How to Crochet a Ripple Blanket (With Video Tutorial)
On the search for the perfect ripple blanket crochet pattern to add to your collection? Here’s a fun and simple double crochet ripple that works up quickly and produces stunning results.
I’ve had so many people tell me they’re intimidated by the thought of making their first crochet ripple blanket. Honestly, of all the crochet patterns that I’ve made, I think those that use the ripple stitch are my favorites.
Don’t be scared! Crochet ripple blankets use basic crochet stitches – mainly double crochets! Once you master the pattern, it’s an easy one row repeat
If you love this ripple, you’re also going to love this chevron blanket pattern.
Want an add-free, pdf version of this pattern? It’s available in my Etsy shop.
Ripple Baby Blanket Free Crochet Pattern
Ready to get started?
Materials:
- I/9 (5.50 mm) Crochet Hook (these are my FAVORITES!)
- Approximately 720 yards of worsted weight yarn.
- I used Vanna’s Choice in the following shades:
- 2 Skeins Vanna’s Choice Pale Gray
- 2 Skeins Vanna’s Choice in White
- 2 Skeins Vanna’s Choie in Pink or Aquamarine if you’re making this for a boy
- Tapestry Needle and scissors for weaving ends
Pattern Notes:
- The finished size of this blanket is approximately 28″ x 30″, but there are instructions for adjusting the size of this blanket at the end of the pattern.
- Crochet hook sizes are not something that is set in stone. If you crochet tightly, go up a hook. If your tension is loose, go down a hook. Crocheting is an art!
- You’ll work into the turning chain at the end of each row.
- Gauge is not important for this project.
- A dc2tog is the same thing as a double crochet decrease.
- There is a video tutorial for this pattern. You can find it here.
Stitches Used:
- For this easy ripple stitch blanket, you’ll use three stitches: chain stitches (ch sts), a traditional double crochet stitches, and dc2tog stitches(also called a double crochet decrease). I’ll walk you through that last one right below.
- dc2tog (double crochet two together): Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops on your hook. Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops on your hok. Yarn over, pull through the remaining three loops on your hook.
Ripple Blanket Pattern:
A video tutorial is available here.
Using white, Ch 100.
Row 1: dc in the 3rd ch from the hook. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Dc2tog, dc 2 tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 dc into the next 2 stitches. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Dc2tog, dc2tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches.* End with 2 dc in the last chain. Ch 2, turn.
NOTE: you will have 2 dc in the first stitch and last stitch of each row (ch 2 counts as dc).
Row 2: dc in the first st (your ch 2 and your first dc are worked in the same stitch) and in the next 4 stitches. dc2tog, dc2tog. Dc in the next 4 stitches. *Work 2 dc into the next 2 stitches. dc in the next 4 stitches. dc2tog, dc2tog. dc in the next 4 stitches.* End with 2 dc in the last stitch. Ch 2, turn.
Rows 3-55: repeat row 2 (or really, you could keep going as long as you’d like).
NOTE: you will have 2 dc in the first stitch and last stitch of each row (ch 2 counts as dc).
The Stripe Pattern:
- 3 rows white
- 3 rows gray
- 5 rows white
- 2 rows pink
- 5 rows gray
- 2 rows white
- 5 rows gray
- 5 rows pink
- 3 rows white
- 5 rows gray
- 2 rows white
- 5 rows pink
- 5 rows white
- 3 rows pink
- 2 rows white
To change colors:
On the last stitch of the row, do not pull your working yarn through the final two loops to complete the last dc. Instead of pulling the yarn you’ve been working with through those final two loops, place the new yarn on your hook and pull it through the last two loops. Be sure to leave a long tail on both colors so you can weave your ends later.
If you prefer video instructions, click here for a video tutorial on changing colors.
Get creative and choose your own colors – you can use as many different colors as you like!
Adjusting the Size of Your Ripple Blanket:
The multiple for this ripple stitch is 14+2.
The chart above should help you get started changing the size of your ripple blanket. Once you determine the length of your starting chain, rows will be worked following the same instructions given above.
Get creative and make this blanket as big or as small as you’d like. If you have questions about adjusting the size of your ripple blanket, feel free to send me a message on Etsy.
The size chart below will give you the starting chain, number of rows, and total yardage for 6 common sizes.
Wondering Why Your Ripples Aren’t Lining Up?
If your peaks and valleys aren’t lining up perfectly, there are usually two issues that cause this.
- First, if you’re not working into the ch 2 at the end of the row, you’re going to have issues! This pattern looks complete without working into the top of the turning chain so just be careful not to miss it.
- The second reason you might notice your peaks and valleys don’t line up when you get to the end of a row is if you’re working your dc2tog all in one stitch rather than working them over two stitches.
