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

[Emma bushby]

Hi where can I find the pattern of themripple blanket so I can print it out please. Fabulous design can't wait to try it. Xx

[jenny price]

would love to do this blanket in shades of blue is there a pattern or pack i could buy please

[Mal H]

I just love this pattern and have made it three times already. I'm halfway through my fourth blanket in rainbow colours when I made the mother of all mistakes!! Needing to uravel the last two rows I worked because of a counting mistake I was struggling to unravel the wool. Argh!! I had mistakenly started to uravelthe FIRST row!! Now I have stopped banging my head on the floor I'm wondering what I can do to rescue the work. Any help out idea greatly appreciated. At the moment I've threaded a running line through the stitches to hold them and left it till I've calmed down:-). X

[Megan]

And now I see it is UK treble!! Which is US double! Makes sense now! I will look forward to making this!

[Megan]

This is definitely double crochet and not treble. Does this change the pattern? Will multiples of 14 still work? Do we need to chain 4 on the end instead of 3 and start in the 5th chain from the holy? That’s typical for treble chrichet patters InBev seen

[Ada Lee Cook]

Hi Lucy.
I haven't seen any of your post in years. I used to follow you all the time and have some of your patterns. I still crochet and I also knit and quilt. I lost my husband two years ago and it helps to keep my mind and hands busy. I hope you get this as I'm not too great with the computer. If you get this I hope you can reply. Happy Crochet and best wishes. Ada Lee Cook from Vernon, Texas

[icky]

Thanks just finished my first practice & first time I ever understood a pattern !
On how to try a small blanket but using a cake ball so will see how it goes
Brilliant

[Julia Adamson]

Thank you so much. I tried the Other pattern you mentioned and it was going horribly wrong. Thankfully I just came across your instructions and I have managed 2 short rows successfully. Your pattern matches my instinct for what I should be doing, but for some reason the other pattern didn't. Thank you for blowing my confidence that I maybe DO actually know what I'm doing, and can actually follow a crochet pattern. Now for the baby blanket!

[linda tauke]

A great tutorial,easy to follow.

[Hermione]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pattern. Having only recently learnt to crochet, I found your instructions very easy to follow. My daughter asked me to do a wavy blanket for her baby (due January) and this patter is just what I have been looking for. Again thank you.
Regards
Hermione

[joyce grande]

A lot of the other tutorials are more difficult to understand but yours was easier so thank you!!

[Jessica James]

I have tried a similar pattern, yet in multiples of 12 instead of 14. However, when I get beyond a few rows, I always seem to have issues with the stitches not lining up. I was 40+ rows into a blanket and watching it flatten out - not being able to fix it, and ultimately having to start again. Missed giving it as a baby shower gift. Any advice?

[Jasmine]

How many yards of yarn do you need to make a full sized adult afghan? Thanks!

[Karen Owen]

When I finish the 3rd row, I have 2 extra stitches remaining. I'm doing the 31 chains and following the pattern above exactly, so I'm not sure why this isn't coming out right. I am an intermediate crocheter, but I have always had trouble with the ripple pattern. Any suggestions?

[Jenny Reynolds]

Please advise :)

The first blanket I did used double crochet and the Coast blanket says to use treble stitch but looking at the pics above it looks like the double crochet stitch.

Could you let me know whether its DC or Treble for Coast Blanket please.

[Miss S Szalay]

My Aunt is 78 and for years she has wanted to make a wavey blanket. She can't read a pattern so your very helpful diagrams are just the thing.

[Heather]

Thank you for your first class tutorial, it makes it virtually impossible to go wrong! I've just made a baby blanket in bright rainbow colours using the pattern and it's turned out brilliantly. I've taught myself to crochet from tutorials on Pinterest, and find yours by far the clearest to follow. I'm now addicted to making baby blankets in all sorts of gorgeous colour combinations from the endless Stylecraft range 😃😃

[Mary Anna Adams]

782 W. Brooks St., Apt 322

[Brenda Booth]

Hi Lucy,
I am a beginner, am having trouble working out what size needle and ply wool you used for the wave blanket. Thinking of using at least DK.how many stitches across would you recommend, and how much wool.

Thank you Brenda.

[Maureen Butterfield]

Can you advise me on the border please?

[Christine]

Hi Lucy, just want to say THANK YOU!!!!! I have been trying to master this stitch from other blogs and videos, but yours is the BEST and the EASIEST to follow. Can't wait to use it make to a blanket or afghan. Keep up the good work and again thank you!!!!!

[Wendy]

Thanks for your reply Candace, I'll look up that tutorial. You might have saved me from a big disaster!

[Candace]

Wendy, you don't want to snip your ends off at the knot, it will come undone, especially so with acrylic yarns. After you tie the knot you need to leave enough yarn for a tail to weave through. Lucy shows how to weave in the yarn tails in the Ripple Blanket Know-How Tutorial.

[Wendy]

I'm a Crochet beginner so forgive me if this is a silly question, but what do you do with the ends of the knotted yarn when you change colours? Do you just snip them off close to the knot? I'm a bit worried the knot will come undone.

[Evelyn Hoogerzeil]

The pattern is easy to understand, but how much yarn would I have to buy to make this blanket and also what size hook do I use???