Ripple Blanket Know-how

The Neat Ripple pattern is one of my absolute favourites for blanket making and over the years that I've been crocheting I've made several. Picture above from left to right ::

Summer ripple  :: Interlocking Colour ripple :: Coast Ripple

I've already written a full step-by-step tutorial for working the neat ripple stitch which you can find HERE. If this pattern is new to you, I would strongly advise working up a practice sample before you embark on a full blanket, just so you get the measure of how the rows form. It's not nearly as complicated as it looks I promise you! In fact, once you get the hang of it you will soon be in love with the rhythm of those ups and downs, it's an extremely soothing, pleasurable and addictive pattern. I thought it might be helpful to write out the pattern for making an actual blanket, as an addition to the Neat Ripple stitch pattern.

♥ For my blankets I generally use a DK weight acrylic yarn worked on a 4mm hook.

♥ I have used 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK acrylic with a 4mm hook to make my Coast and Cottage ripple blankets. The finished size is approximately single bed size (120 cm x 180 cm).

♥ If you wish to make the blanket bigger ie to fit a double / king size bed, you will need to increase the number of stitches in your starting chain.....the starting chain should always be a multiple of 14, plus an extra 3.

♥ I'm writing this pattern in UK crochet terms, as follows ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)

htr [half treble]:: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

tr2tog [treble two together]= a treble decrease worked across two stitches, 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.

A quick note about dealing with those tail ends, this is my method ::

1. Make the tail ends a decent length, roughly 15-20cm is good.

2. For the first 12-14 stitches of each row, crochet over your tail ends as work the row, then leave them dangling.

 

3. When you are ready to darn them in, thread both tails onto a darning needle.

4. Skip over the very first loop of the first stitch, then pass your needle under the row of crochet stitches.

 

 5. Take your needle under all the stitches, you might need to do this in two goes. Easy the tail ends through gently and DO NOT PULL TOO TIGHTLY!! The crochet work should not look puckered or pulled in any way.

6. your needle and tail ends should pop out at the outer edge of your blanket. Check that you've not pulled it too tight and that your crochet stitches remain neat and even.

7. Snip off your tail ends close to the crochet.

To make a blanket with a width of 110cm (single bed size) chain 213 to begin. This is a multiple of 14, plus 3.

:: ROW 1 ::

1 tr into 4^th chain from hook

1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice,  tr into each of next 4 chs, *(2tr into next ch) twice, 1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice, 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 twice, 1 tr into each of next 4 chs, *(2tr into next ch) twice, 1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice, 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.

:: ROW 3 ::

Change to a new colour and repeat Row 2.

:: ROW 4 ::

continue with the same colour as Row 3, repeating the ripple pattern as for Row 2.

 :: ROW 5 – 168 ::

Repeat row 2, changing colours every alternate row. Work a total of 84 colour stripes (2 rows for each stripe). Fasten off and darn in all ends.

**Remember that if you need it, there is a full tutorial for working the Neat Ripple pattern (with a tonne of pictures), so don't struggle with the above abbreviated version if it reads like Gobbledegook!

:: NOTE :: If you wish to follow my edging tutorial, please make sure that you use the same colour to work the starting chain, rows 1 & 2 and the final two rows. In other words, the blanket should start and end with the same colour choice top and bottom. You will then use this same colour to work the beginning of the edging.

:: EDGING ::

The edging will be worked in 3 rounds, using 3 different colours.

The first stage of the edging is to work a line of treble crochet stitches along each vertical/long side the blanket. Please note that this will only work if you have made the last two rows the same colour as your first two rows! If you haven't already done this, then check you have enough yarn and add an extra two rows of ripple to your blanket to match your first two rows. You then use this same colour to work the first round of the edging.

:: FIRST ROUND ::

Position your blanket so that it's the right way up, with the right side facing you. You'll begin working the edging up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

You'll be working treble stitches around the last stitches of each ripple row. This is known in crochet terms as working around the "post of a stitch". So instead of trying to wriggle your hook right into the stitch itself, you simply put your hook under the stitch. Looking at the above photo, can you see the first two stitches are worked from under the first treble stitch of the first ripple row?

Right, so to begin your edging....put your hook under that first treble stitch, pull a loop of yarn through to the front and chain 3 (counts as 1 tr). Work 1 tr around the post of that same stitch (as in the picture above. Remember to crochet over your tail ends as you work.

