This colorful crochet blanket uses a simple repeating increase-and-decrease pattern to create smooth waves across the fabric. The peaks rise gradually, the valleys dip evenly, and changing colors every few rows turns the basic stitch pattern into a bright striped blanket.

The construction below is an original ripple pattern based on the general chevron/ripple concept rather than a reproduction of the linked pattern.

It works especially well for baby blankets because there are no separate motifs to join, and once the first few rows are established, the same ripple sequence repeats throughout the entire project.

Skill Level

Confident Beginner

You should know how to:

• chain
• single crochet
• double crochet
• work 2 double crochet stitches together
• increase by working multiple stitches into one stitch
• change yarn colors
• count stitches

The most important part is keeping every increase and decrease in the correct position.

Finished Size

The sample version measures approximately:

32–34 inches wide × 39–41 inches long

The blanket can easily be made wider or longer.

Materials

• Medium weight #4 yarn
• Approximately 1,000–1,200 yards total
• 5 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape

For a colorful version, use 6–8 coordinating colors.

Suggested Palette

• Turquoise
• Apple green
• Plum
• Mustard yellow
• Rust red
• Coral orange
• Navy blue
• Bright teal

A mix of warm and cool colors gives the blanket the lively patchwork-striped appearance.

Abbreviations — US Terms

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
dc2tog – double crochet 2 together
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)

Special Stitch

Double Crochet 2 Together — dc2tog

Yarn over.

Insert hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

Yarn over and insert hook into the following stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

You should have 3 loops remaining on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Two stitches have now been decreased into one.

Gauge

Approximately:

14 dc = 4 inches

and approximately:

7 ripple rows = 4 inches

Exact gauge is not critical unless you want to match the suggested finished size.

The most important thing is maintaining even tension throughout all color changes.

Stitch Multiple

The ripple section uses:

a multiple of 12 stitches

For the sample blanket, the foundation contains:

120 working stitches

That gives:

10 complete ripple repeats across

Because the initial chain includes one extra chain for the first single crochet row, begin with:

121 chains

Understanding the Ripple

Each 12-stitch repeat contains:

1. a decrease
2. three regular stitches
3. two increases
4. three regular stitches
5. another decrease

Written as:

dc2tog, dc in next 3, 2 dc in each of next 2, dc in next 3, dc2tog

The stitch count stays the same because the increases replace the stitches removed by the decreases.

The increases create the peaks.

The neighboring decreases create the valleys.

Foundation

With your first color:

Ch 121.

Foundation Row

Sc in the second chain from the hook.

Sc in every remaining chain across.

You should have:

120 sc

Ch 2 and turn.

The turning ch-2 does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern.

Row 1 — Establish the Ripple

Work:

dc2tog over the first 2 sts

Dc in each of the next 3 sts.

Work 2 dc in the next st.

Work 2 dc in the following st.

Dc in each of the next 3 sts.

Work dc2tog over the next 2 sts.

One complete 12-stitch ripple section is finished.

Repeat this entire sequence across:

*dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog*

Repeat from * to * until the end of the row.

You should complete:

10 ripple sections

and still have:

120 stitches

Ch 2 and turn.

What You Should See

The fabric will already begin forming shallow peaks and valleys.

The middle two increases form the top of each peak.

The two decreases sitting beside the neighboring repeat form each valley.

Row 2

Repeat the exact same ripple sequence:

*dc2tog over next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog over next 2 sts*

Repeat across.

120 sts

Ch 2 and turn.

Row 3 and All Following Ripple Rows

Repeat Row 2.

After approximately 5–6 rows, the wave shape should become very obvious.

The increases should stack above the previous peaks.

The decreases should remain aligned above the previous valleys.

Color Changes

For the colorful striped version, change yarn every 2 rows.

A suggested sequence is:

Rows 1–2

Turquoise

Rows 3–4

Plum

Rows 5–6

Apple Green

Rows 7–8

Rust Red

Rows 9–10

Mustard Yellow

Rows 11–12

Teal

Rows 13–14

Coral

Rows 15–16

Navy

Then repeat the color sequence.

