Crochet Ripple Stitch Free Baby Blanket Pattern & Video Tutorial

Why I love Making Blankets

I don’t know how many times I have said this, but making crochet baby blankets really is my favourite thing to crochet.  I just love the whole cosy process from start to finish.  These cherished items become heirlooms, passed down through generations, reflecting care and love in every stitch and the crochet Ripple Stitch is one of my favourites.

What’s so Great About the Ripple Stitch?

The ripple stitch, with its gently undulating waves, brings a dynamic yet soothing rhythm to your crochet baby blanket. It’s perfect for creating visual interest and texture. Choice of colour can make your blanket, a truly one of a kind work of art.  In this tutorial I will guide you through the process of learning the Ripple Stitch,  I will provide you with everything you need and a free pattern to make a crochet ripple baby blanket and cover troubleshooting tips and tricks too.

What Inspired the Paignton Beach Baby Blanket?

The captivating scenery from holidays in Devon as a child and a trip to Paignton with my son,  left a lasting impression. The vibrant hues of Paignton Beach—its azure waters and distinctive red sands—inspire a stunning colour palette for this crochet baby blanket.  The tranquil blues of the ocean and the warm reds of the sandy beach served as a beautiful muse for this project.

Capturing the Blue Ocean in Your Blanket

Select shades of blue to mimic the ocean’s depth and tranquillity. From soft sky blue to deep navy, these colours evoke the calming essence of the sea, perfect for a comforting baby blanket.  Incorporate warm reds and earthy tones to mirror Paignton’s unique sands. These colours add warmth and richness, creating a harmonious balance with the blues.

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Free Ripple Stitch Baby Blanket Pattern

Whether you are a crochet master or entirely new, you will benefit from this crochet tutorial. I will guide you through the process of learning the Ripple Stitch and making a beautiful colourful baby blanket. 

We will begin by discussing the essential materials needed for this heirloom in the making and introduce you to the stitches and techniques to crochet the Ripple Stitch.  I will also cover troubleshooting tips and tricks to help you perfect your project and a video guide for those that prefer visual learning.

Is This Pattern Suitable For Beginners?

A beginner that is comfortable with the basic stitches and is ready to try something a little more challenging, can easily master the crochet Ripple stitch as it uses only simple straightforward stitches. The baby blanket pattern provides you with a great opportunity to practise and perfect these stitches whilst making something unique and truly beautiful.

Looking for more easy baby blanket patterns?

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Equipment

Let's start by getting everything we need ready. Just like most crochet projects, we'll only require a few crochet supplies -

• Yarn:  I recommend a worsted yarn in soft wool or acrylic
• Crochet hook:  An ergonomic hook is comfortable to hold, go for the size recommended on your yarn ball band or your pattern
• Scissors:  Any small sharp scissors will do
• Darning needle:  A special darning needle with a large eye 

Selecting the Perfect Crochet Hooks

For this tutorial, I used a 5mm hook. I love to use these Clover Soft Touch hooks as they have a smooth surface that glides through the yarn easily and the handles are comfortable to hold.  These are my preferred hooks to use and I have them in many sizes.

Handy Tools and Notions

Additionally, you'll need some helpful items like a pair of scissors, a measuring tape or gauge ruler, and a darning needle for neatly securing loose yarn ends. While not essential, stitch markers can be quite convenient for keeping track of your stitches.

Exploring the Ripple Stitch Pattern

Now, let's take a look at the beautifully ripply pattern we'll be learning. Though it might look complicated at first glance, the wave effect is surprisingly simple and easy to master and uses only double crochet stitches, with simple increases and decreases. 

Before we begin let's familiarise ourselves with the basic stitches for this pattern -

• Double crochet:  Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over pull through 2 loops

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Paignton Beach Video Tutorial

For those that are visual learners a video tutorial is available to compliment this guide. It will show you step by step how to crochet the Ripple Stitch.  