Have More Questions?
I’m going to answer some FAQ below, but if you have other questions, please feel free to reach out to me and I’ll do my best to walk you through the steps!
Once you get the hang of the ripple pattern, it really is a quick baby blanket pattern that you’ll go back to time and time again.
Your starting chain should be in multiples of 14+2. For more information, see the “Adjusting the Size of This Blanket” portion of the pattern.
Ripple patterns usually use three basic stitches. The double crochet, the double crochet decrease (dc2tog), and chain stitches.
In general, I think of chevrons as being a little more sharp on the peaks and valleys. However, in the crochet world, most people use the terms interchangeably.
Don’t let the names confuse you!
Yes. Just realize that sometimes using a bulky yarn can really change the look of a pattern. It’s always a good call to make a swatch before committing to a larger size.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this pattern like thousands of others have. I really have found that it’s the perfect blanket for so many occasions.
Please Share Your Work!
If you used this free pattern to make the perfect blanket, I’d love it if you’d tag me in a photo on Instagram or my Facebook page. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
Please note: You’re more than welcome to sell items that you make using this pattern on Etsy, at craft fairs, or anywhere else you might sell your items – just be sure to take your own photos!
Beautiful blanket and lovely colors!Thanks for sharing!<br />Hope you have a wonderful week!<br />Hugs from Portugal,<br /><br />Ana Love Craft<br />www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com<br /><br />
Such a lovely blanket. My mum took wAt I have completed so far to the crochet class she runs and they all fell in love with the blanket ! Many thanks 🙂
Hi, I love this pattern! I would like to make in a different size though, could you tell me what multiples I should make my starting chain in?
I love this pattern too!. I would love to have the number of starting chains to make an adult size afghan.
Could you possible let me know?
Thanks so much!
The pattern is in multiples of 14+2 so you can make it however long you want to 🙂
I have completed my blanket in multiples of 14. Then add on 3 extra stitches to form the first treble chain stitch. 🙂
Thank you!
Lauren I think there is a slight mistake in this pattern. In row two should we not have 2 dc together twice instead of increasing ? This keeps ur increasing sections in each row directly above each other and vice versa for the decreasing rows. This has worked for me 🙂
Love this blanket! But it doesn't seem to be coming out even. Is there a misprint or is it me? (which wouldn't be the first time! lol!)
Make sure you have a same amount of decreases as increases.For example if you are increasing 8 times and decreasing 9 times, you will need to do one extra increase on the last stitch of each round… hope this helps.
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Beautiful pattern! I have featured it on my blog today! http://stitchesbykristin.blogspot.com/2014/03/free-pattern-friday-ripple-baby-blanket.html
Your design and colors for this blanket are wonderful. I hope to be able to do it. Thanks for posting it. <br /><br /><br />Pat (lucaspjl0126@gmail.com
Your design and colors for this blanket are wonderful. I hope to be able to do it. Thanks for posting it. <br /><br /><br />Pat (lucaspjl0126@gmail.com
Hi all. The pattern typo has now been fixed 🙂
I've been frogging my rows 2-4 for over an hour,which isn't a picnic with a color change. I have to agree with S Allen. Row 2 should start off decreasing not increasing. Otherwise you cancel out the previous row.
Now I am confused. I had about 7 rows of the blanket done before the info was changed. I undid that and now I look at the instructions and see that there are 4 sts at the beginning and end of the *s. So that means there will be 8 dc together, is this correct? Sorry, I am somewhat new, so I need help often.
Nope, you won't want to have 8 dc together 🙂
hi Laura, thanks for posting your lovely pattern for all of us, I am going to try it out , so i want to practice how can I make a practice piece.. not a hundred chains long? mutiples? and was the one person correct in saying it has to have the same number of peaks as valleys? thanks in advance. Kim
i was practicing this pattern and I found doing a multiple of 14+2 …seems to work out for me.. looks great!!
I want to double this pattern size so is the instructions the exact same?
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Hi Lauren. 🙂 <br />Just saw this beautiful blanket. And I'm going to try to do it for my cousin's new baby. I'm going to try Pink, Purple and White, hopefully it comes out as pretty as yours. <br /><br />anyways.. I had a quick question. I want to make it a little wider.. What are the multiples of chains?? Thanks so much. 🙂
Hi so I’m on about the fifth row and my ripples are lined up however the edge or the first border row isalso waving and it seems very “bubbly” does it straighten itself out the more rows you go or did I do something wrong? This is the first ripple blanket I make so I’m not sure what to expect from it but I don’t want to keep going just to find out I have to start all over
Hmm. I never seem to have a bubble. Did you work the pattern directly into the chain?