 

Now move along and work 2 tr's around the post of the next treble stitch (row two of the ripple), as above.

Continue along the edge, working 2 tr's around the post of each stitch at the end of each ripple row.

This is how your edging treble's should look :: two treble stitches worked around the stitch at the end of each ripple row. They look like little "V's"!

When you arrive at the top right of your blanket, work 2 tr's around the final stitch of the last ripple row, then fasten off and darn in the tail end.

You should now have a neat edging row worked up the right hand side of the blanket, the same colour as the first and last ripple rows.

Now you can do the same with the other side. Starting at the TOP LEFT of your blanket, you will be working down the left hand side from top to bottom. Just as before, put your hook under the first stitch of the ripple row and pull a loop through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 1 tr around the same stitch.

Move to the next stitch and work 2 tr's around the post of that stitch, as shown in the photo above.

Carry on working your way along the edge, working 2 tr's around the post of each stitch at the end of each ripple row.

When you get to the end (which is the bottom left of your blanket), fasten off and darn the tail end in neatly.

You should now have two neat edging rows worked along both long/vertical sides of your blanket, the same colour as the first and last ripple rows.

:: SECOND ROUND ::

Position your blanket the right way up with right sides facing you. You'll begin working this round up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

Insert your hook into the 3rd chain of the starting ch-3 of the previous round (shown above by my needle). Pull a loop through to the front and chain 2 (counts as 1 dc)

Work 1dc into each stitch along, remembering to crochet over your tail ends as you work.

You are working a long row of double crochet up the right hand side of the blanket. Stop when you arrive at the top-right corner, leaving the very last stitch to work the corner turn....

In the very last stitch of the long vertical row, work 2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc.

I'm now going to show you how to "fill in" the top ripple edge to make it straight.

Work  1 dc into each of the next 3 sts (as shown above).

Work 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts (as shown above). You have filled in the Valley! Now lets go over the Mountain....

Work 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts (as shown above)

Now repeat that whole sequence again, as follows ::

*1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts*

Continue working this pattern sequence (repeat between **), filling in the Valleys with htr's and tr's and riding over the Mountinas with dc's.

When you come towards the end of this top row, STOP half way through the 6 dc's!! So in the above photo look, I've filled in the Valley with tr's and htr's and have worked 3 of the 6 dc's.

Now we need to turn the corner, so insert your hook into the corner stitch (as show by my needle in the above photo, it's the top of the  chain-3 from the previous edging row).

Work 2dc, ch-2, 2dc in that corner stitch.

You will now be working down the long left hand side of the blanket (from top to bottom).

Work 1 dc into each stitch along until one stitch remains.

Into this last stitch, work 2 dc, ch-2, 2dc to torn the corner.

You will now be working along the bottom edge (which is the bottom of the foundation chain), filling in the ripples to make them straight. When working into the bottom of the foundation chain, remember it's only single loops to pick up on your hook.

The first two stitches will be worked into "the post" of the side edge, it's the very last tr stitch that you made when working round 1 of the edging.

Work 2 tr's into the side of this treble stitch.

Then work 1 tr into each of the next two stitches.

1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts.

*1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts*

repeat between ** just the same as you did for the top edge, filling in the Valleys and riding over the Mountains!

As you near the end of this bottom row, you should stop after you've made your 4 tr's (as shown above). You should be left with the horizontal chain-3 of the previous round to work into.

Into the SAME STITCH as the very first ch-2 you made to start this round,  work 2 htr's, chain-2, 1 dc. This completes the corner.

Slip stitch into the 2nd chain of the initial ch-2 of this round to close, then fasten off and darn in ends.

:: THIRD ROUND ::

Position your blanket the right way up with right sides facing you. You'll begin working this round up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

Insert your hook into the corner ch-space made in the previous round and pull a loop though to the front to begin.

Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc) then work 2dc into same corner space.

Work 1 dc into each stitch along (you are working up the right hand side of the blanket from bottom to top)

When you arrive at the top corner, work 3 dc into the corner chain-space, then continue with your dc's along the top edge of your blanket.

Continue around the whole blanket, working a neat round of dc's and putting 3 dc's into each corner chain space. When you arrive back where you started, slip stitch into the 2nd chain of the initial ch-2 to close the round. Fasten off and darn all tail ends in neatly.