Paignton Beach Blanket

Materials

Drops Nepal in colours Red Clay, White, Aqua Blue, Sea Blue, and Deep Ocean

Darning needle

5mm hook

Difficulty

Easy

Gauge

Not essential for this project

Abbreviations US terms (UK conversion)

Sc – single crochet (double crochet)

Dc – double crochet (treble crochet)

Ch – chain

Sl st – slip stitch

St(s) – stitch(es)

Yo – yarn over

Size Chart

Ideal for	Blanket Size inches	Per Colour 50g	Total Yardage	Starting Chain
Car Seat	25x25	2 balls	410	86
Stroller, buggy	30x30	2 balls	590	110
Cot	35x35	3 balls	765	122
Cot Bed, lap	40x40	3 balls	960	134
Throw	45x45	3 balls	1328	158
Twin (single) bed	55x75	6 balls	2706	194

About the yarn

Drops Nepal is an Aran weight yarn, spun in a blend of 35% alpaca and 65% wool.  It comes in an excellent range of colours, including subtle mixes which are achieved by carding the colours together before spinning.  Each 50g ball has 75 metres (82 yards).  You can purchase the yarn here at the Woolwarehouse

This yarn is handwash only and if you would prefer something easier to take care of, I have included some other options for you here -

Other Yarn Suggestions (affiliate links)

• If you would like to make this in wool, I recommend Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino in shades Flame Heather, Aqua Haze, Summer Sky Heather, Deep Ultramarine and White.
• If you would like to make this in cotton yarn I recommend Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran in shades Soft Fudge, Paper White, Washed Teal, Jewel and Deep Sea Blue.
• If you prefer an acrylic yarn I recommend Paint Box Yarns Simply Aran in shades Soft Fudge, Paper White, Washed Teal, Rich Teal & Deep Sea Blue.

Special Stitches

• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog), yo, insert hook into st and pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops, yo, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, yo pull through 2 loops, yo pull through all remaining loops

Pattern Notes

• Read pattern in its entirety before starting
• US terms are used throughout
• Yarn used is Aran weight roughly the equivalent of worsted
• This blanket is crocheted in Ripple Stitch
• Change colour every 2 rows by pulling new colour through last st of row
• Repeat colours in order, Red Clay, White, Aqua Blue, Deep Ocean & Sea Blue
• Ch3 at the start of a row counts as dc throughout, remember to work into the top of this at the end of the row
• For custom sizes chain a multiple of 12 +2

Foundation row ch required amount for size, dc in 3rd ch from hook, *dc in next 3 sts, [dc2tog] twice, dc in next 3 sts, [2dc in next st] twice* repeat from *to* to last 11sts, dc in next 3 sts, [dc2tog] twice, dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in last st, turn.

Row 1 ch3, dc in same st, *dc in next 3 sts, [dc2tog] twice, dc in next 3 sts, [2dc in next st] twice* repeat from *to* to last 11 sts, dc in next 3 sts, [dc2tog] twice, dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in last st, turn.

Repeat row 1 keeping colour sequence correct until blanket reaches required length, fasten off and weave in ends.

This blanket does not require a border, however if your sides are not as straight as you would like, you can add a row of single crochet stitches along each side if you wish.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

• If you notice mistakes, such as missed stitches or uneven peaks, don’t be afraid to unravel and redo. It’s better to correct errors early than to let them affect your entire project.  
• Count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure accuracy. Consistency is crucial for maintaining the ripple pattern and preventing skewed edges.
• Pay extra attention to the edges of your blanket. Consistent stitch count and tension are vital for straight, even edges, giving your crochet baby blanket a professional finish.

Blocking Your Blanket for a Professional Finish

Blocking involves dampening your blanket and pinning it to shape, allowing it to dry flat. This process evens out stitches and enhances the blanket’s drape, giving it a polished look.

Looking for new stitches to try…

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