Hi! I am trying to make this blanket right now for a friend's baby that is on the way in just a little over a month. I have followed the pattern to a T but when I get to the 2nd row to the end, I only get 4 dc, and I am making sure to do the 1st dc in the first st that shares the ch 2. Is there something I'm missing here? And am ending with 95 stitches at the end of the 2nd row. I don'
Sorry if this posts twice… But I'm having the same problem I have the 4 ending dc but I don't have any space left for the double dc
I was logging on to ask for help on the ripple baby blanket but may have stumbled on the answer myself.<br /><br />I am a newbie to crochet but fell in love with the ripple and have already finished one saturday (using parrot unforgettable yarn) and started another on sunday which is almost done.<br /><br />I wanted to make one larger and thought, since I am new, that I could just double the
What a beautiful blanket and super easy pattern. This was my first time doing something serious with crochet.<br /><br />I have just finished my baby blanket in colours of green, orange blue and kaki, the yarn was one in degrade and the kaki colour was th full one. I would love to send you a picture if you want :-)<br /><br />For the others that posted question…I had those also but in the end
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this awesome pattern. I LOVE the way mine turned out. I wish I could post a picture to share it with you. Just like you said, the pattern was easy and worked up really fast. I added a sc border around the edge and love the way it finished up the blanket. I am SO looking forward to giving this gift at a baby shower this Saturday. Thanks again!
21 rows in and this is looking great! I am in the UK so looked up the hobby lobby yarn which I thought was US worsted which translates to Aran in the UK. My blanket is *really* thick so maybe if I were to make it again I'd go for double knit yarn if I wanted to use it indoors (mine's more of a cold day outside blanket!)
Lauren, Thanks for posting this beautiful pattern. Rachel, my sister, gave me your website and I was so excited to see a ripple blanket as I have been looking for one with the pattern attached and so far they all just linked back to etsy sites to buy it. Baby Maleiya is due in 11 weeks so full steam ahead to get everything finished in time. 🙂 looking forward to trying some of your others as well. Thanks again
Hi, Joy! I’m glad Rachel sent you my way 🙂 I hope you’re able to get everything finished before your sweet baby arrives! So exciting. Thanks for stopping by and for leaving a comment!
Hello, I was wondering if you sell finished baby blankets? I’m just learning to crochet and sad to say, this is just a little beyond what I can do at this time. I however, love the pattern and the colors. I have two co-workers who are expecting babies by the end of the year, one a boy and the other a girl.
Thank you!
Hi Lauren. I LOVE this blanket. I’m trying to do one for a friend who is expecting her first baby. I’m a novice at crochet so I’ll admit I’m struggling a bit… The peaks and valleys don’t seem to be lining up – with your experience, do you know why this might be? Also, is the DC a US version of DC or a UK version of DC? I started doing it as a US DC which is a UK treble (yarn over before inserting hook). I’m feeling a little ‘slow’ at this!!! Thanks in advance for your help.
Justine,
Thanks for your compliments. When the peaks and valleys don’t seem to be lining up, people are usually not working into the chain at the end of each row.
I write all my patterns in US terms 🙂 The US DC is the same as the UK treble. If you need more help, please feel free to email me. Lauren@daisycottagedesigns.net.
Have a great one!
Lauren
Thank you so much Lauren. Going to give it a go now with your suggestions. Many thanks, J
Many thanks and much appreciation for this very lovely pattern which I will attempt to crochet. I am a beginner crochet
Carole, Western Australia
I hope it goes well, Carole. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the dc2tog and be sure to work into the chain at the end of each row and you should be good! 🙂
What does Dc2tog, mean? I would love to make this blanket for my niece and am a beginner. Thanks!
It means to double crochet 2 together (it’s the same thing as a double crochet decrease). Hope this helps 🙂
I have seen this question asked twice in previous comments but haven’t seen an answer for it yet. Instead of ending with 2 crochets in the last stitch of row 2, I’m ending with the 4 double crochets. I have started over 5 times now and always get the same outcome. I am chaining 2 at the end of row 1 and starting my first double crochet in the top of the last double crochet in row 1. Should I be doing my first double crochet in the first of the 2 chains instead? Or should I be ending row 2 with 3 double crochets and 2 double crochets in the last stitch? Please help! Thanks!
Hi, Jamie. I used to reply to all comments via email. Now I’ve got an easy way to reply to comments here on the blog so I do it this way. Working into the top of the ch 2 should solve your problem 🙂
Thank you so much for this pattern. I’m trying to make this for a dear friends of mine who is having a baby. I really love the blanket yet however I’m having problems with row 3. I’m ending with dc in the last two stitches instead of 2dctog in the last stich. I’ve done this row over and over and I can’t seem to figure out what I’m doing wrong. My 1st and second row are fine. I started the 3rd row just like the second row. Please help! Thank you
You should never dc2tog in the last stitch on this pattern. You should be ending with 2 dc in the last stitch of each row – which is actually an increase 🙂 The problem most people run into is that they don’t work into the ch 2 at the end of each row and this throws them off.
