ripple blanket has so far covered Norwich and has made it's way to Halesworth.. the only reason I know this is because I was in John Lewis trying to decide on my colours and I started chatting to a lady and guess what.. she'd just finished hers!! Thank you so much for taking the time to give such excellent instructions.. you've opened my world again out of work, lovely kids and the other treadmill things us Mum's have to do each day.. when the day gets a bit much I just look forward to 9pm when I'll have that hook in my hand again. Really appreciate you.
Mandie21

[Nicky]

I had a go at this and I can do it!!!
thanks for the awesome tutorial.
So I'm off to make a whole blanket. Will keep you updated.

[Victoria Catchings]

Hi! This pattern is very straight forward and fun. Pretty quick too, considering. My one problem is trying to get the sides of the blanket straight.. Mine are very uneven. Any tips?

[Hilda]

Thanks Lucy!

I've been looking for clear and compact versions all over the place...yours is by far the best!

[Amanda Mac]

I cannot thank you enough - this basic pattern has eluded me for weeks. Your explanation made so much sense, and I've finally got it now!

[bev maguire]

thank you thank you thank you...you have made me fall in love with crochet...i love all the bright colours you use AND AT LAST i have mastered the ripple stitch..i cant wait to see your next tutorial..they are so easy to follow thank you very much...<3

[Jayna]

This is a great pattern and a lovely ripple- thank you for sharing! I have three questions:
1. What size hook did you use for your blanket?
2. How many skeins did it take?
3. What is its finished sized?

Thank you!

[Maria Teresa Correia]

Hello!
Thank you for teaching us how to do this wonderful work.
I am portuguese and i saw your blog: it has plenty of very beautiful and perfect works done by you.
I wish you a Merry Christmas.
Teresinha

[Elsara]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I tried it out and the result was great! Your instructions are clear and easy to follow! Thank you again!

[Vivika Vain]

Perfecct pattern! I made a mobile case! You can have a look:
http://thewanderingdeer.blogspot.com/

[Shell]

I've tried desperately to follow this pattern, but my ziggyzaggies keep bubbling - where am I going wrong!?

[Jess Sellars]

Literally beside myself with excitement!! Love this site and you've taught me so much. My sample looks really promising and for a newby I cant wait to keep reading and learning. Thank you so much.

[Kim]

i know this is a super old post but i was wondering how many to chain for a crib blanket?

[Cardineta]

Nice work. Good tutorial. Thank you so much. In add. have you some video?. Cardineta.

[Dawn]

Thanks so much for this! I have tried several times to make a ripple and couldn't do it... this makes it so clear!!!!! I plan to make a scarf first, then an afghan. Great job!!!

[Tzviya Levin]

Hi Lucy,

I has been some time that I follow your blog. Thank yo for sharing your wonderful and colorful works and patterns, and especially this pattern.

Two days ago I finished my ripple blanket. It is a birthday present for my daughter, Michal. It measures 192 x 148 cm and has 218 rows. It was crocheted using a 3.5 mm crochet hook.

If you are interested I would be glad to send you some pictures of the blanket to publish in your blog.

[Danita Burdette]

I need some help Please, I am about half way through with my afghan but I've been keeping it on the bed and, well, it has stretched a bit. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do before I start up again to shrink it? any thoughts would be helpful.
Thank You for a wonder blog that is so cheery,
Danita

[fbschluter]

i want to make one for my sister (a ripple blanket) but her bed is a queen size. how big would my starting chain be. also love your website! fran

[Janny Bijlstra]

Great tutorial, just love this Ripple Blanket. Is it alright if I translate your tutorial into Dutch and publish it on my Blog? Love to hear from you.

Greetings from the Netherlands from Janny.

[Fee]

Hi Lucy,
Ive been looking to do a funky ripple blanket for ages and kept being put off because it looked so complicated... then I cam across your pattern!!!
Thankyou so much, just sat here for 5 mins and have mastered it! you are a genius!!
I love your blog!!!
Thankyou again xxx

[De]

This is the very best ripple explanation I have ever seen. As one who tried and failed to do ripple before you have given me renewed confidence that I just may be able to get it right this time.

[Krystal Webb]

I love your pattern! But, I can't find out where it says which hook to use and how much yarn I need to purchase. Anyone have an answer for me? Thanks!

[Nina]

Hello Lucy,
I have a question?

How do I finish the last row of the blanket?
Like.... the last knot or the blanket ending or the last stitch?

Thanks