Picture it. It’s a rainy and wet weekend. You’ve sorted the clothes, you’ve done the groceries, you’re getting a bit bored of your current knitting project and you know the preschool teacher is going on maternity leave soon.
The twins preschool teachers are amazing and so dedicated so you pull out some wool, try to find where you put the crochet hooks as your craft room is all packed up in boxes and you get the pattern for a ripple blanket.
You start and make cracking progress. It’s just the perfect weather.
You keep working on it while watching a few movies.
Then when you are watching Upstairs Downstairs (great series by the way, have you been enjoying it too?) you realise that on one edge instead of having 7 stitches you somehow have multiplied it out to 12. Uh oh. You pull back that colour, then another colour, then another one, then you just think what the heck let’s just start over again.
So the trick to doing crochet where you are building on the row before is to not add or lose any stitches. Golden rule. Easier said than done. That is why granny squares are easier for me because you are working in spaces rather than the top of the stitches of the row below. Anyway. I’ve now pulled out the original (OK, it’s the only) ripple blanket I’ve made and I’ll be comparing my progress to this one.
Ripple blankets are easy if you can crochet. I wouldn’t tackle it as my first crochet project. I’d recommend something like my granny square blanket if you’re a total beginner. I found some awesome youtube videos and this one gives lots of great advice and he has loads of crochet videos on youtube.
oh and if you’re going to crochet, the golden rule is work out if you’re crocheting an aussie or american pattern. The americans call their double crochet what we call treble crochet. So I always work american way with my crochet as I’ve learnt via books and youtube from the states. Oh and if you need a little more crochet inspiration go to one of my fave crochet blogs, Attic24. She has done some lovely ripple blankets here and here.
I love ripple blankets but haven’t attempted one yet – I agree Attic 24 does just the loveliest ripples
I’m rather impressed that you managed more than one movie – were they all of your choosing? Now that would be super amazing!!!
I’m determined to learn how to crochet. Thanks for the tips and will definately take a look at Attic 24. Thanks Corrie! xo
I am board at the moment knitting a hat for my second bub due in July, would love a ripple blanket for the pram as will be a winter bub. Big challenge, as I haven’t done crochet since i was little with my nan. Wish I payed attention to her!
Your ripple blanket is absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful colours. I hope the second one is a success when you start it again : )
Oh Corrie
I have made both granny blankets and straight stitch blankets, and had a few disasters but nothing too bad, just undo a row at the most – I would cry! I am about to embark on a ripple crochet project for a friend having a baby (just waiting to find out the sex to go yarn shopping!) Hoping that I have more luck in learning how to do those ripples 😉
Good luck!
Oh how I wish I could crochet – the one craft I just haven’t been able to master. Love your blanket, I’m sure it will be a huge hit!
I love the chevron stitch & have made a few blankets. The colours you’re using will be very pretty crocheted up.
A ripple blanket is on my to-crochet list. Hmmm, maybe I should go yarn shopping, although I don’t think I’ll start making it until the weather cools off here. I’m always surprised how hot I get when crocheting, even something small.
Funny how this weather has got us all crocheting again. Loving the ripple design, may have to give it ago after I finish my african flower throw.
Beautiful sample. Tutorial was very informative! If you are using an existing pattern, how do you count the number of stitches between each ripple and know how many stitiches to add (2, 3?) How do you reduce the pattern? The one I found is from Red Heart (LW3151) it starts with 159 chain stitches, having a hard time figuring out how to make it narrower. Would appreciate any advise you can give me. Thank you