You can rearrange the colors during later repeats so identical colors do not always sit in the same order.

How to Change Colors Neatly

On the final dc of the old color, stop before completing the final yarn over.

You should have 2 loops remaining on the hook.

Drop the old color.

Yarn over using the new color.

Pull the new color through the final 2 loops.

Turn and continue with the new yarn.

This places the color change directly at the edge.

Random Stripe Variation

For a more playful blanket similar to a scrap-yarn project, vary the stripe widths.

For example:

• 2 rows turquoise
• 1 row red
• 3 rows green
• 2 rows purple
• 1 row mustard
• 2 rows teal
• 3 rows orange

The ripple construction does not change.

Only the color sequence changes.

If using single-row stripes, remember that you will alternate which side of the blanket the yarn ends appear on.

Suggested Blanket Length

Continue until the blanket measures approximately:

39–41 inches

For the suggested gauge, this will usually require approximately:

68–72 ripple rows

However, measuring the actual blanket is more reliable than following an exact row count.

Finish after completing a full row.

Keeping the Ripple Accurate

The stitch count should remain:

120 stitches in every row

If the count changes, the peaks will begin drifting.

Use stitch markers while learning the pattern.

A useful method is to place a marker after each 12-stitch repeat.

You should have:

10 sections across the sample blanket

Identifying the Peaks

The peak is created by:

2 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st

This produces four stitches over two stitches from the previous row.

On following rows, make sure the two increases remain centered above the existing peak.

Identifying the Valleys

A valley is created where one 12-stitch repeat ends with:

dc2tog

and the next repeat begins with another:

dc2tog

The two neighboring decreases pull the fabric downward and create the V-shaped dip.

Finishing the Blanket

After reaching the desired length, fasten off.

Leave a yarn tail approximately 6 inches long.

Thread it through a yarn needle.

Weave it through several stitches on the wrong side.

Change direction once and weave through another section.

Trim the remaining yarn.

Repeat for every color-change tail.

Optional Side Border

The ripple design naturally produces attractive wavy top and bottom edges, so you can leave those edges untouched.

A simple border can be added only along the two long sides.

Use one neutral color or one of the colors already used in the blanket.

Side Border Row 1

Attach yarn at the lower corner.

Ch 1.

Work sc evenly along the entire long edge.

Aim for approximately:

2 sc for every 3 dc row ends

Adjust slightly as needed.

The edge should lie flat.

Fasten off.

Repeat on the opposite side.

Side Border Row 2

For a slightly stronger edge, work one additional row of sc along each side.

Fasten off.

This keeps the top and bottom ripple shape visible while giving the long edges a cleaner finish.

Optional Full Border

If you prefer a completely framed blanket, begin with one sc round around the entire piece.

Along the ripple peaks and valleys, follow the existing contour rather than trying to force the edges straight.

At each outer peak, work:

3 sc

At each deep valley, skip one stitch if necessary to prevent the border from ruffling.

Continue evenly around the blanket.

How to Make the Blanket Wider

The ripple uses:

12 stitches per repeat

Add or remove 12 working stitches for each complete wave.

Because the foundation chain includes one extra chain, useful starting chains include:

Small

97 chains
96 working stitches
8 ripple repeats

Medium

121 chains
120 working stitches
10 ripple repeats

Wider

145 chains
144 working stitches
12 ripple repeats

Large Throw

181 chains
180 working stitches
15 ripple repeats

Always begin with:

multiple of 12 + 1 foundation chains

How to Make the Blanket Longer

Simply continue repeating the ripple row.

Nothing changes as the blanket grows.

Stop when the blanket reaches your desired length.

Small Baby Blanket

For a smaller stroller blanket:

Chain 97

Work 96 sc across the foundation row.

You will have:

8 ripple repeats

Continue until the blanket measures approximately 32–36 inches long.

Larger Baby Blanket

For a wider baby or toddler blanket:

Chain 145

Work:

144 stitches

This gives:

12 ripple repeats

Continue until approximately 42–46 inches long.

Lap Blanket

For a lap blanket, begin with:

145 or 157 chains, adjusting to a valid multiple of 12 + 1.