And there you have it, one neatly edged ripple blanket....

You might wish to give the edging a very light little bit of steam treatment with a steam iron set on it's lowest setting. Remember not to let the iron touch the crochet, and take care with hot steam on your fingers. I find that the steam just gently settles the edging down, stops the corners from curling and gives a satisfying "finished" feel to the blanket, but really it's not essential to do this. It just feels nice somehow.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, LOVE those soothing ripples so much! And the edging rows really round it all off a treat. Nothing too complicated or frilly or flouncy, just a beautiful, simple, neat finish.

Pure ripplesome pleasure.

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ps here are some useful links for you ::

♥ Neat Ripple Tutorial (step by step help for working the ripple pattern)

♥ Coast Blanket ta-dah (lots of pictures of my finished blanket, plus the listing for the exact colour sequence I used to work these random stripes)

♥ Cottage Blanket ta-dah (lots of pictures of the cottage ripple blanket, plus the listing for the exact colour sequence I used to work the random stripes)

♥ Blanket yarn packs (15 balls of Stylecraft yarn for you to make your very own ripple blanket)

If you purchase yarn packs from the Attic24 shop at Wool Warehouse, you'll also receive a free full colour printed pattern for making the ripple blanket, as an extra ((thank you)) from us both. I'm thrilled to be working with Wool Warehouse, they are a fantastic, dedicated team of yarn-lovers, and they will ship any of my yarn packs worldwide :)

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Comments

[Sherrlyn Harmon]

Is there a way to print this pattern. I am a new crocheter and it would be much easier for me to have printed instructions. Thanks

[susan leblang]

I started the summer ripple a few days ago, printed out everything I could, practiced while waiting for the yarn to make its way to the usa. my samples were perfect
My yarn arrived. Did the chain and row one.
Help, row two is a disaster, I have taken it out so many times The yarn is fuzzy.
I am not having a problem with the pattern, finding it easy, and I did reprint it out in US terms instead of UK.
But the ripple disappears.
It is there for row one, then is gone in row two, it no longer mountains and valleys.
Am I crocheting too loosely? I did shorten the chain by 14 stitches.
I have the mountains and valleys in the right place, By the time I finish row two
it is a straight pattern unless I push the yarn up and down to create the dips and peaks. Any suggestions please, desperate, making this for my 9 year old grandaughter, need to get it done. thank you.
susan

[Belinda Hibbert]

Well it's taken me two years (!!!) but I finally finished my coast blanket this afternoon. In the beginning I took it everywhere whenever I flew abroad but eventually it got too big to lug around which is why it's taken me so long. It was a joy to crochet & looks absolutely stunning. Looking forward to taking it down to the beach next summer! My only issue is that when I was doing the edging I found the initial foundation chain row nearly impossible to get my hook into.....and in retrospect I probably made it too tight - I should have crocheted that initial row of chains on a bigger hook, then swapped to a smaller one. What now? Well I've got my eye on the Moorland Neat Wave blanket....watch this space!

[Christine]

When starting the border, which side is the right side or doesn't it really matter? The bottom starting colour (first row) is the wrong side and the finishing colour (last row) is the right side.

[Kellie Davis]

Lucy, I did it! I finished my first ripple blanket and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I am a beginner crotchet-er and did a few washcloths first to get my tension consistent. Your pattern is fabulous and so easy to follow. I did have to undo quite a few rows along the way as I lost count few times and added too many stitches or missed a few and I often didn't find it until I got to the end of the row and didn't have the right number left!!! I was so tempted to fudge it and keep going but I forced myself to undo it all back to my mistake! Boy, has it taught me to check my work as I go, but also that its worth undoing and getting it right. But mostly it has taught me to enjoy the process as it has taken me 4 YEARS to from start to finish (I don't crotchet much in summer in Australia as it gets too hot. I have just completed the blanket only 2 hours ago and just in time. It is a gift for my husband for his birthday - which is tomorrow. I might send you a picture once he opens it. Thanks so much for sharing your pattern so freely, i have learned so much with it, enjoyed it immensely and my whole family and loved watching it grow.

[Ingrid meynen]

Wich colors do you use for your summer ripple blanket?

[Helen Barham]

Hi Lucy
Thanks for such a clear pattern!
I want to make a shawl in ripple pattern. Could it be done on the diagonal, do you think, to make a triangular blanket?

