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

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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)

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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

[Chris Barton]

How to buy a real baby dog

[Lynne]

I where are the answers to peoples questions?

[Catherine]

Very clear instructions. Easy to follow. I love your colourful crochet
Thank you

[Tina]

What size hook are you to use to crochet this pattern? It doesn't state anywhere.

[Sally]

Can I use sc st to make a tighter st

[Carmel Delaney, Heathpark, Old Ross, Newbawn co. wexford Ireland]

Lucy
I am looking for the colours for the neat ripple please.
My granddaughter loved the colours you used and I would love to get them as seen on website.
Tried woodcraft but cant find the pack there.
Please help
Carmel Delaney

[Anna]

Hi I've finished row 1 and I seem to have an extra few stitches. Any ideas how to fix this?
Thanks, Anna

[Marlene Nalli]

Just wondering how much yarn i should get to make an afghan approximately 48"by 60". I probably would use 4 colors so how many skeins of each color?

[Carolyn]

My wave blanket has been sitting in a container just waiting for you to help get its owner back on track!
I will need to remove a few rows to get the mountains and valley back in order, but with your help I feel that it will finally be done.

:) Thank you so much!

I can do granny squares but still don't know how to put them together

[jo]

I've almost finished a ripple blanket from your kit, just doing the edging now, wondering if the yarn left over would be enough to make a ripple cushion

[Stacey]

I would like to use this pattern to make a scrap blanket of my own. Would I be able to use 2 strands of yarn and a bigger hook with this pattern? Thank you!

[Helen]

Hi Lucy. Thank you so much for sharing your patterns. Wondering if there is one for straightening the bottom and top for making a cushion?

[Janet Obanion]

I am confused about how to make the pattern bigger. Can you help

[Janet Obanion]

T thank you for this wonderful pattern I’ve been researching and trying to find it and I finally found it as soon as I get into it I will let you know it is beautiful thank you

[Ashley]

Hi, Lucy!

I've been following this pattern for a couple years now and wanted to finally express my appreciation for your creations! I just recently turned 20 and your blog helped keep me motivated to start and continue crocheting, I'm extremely grateful!
This pattern has been with me since the beginning of my crocheting journey. I still always come back to it whenever I feel the need to create something I know will be fun and the result, beautiful.

Wishing you and your family all the best <3

[Janice Molina]

Hi, can you please advise how many chains I would need for a queen size blanket. Your instructions are terrific and give me the confidence to try this pattern. Than you. Janice

[Stella Rumbles]

Love your website - have recommended to so many! Have made 2 x sweet pea trestle stitch, one Dune shell stitch, 2 Hydrangea Ripple stitch,one Coast Ripple stitch - all single bed size. They are therapy for me - always have one on the go - for friends and family.
Stella

[Angie Lawrence]

Some of these comments are just what I want to know too!

[Sam]

Hello, I would like to make a blanket for watching tv. The single bed size I think is too wide. I am using a dk colouring changing cake 150g and have 4 cakes. How many chains do you suggest I do? Thank you 😊

[Cheryl]

Hi Lucy,
Love your work! I want to make a small blanket for my granddaughter who lives in Hawaii. I’m trying to decide if the Neat Ripple or Woodland pattern would look like waves. Do you have a suggestion which one or any other one you would think would might look best?
Thanks for any help you can give.

[Teresa Jones]

Do you recommend an edging or do you think best left as is? I’ve just done a two colour 3row per colour baby blanket.

[Ambyr Mosher]

How come everytime I try to do a ripple pattern when I get to the 4th or 5th row is stop lining up the right way?? I've tried using DC and TRC.Idk what I'm doing wrong but I've tried this pattern any similar patterns like like with the same rounded ripple and it never lines up. Plzzzzzz someone HELP!!!! 🤞🤞

[Nichola Dransfield]

I always struggled with this stitch but I have now cracked it thanks to you. X

[Marianne]

Dear Lucy,

Thank for all the guidance on the ripple #2 blanket.
Do you have the pattern for the colour changes which are really stunning and I am not sure whether I can figure the order out myself.
Thank you in advance
Marianne

[Hazel Hall]

Lucy can you please tell me what kit I need to make this ripple blanket the one on top of this page or give me the colours I need to buy also I have subscribed but still can't read or find answers to posts ,thank you.