Thank you. Yes I’m sorry I meant to say 2 DC. That’s where my problem was, I wasn’t working into the chain 2. Thank you for your help and thank you once again for this beautiful pattern!
Hi! Just wondering what size hook you used? Can’t decide between my 3.50 mm or my 5.00 mm. Thanks so much!
I am a total novice to crochet but I am determined to make this blanket. I have what is probably a dumb question but I will ask anyway. What do you mean when you say to “work into the chain”?
Hi, Stacey. That means that you’ll work into the top of the chain two that you made at the beginning of each row. Your ch 2 counts as your first stitch in this pattern, so you’ll need to work into it to make sure all your rows line up. 🙂
I love this blanket I am making it for my soon to be great niece. I would like to know what size hook u use and my first three rows look great but I am on the 5 white row an I am losing the ripple effect not sure what I am doing wrong could you plse help. Also when you get to the end the chain 2 has two dc in is that correct ?
Hmm… I’m not sure what’s going wrong. Yes, you do two dc into the chain at the end of each row. That’s usually the issue that most people find messes up their ripples. If you email me a photo, I can try to help 🙂
The bottom edges of the first row do curve a little bit. I’m not sure they ever straighten out. If you want to email me a photo (lauren at daisy cottage designs dot net), I’d be happy to take a look.
Thanks for the beautiful pattern! Just curious what size hook you used? I am about 10 rows in and I’ve noticed my blanket is not weaving as much as on your picture. I”m wondering if it has to do with the size hook I’m using, or possibly the tension? Right now I’m using a 4mm hook.
I use an I hook 🙂
i love so many of your patterns and instructions, I love to drop het and do plastic canvas I do other crafts but these two are my favorite I would love to buy some of your instructions so I can enjoy making them, if this is possible let me know where they are available. I just printed the instructions for the ripple baby blanket and I’m excited to start it. Thank you
Hi, I’m quite new to crochet, and am a bit confused… I’ve followed your instructions for row one and i’ve currently got a nice \/\/ shape but i’ve got lots of chain left and i’m not sure what to do next.. Do I repeat the instructions in *’s? if so. then how many times?
Yep… just keep repeating until you get to the end!
Hi Lauren, beautiful pattern. One question that hasn’t been answered is, what size hook do you use?
Thank you.
I use an I hook.
Hi Lauren,
I love the look of this pattern but would like to make it wider and longer like 30″x 36″. How would i go about doing this? Im a newbe to the blanket making world.
Thank you
I love this sweet blanket and I’ve been trying to make it for our first baby due next spring. However, I’m having the same issue as Jamie West was having above. When i get to the end of the row, I’m ending with 4 dc and no more stitches for the 2 dc. I did what you advised her, working into the chain 2 at the end of the row, but I’m still short one stitch. Every. Single. Time. What could I be doing wrong? I’m so tired of starting over!
I’m having the same issue as Meagan above is. When I get to the end of the row I can do just enough dc to make our four and then I have no more stitches left it seems to do dc 2 in the same stitch. I think my issue is that I need to go to the one near the side but that just looks wrong. It worked on my first row but not on my second. Did you ever find out what was wrong in the previous questions? I can email a picture if you’d like.
Most people find that they’re not working into the top of the chain 2 at the end of each row. It might look a little funny, but the next row will pull it out and make everything look neat and tidy 🙂
Dear Lauren, trying to work out this pattern. I started the blanket and don’t understand the correction that was made in row 2. could you send me the corrected pattern? Or please explain row 2.
Thank you,
suzanne
Most people’s issues come from not working into the chain two at the end of row one. Make sure you’re doing that and you should be good to go 🙂 If you’re still having issues, please feel free to email me at lauren@daisycottagedesigns.net. Including a photo will allow me to be the most help to you! 🙂
I love the pattern and the colors. Beautiful. I find that if you follow the instructions and a little knowledge goes a long way. Thanks for sharing this pattern.
Great pattern! Easy to follow and it turns out beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing!
WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PRINT OPTION.
No where on this written pattern does it say half double crochet so I listened to video
. Now I may be able to figure it out. Lol
I am confused do i use the hdc only when i change colors?
I am confused about the hdc when do I use the hdc only when changing colors?
The ripple blanket pattern does not mention the half double crochet. Why are you showing it in the attached video with this pattern?
Thank you,
Is there an edging? Or do you just weave in the ends and leave it??
I just weave the ends and leave it! 🙂