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

[Elaine Brown]

I’m reading this in bed and I can’t wait to start a practice piece. You have tried so hard to make your instructions clear for beginners. I just hope my limited skills are up to the challenge. Thank you very much

[Fiona T]

Thank you. Such an easy pattern to follow once it is explained. And you only really need to count to 4 so easy to put down and pick up again.

[Rachel]

Hi there, I started this pattern possibly two years ago and am just now wanting to complete it! But I didn’t document how many stitches I started with so I am wondering if there is a way to restart the blanket, when I don’t know the number of said stitches. Will the pattern be the same....as in the instructions regardless of starting chain length? I’m hoping the difference will only effect the number of ripples if that makes sense, so following the pattern should always be the same???

Thanks for the pattern and tutorial pictures, this was my first attempt at anything other than an endless granny square!

[Barb]

Thank you for this pattern. Your instructions are so easy to follow. I am a novice at this crochet business but am confident with this pattern. I am going to make a baby blanket for my next great niece/nephew.

[Noel Casale]

A follow on to my previous post. I've developed a 'counting system' that is working quite well to check my work as I go and eliminate errors. There are 16 total stitch is the wave pattern, 4 sets of 4 stitches. I count 1-16 and know exactly where I should be in relation to row below. It goes like this.

Stitch 1-4 - Down the hill - Four treble crotchets

Stitch 5-8 - The Valley -two sets of treble-two together. I should start the valley in the stitch just to the right of the first stitch of the valley in the row below.

Stitch 9-12 - Up the hill - Four Treble crotchets.

Stitch 13-16 - The Mountain - two sets of 2trebles. i should start the mountain in the second stitch of the 4 stitches which make up the mountain in the row below and end in the 3rd stitch of the mountain below. .

Then start over at stitch 1 for the next ripple. That's it really - Just remember that each row starts with a Chain 3 and Treble crotchet into the first stitch below which are not counted in the above pattern, and ends with two trebles into the chain 3 below which likewise are not counted in the pattern above.

[Noel Casale]

Thank you for this super clear and helpful post. I do have a small suggestion. I'm an absolute beginner having just learn to crochet 2 weeks ago. The key to making this pattern work is that the 'valley stitches' (the two- tr2tog) and the Mountain stitches ( the two - 2tr) in each row have to be exactly on top of those in the row underneath. Otherwise the pattern goes wonky and you quickly lose the ripple. Now maybe others with more experience are probably better at counting stitches than I, but knowing where each Valley/ Mountain stitch should start in relation to the row beneath was critical to me in mastering this pattern. You might spend some more time explaining/ showing how the stitches line up from row to row. Checking the placement of these stitches frequently as you go is the key to achieving this pattern. Probably easier with a picture - but here's an attempt to explain.

The first part of each valley stitch should go into the stitch immediately before the valley stitch in the row below, causing the ^ of your first tr2tog to straddle the ^ of the first valley stitch in the row below.

The first 2tr (stitch 1 and 2) of the Mountain Stitch should go into the second stitch of the 4 stitches which make up the mountain in the row below. The second 2tr (stitch 3 and 4) should go into the third stitch of the mountain stitch in the row below. This causes the mountain stitch to be on top of the middle two stitches of the mountain stitch in the row below.

[Araceli Arellano]

Muchas gracias por ayudarnos ya que somos adultos mayores y estamos en cuarentena por mucho tiempo y esto nos ayuda para entretenernos y mantener la cabeza ocupada

[Maureen Stopher]

Have finished nine at ripple lap blanket lovey pattern thank you
Can you help with an edging for this & straitening the edge if needed please
Posted by Maureen 17th April 2020 18: 24 pm

[Irene]

Thank you for such a clear tutorial. I found a aimilar pattern on another site but struggled to really understand it, until - Eureka! - it all suddenly clicked with the help of your photos and instructions. Thanks again.

[Jo]

Is there an edging for the Neat Ripple blanket? How would I straighten the top and bottom edge?
Thank you Lucy
Jo

I'm making a cot blanket for my new baby grandson due in May

[Liz Pratt]

Could you please direct me to 'How to do the final edging of this ripple blanket'.
I have just taken up crochet after 50 year break!!! Enjoying making ripple blanket ... inspired by my daughter-in-law. It is filling my time as i am in lock down!!!

tyvm

[Mary D]

Your instructions are SO clear and the photos are very helpful! I've been coming back to this pattern for years. Thank you!

[Carol John]

Dearest Lucy
You mention making blankets in cashmere...
Is there a yarn with similar colours to the Coast pack which I could use for my next Ripple blanket?
Best wishes
Carol

[Char]

Wow! With this pattern, you just became my favourite person for explaining how to do crochet patterns. Your clear instructions are invaluable! Absolutely awesome. Thank you.

[Yvonne Hamshere]

How many chains to make a baby afghan please

[Sandra Crome]

Thank you so much for this pattern. At last a ripple pattern I can understand. 🤣. After numerous watches on you tube and several attempts that I pulled out in frustration last night I had almost given up and then .. I found you. ..
Love the photos and the use of the needle to show exactly where you need to place the stitch.
Feeling confident I have got it sussed now and looking forward to using up some of my yarn stash making a couple of lap blankets for the dementia unit at the local hospital.

[Alicia Martin]

I like this pattern a lot. But my only question is when you learn triple crochet, any information I have read teaches anyone to insert your hook from the fifth chain and not the fourth. And to chain 4 to count as the turning chain. I am just curious why you have 3 for the turning chain and to start from the 4th chain? I am not trying to be rude.

I would just like some help understanding the information.

Alicia

[Brenda van der Merwe]

I am from South Africa and so greatful for discovering you through a dear friend. Thank you so much for your colourful photo's and clear instructions. I can't wait to give this ripple a go.Thank you ever so much.

[Evelyn French]

Oh my. I’m new to crochet after starting just over a week ago. Your instructions are absolutely brilliant!!!!! I’m at the end of my first blanket already and can’t believe it. I’m 64. Have knitted since the age of 10 and could just not get it. Yes I hold the yarn like a knitter, but that doesn’t seem to matter or affect my work. I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU XX

[Joy Flockton]

Hi, have just discovered you ! What a lovely find!
I make blankets for a baby charity and want to have a go at the ripple. They require different sizes all the time so was wondering if there's an easy way to work out sìzes like so many 14's equals so many centimetres etc. ? Thanks

[IRB]

I love your patterns. I was wondering what hook size did you use, how big was your finished blanket and how much yarn did you use? I know tension, yarn, hook size will determine finished size. Just want an idea what I will need. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.

[Lisette]

Love this pattern, just ordered stylecraft DK yarn to make this blanket!

But i have a question; you say make a small ripple sample so that you're confident of the pattern. Make a chain of 31.

I was wondering what the dimensions of this sample should roughly be. I know i'm a bit of a tight crocheter so i'm not sure whether I should use a needle of 4,5 mm instead of 4. Thank you for replying!

[Birgit Heidorn]

One instruction says chain 219 but that is wrong. If you did that the pattern does not work out. Another instruction says 213 and that works just fine!

[Kelly]

How many rows?

[Cathy B]

This is the most complicated crochet I have ever done but your instructions made it sooooo easy. Thank you :) Have just done the sample and am now ready to make a blanket! 😀