[Barbara Hoke]

5546 mobile rd

[Sandra Jones]

I have been wanting to do a Ripple blanket pattern for a while but not found a pattern that I can follow properly until I have seen yours. Can you help or tell me please, the mountains and the Valley points on your pattern are they prominent if you know what I mean, I have seen pictures of them where they are really pointed.
Thank you for your help.

Sandra

[Barbara Johnson]

Hi Lucy, hope you have had happy Christmas
Could you tell me please how many stitches for baby ripple blanket ?

[Sandra Jones]

Hi, I love this blanket although not made one YET. But I will. How do you get the mountains and Valleys so pointed with them please. It isn't on all the blankets that I have seen but on fb a lady has got a picture of one she has done but not how she has got them so distinctive.

[Julia Colebourne]

Finished one ripple blanket in blue/teal shades, worked great.
For next one I want to use greens/beiges, but do I have to always make two rows of the same colour, could I do 1, 2 or 3 rows and then change colour ?

[Rose]

Hi Lucy,
Absolutely love your patterns and am nearing completion of my second ripple blanket!
However, on my last few rows I've not had enough yarn to complete the Meadow and Silver colours? I've done exactly the same as my first ripple (cosy cottage) which was fine but now doing the coastal I've not enough yarn? Could it be that some of the balls are not 100g???
Help please!!!

[Bonnie Brown]

Hello I crochet a king size sc afghan and require an edge. Will your edging work on a sc project. I'm concerned about the deep valleys of the ripple pattern. Not all ripples are the same size. I like variety in my ripples. If not, could you give me some advice on the edging? Thank you for your help
Best Regards,
Bonnie

[Fiona]

Hi Lucy, I am a learner crocheter and never done anything bigger than a washcloth. I got a kit while visiting the UK from Australia and followed the pattern with help from this site. So great to follow and I am enormously proud of my first ever blanket... thank you...
Hugz

[Rosemary Dargan]

Hi Lucy
I have finished my blanket but have put off doing the darning in and border. I didn't crochet over the ends for the first 12-14 stitches of each row as I was following the pattern that came with the wool. Now I have all these ends along the side of the blanket and am not sure what to do with them. Can you please offer me any suggestions as I would like to finish off the blanket. Many thanks. Rosie

[Geneva morton]

Hi abbreviations: what difference between Dc2tog and dc2tog (ripple baby blanket) ?

[Linda Hart]

Lucy, You have the best patterns and tutorials. I love this blanket and plan to start soon. Just wanted to say that you do absolutely beautiful work that is so easy to follow. I have 3 of your yarn kits, but when I'm done, this project is next. Only bummer for me is I'm in the US, but I've been successful in converting your patterns to US terms. Again, thank you.

[Jacki]

im sorry these are not beginner patterns
not simple
we googled in simple easy beginner patterns

[Sue Allen]

Love making these afghans for friends and family. May I sell these on Etsy? I would certainly give you credit as well as link to order their own for those who crochet. Thank you for sharing. I love the Stylecraft Special DK from Wool Warehouse.

[Kathy]

Thank you so much for the pictures on how to do the edging - this has always been my downfall but now I see it perfectly.

[Sonja Gale]

Hi, I am struggling with getting this right. I have definitely got the right numberof chains, and I have followed the pattern for the first row but never seem to end up with 4 tr at the end, ready for the two tr intothe top of the chain 3. I got onto my 6th row and it seemed to be getting wider a one side (as mentioned in a previous comment), also less ripply/wavy. I just can't seem to match up my stitches and I don't know what I'm doing wrong! It's very frustrating as I've unpicked it all once already, now making a second attempt but it's still happening :-( if anyone can help I'd be so grateful. Sonja x

[[email protected]]

Hi I have for a very long time wanted to learn to crochet and a big thank you to Lucy Attic I have crocheted a few baby blanket but now after reading how to crochet round the edges I have great confidence just reading how you start ant finish along each side top and bottom was of great use to me I would have just continued all the way round.

On one of your web sites I have fallen in love with a blanket with such bright colors it has the name Nitty Nora below the blanket please can you help me to find how to get wool and pattern

Thank you sue

[linda]

is there a way to do round one in this ripple pattern?
thanks

[Bev]

Is this the Coastal Ripple afghan?