Crochet Ripple Stitch - Free Patterns and Inspiration

Due to recent events we are spending more and more time at home, so why not engage in some creative activity? When I feel overwhelmed, I like to go back to basics, because then I can try to reinvent simple ideas, or go for something classic without much effort.

Ripple stitch is a crocheter’s staple, a go-to stitch; the one that always works and uses basic stitches. When looking for an inspiration for baby blankets or bedspreads, you will find tons of stunning ideas with this technique. And that’s because it’s one of the most versatile out there, that’s for sure.

Grab your crochet hook and try it!

Fun and versatile

Ripple stitch is made for blankets, because it’s simple and repetitive. It looks fantastic in many color combinations, which you can see below, but most importantly, this is a great stitch for beginners.

This stitch is rather loose, so it drapes beautifully and remains soft. Use it for bedspreads, throws, baby blankets and else.

Materials

Claudetta used two kinds of bulky yarn: Hayfield Spirit Chunky and Hayfield Baby Chunky. These two compliment each other beautifully, because one of them is multicolored yarn, and the other simple white. Claudetta used recommended hook size for this particular yarn, which is 6.5 mm, but you can use any yarn and corresponding crochet hook you want.

Claudetta starts the project with chain stitch of a multiple of 12 + 3. Last 3 chains work as a turning chain for double crochet stitch. This stitch is mainly made with double crochets, so it’s great for beginners. All you need to learn is working two double crochets in one stitch (increase), as well as two double crochets joined at the top (decrease). These two techniques create the ripple.

It’s very easy, so for full instructions check out Claudetta’s tutorial! It can be found here.

talking about stitches…

Our growing website and library of free crochet patterns has some projects that might interest you, too. If you want to know more about crochet, read my articles on different topics. You may like Puff Flower Crochet Ideas…

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Learn more about crochet blocking!

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crochet roundup!

Ripple stitch is absolutely one of the most popular crochet techniques. It’s easy and so fun to make! Making the selection was very hard, as I’ve found so many fantastic projects. Anyway, enjoy and get inspired!

Read carefully for free crochet patterns and tutorials.

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Textured Ripple Stitch

Textured Ripple Baby Blanket by Amy Perry

Little tweak can transform your regular ripple blanket into texture-filled bunch of goodness. To make this change, work the stitches in the back loop, because this way you’ll create “valleys” and “tops”. As you can see, Amy’s choice of three vibrant colors resulted in truly mesmerizing handmade piece.

photos by @crochetedwithhoney on Instagram: source

You can make similar project by following free crochet pattern for Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, available on attic24.typepad.com and on ravelry.com. Just remember to work all the stitches in the back loop only, so you’ll end up with this textured effect.

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Fizzy Rainbow Ripples Blanket Version by Natalie Anne

I love finding unusual versions of simple patterns, and this project by Natalie checks all the boxes! Basic white blanket can be easily transformed into the wavy stripes parade – just use a little magic trick! In the bottom photo you can see that the colorful stripes are added later on (not as-you-go). It’s a single crochet stitch on the surface – click to learn more about this technique!

photos by @crochetbynatalieanne on Instagram: top, bottom

This project is based on a crochet pattern called Fizzy Rainbow Ripples by Sew Hooky, which you can purchase through ravelry.com.

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Pastel Ripple Blanket by orgu_hazinesi_42

When I encountered this project, I was in awe, because this is the most adorable example of what you can do with a simple pattern like ripple. It’s not only about beautiful color flow, which is very thought through and carefully planned, but also about the technique. Use of back post / front post technique makes the waves pop up and become three-dimensional.

photos by @orgu_hazinesi_42 on Instagram: top, bottom

I’m sure that you’ve already noticed beautiful edging, so take another look at the photos below. It complements this blanket perfectly, and white yarn is the best choice for such colorful blanket.

photos by @orgu_hazinesi_42 on Instagram: top, bottom

Find free pattern for similar edging, called Pink Wave Edge Tutorial by Elena Kozhukhar, or read more about it on Ravelry.

One of the most read articles on my website is Alpine Stitch Ideas, so try it!

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Ripple Stitch Blanket by Crochet Creations by Hanan

Sometimes one simple trick can make the whole project more interesting, so go for back loop only technique to create more depth in your ripple stitch! Hanan’s choice of earthy tones remind me of autumnal clouds or deep dark ocean waves.

photos by Hanan (@crochetcreationsbyhanan)

If you like repetitive patterns, you will love Clamshell Stitch.

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Pretty Pastels

Unicorn Yarn Ripple Stitch by Rianne Hannah

Hand-dyed yarn can look truly spectacular, especially if we use it in quite simple designs. As you can see below, this project by Rianne looks so good, because it showcases little dots and speckles of the colorway. Unicorn-inspired color palette was created by indie dyer Wildflower Yarn from UK.

photos by @rhii_create on Instagram: top, bottom

You can make similar project by following free crochet pattern for Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, available on attic24.typepad.com and on ravelry.com.

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Ripple Delight Crochet Blanket by Amy Perry

Amy decided to tweak this classic pattern and add some unexpected stitches to it. Her design features what looks like scrossed stitches, but it’s exactly that what makes the blanket airy and eye-catching. Delicate palette looks like a perfect choice for a baby girl, but this project looks fantastic in more vibrant colorways, too!

photos by @crochetedwithhoney on Instagram: top, bottom

Purchase PDF with a crochet pattern for this blanket through etsy.com.