Work until approximately:

48–55 inches long

Throw Blanket

For a generous sofa throw:

Chain 181

This gives:

180 working stitches

and:

15 ripple repeats

Work until approximately:

55–65 inches long

Make a gauge swatch before beginning a large blanket because the amount of yarn required can increase quickly.

Choosing Yarn

A smooth medium-weight yarn is especially useful for this pattern because it clearly shows the wave shape.

Good options include:

• washable acrylic
• cotton-acrylic blends
• soft wool blends
• washable baby yarn

For a baby blanket, choose yarn that feels soft and is practical to wash.

Scrap-Yarn Version

Ripple blankets are especially useful for leftover yarn.

Instead of planning an exact palette, collect several yarns of the same approximate weight.

Arrange them into groups:

• warm colors
• cool colors
• neutrals
• accent colors

Then alternate them as you crochet.

Try not to place extremely similar colors directly beside each other unless you want a subtle blended effect.

Color Planning

For a lively blanket, combine:

Bright

Turquoise + red + purple + lime + yellow + orange

Woodland

Forest green + moss + rust + mustard + brown + cream

Ocean

Navy + teal + aqua + pale blue + white

Baby Pastels

Blush + lavender + mint + pale yellow + cream

Modern

Terracotta + sage + mustard + cream + charcoal

Rainbow

Red + orange + yellow + green + blue + purple

Tips for Straight Side Edges

Count Every Row

Most ripple problems begin with accidentally adding or losing stitches.

Do Not Work Into the Turning Chain

The ch-2 does not count as a stitch.

Begin directly in the first actual stitch.

Keep the Final Decrease Consistent

Every row ends with the final dc2tog.

Do not add an extra dc afterward.

Mark the Repeats

Place stitch markers after every 12 stitches until you become familiar with the pattern.

Common Problems

Peaks Start Moving Sideways

One of the increases has probably been worked into the wrong stitch.

Check that each peak contains:

2 dc in each of 2 neighboring stitches

and that it sits directly above the previous peak.

Valleys Are Uneven

Make sure every valley contains two neighboring decreases:

dc2tog, dc2tog

one from each adjacent repeat.

Stitch Count Increases

The most common cause is working both increases correctly but forgetting one of the decreases.

Count the row.

Every 12-stitch section must still produce exactly 12 stitches.

Stitch Count Decreases

You may have worked one decrease too many or forgotten one of the peak increases.

Check each repeat individually.

Blanket Pulls Tightly at the Foundation

The starting chain may be too tight.

Use a hook 0.5–1 mm larger for the foundation chain, then switch back to the main hook.

Blanket Ruffles

Your peak stitches may be too loose or you may be adding extra increases.

Confirm that there are exactly two increase stitches per repeat.

Color Changes Create Loose Edges

When changing colors, gently tighten both yarn tails before working the second stitch of the new row.

Do not pull so tightly that the edge puckers.

The optional side border will hide small irregularities.

Blocking

Blocking can make the waves look cleaner and help the blanket lie flat.

After weaving in the ends:

1. Wash or lightly dampen according to the yarn label.
2. Lay the blanket flat.
3. Straighten the side edges.
4. Shape each peak and valley gently.
5. Allow the blanket to dry completely.

Do not stretch the ripple aggressively.

The natural wave should remain visible.

Why Ripple Crochet Works So Well With Color

The stitch pattern itself is simple, so the yarn colors become the main visual feature.

Every stripe follows the same peaks and valleys, creating continuous bands of color that travel across the blanket.

Changing color every two rows produces bold stripes.

Changing every row creates finer stripes.

Using irregular stripe widths creates a more playful scrap-blanket effect.

Easy Colorful Ripple Crochet Blanket

A ripple blanket is one of those projects that becomes easier after only a few rows.

The entire design depends on repeating the same balanced sequence of decreases, straight stitches, and increases. Once the peaks and valleys are established, they show exactly where the following row should be worked.

Add bright color changes, and the simple repeating crochet structure becomes a lively blanket that works beautifully for babies, children, sofa throws, gifts, and leftover-yarn projects.