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Ripple Stitch Baby Blanket by Hook and Yarn

Lilacs, creams and greys remind me of a garden in full bloom, so keep this colorway in mind when brainstorming ideas. Simplicity is key! This project by Hook and Yarn doesn’t include any excess elements. Nothing should be added nor taken away.

photos by @hook.and.yarn_ on Instagram: source

You can make similar project by following free crochet pattern for Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, available on attic24.typepad.com and on ravelry.com.

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Ripple Stitch Blanket by Michelle of foreverautumn

Delicate pinks and greens create very trendy color combo, so don’t be afraid to use these two together! Alternate them with white for a softer look, and introduce darker color to make the pattern more interesting.

photo by Michelle (@forever__autumn__)

Use free crochet pattern, such as Feather and Fan Baby Blanket by Alexis Middleton to make a similar blanket!

You may also like my article about Structural Waffle Stitch Ideas!

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Neat Ripple Blanket by pontinhosmeus

If you need romantic, girly palette, try this one, because it’s inspired by delicate spring buds. Pale pinks, light blues and vines of fresh green create a color story, which is like a tale of nature and princesses.

photos by pontinhosmeus on ravelry.com

This project is based on Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

Looking for more blanket inspiration? Try Sophie’s Universe CAL!

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Spring Tide Blanket by Crafty Little Cottontail

I’m sure I mentioned it already, but ripple stitch blankets are perfect stash busters, so gather all of the scraps and get to work! This sweet beauty by Crafty Little Cottontail used lots of different colors, but you can achieve similar effects by working with multicolored yarns. Take a look at the picture below and get inspired!

photos by @craftylittlecottontail on Instagram: top, bottom

Purchase this project on lovecrafts.com, it’s called Spring Tide Blanket by Crafty Little Cottontail.

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Ripple Cardigan by Stevie

Sometimes what you see is just a work in progress, and this is the case with this beautiful project by Stevie. At first I thought that it’s going to be a lovely baby blanket, but she corrected us all by writing it loud and clear – it’s a cardigan! Well, it’s going to be a showstopper, because this color palette isn’t something you see every day!

photos by @steviebythesea on Instagram: top, bottom

Looking for a fun crochet motif to learn? African Flower will be perfect, so try it even if you are a beginner!

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Neat Ripple Blanket by bytheseashore

I love unexpected color combos, and this project is one of them. At first glance, it’s a pale rainbow, but when you look closely, you will see all the strange huesm like grey, mustard or rusty brown. This project is a proof that color flow does not have to be classic rainbow.

photos by bytheseashore on ravelry.com

This project is based on Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

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Earthy Tones

Ripple Stitch Blanket by Hazel of The Crofters

Why not go for rich browns? These autumnal colors look very elegant together, so it’s a great idea when you make a blanket for an older family member. This color combination will look fantastic in classic interiors, too, such as those filled with wooden furniture.

photos by Hazel (@the_crofters)

To make similar blanket, try out cool free crochet pattern called Neopolitan Ripple by Michelle T.

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Ripple Sweater by colourfulblossom_

I’m in love with this color palette, because it’s earthy, but not at all dull! Rich tones become even more beautiful with addition of white, because its crisp and clean nature makes them stand out. This work in progress is an ultimate inspiration – although it’s going to be a sweater, pictures below make it easy to imagine that it’s something else.

photos by @colourfulblossom_ on Instagram: top, bottom

Another classic baby blanket idea is 6 Day Kid Blanket.

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Woodland Blanket CAL by tangleandstitch

Woodland Blanket is a beautiful design, which creates lovely details around ripples. As you can see, a little twist in this simple technique is enough to create a totally new project. Add applique to make it even more interesting!

photos by Nicole (@tangleandstitch)

This project is based on Woodland Blanket CAL by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

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Baby Blues

Ripple Stitch Blanket by Sam Hermes of littlebudcreations

Do you long for the sea? Me too! These beautiful blankets use wavy pattern to the maximum and are perfect example on how alternating colors can change the design. The same hues of blue can make big or small waves, so play with it!

photos by Sam Hermes (@littlebudcreations)

To make similar blanket, you can try using free crochet pattern for Pretty Ripple Baby Blanket by Lauren Brown.

Looking for an interesting pattern? Try my collection of patterns and inspirations for Apache Tears Ideas.

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Ripple Stitch Blanket by Milly’s Makes

Blue, navy, red and white – classic color combo like this will never go out of style! Go for sea-themed blanket if you have a little one that loves pirate stories. Cute applique will add even more style to this project.

photos by Milly’s Makes (@millysmakes)

If you would like to make similar blanket by yourself, try out free crochet pattern first, like Turtle Beach by June Gilbank.

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Cheerful Rainbows

Ripple Stitch Blanket by Crochet Creations by Hanan

This candy sweet blanket will cheer up even the most fussy little girls! The best part, though, is how easy it is. This is a blanket that you can make in no time, while watching your favorite TV shows.

photos by Hanan (@crochetcreationsbyhanan)

Need a place to start? Check out easily customizable free crochet pattern – Warm Welcome Baby Blanket by Jess Coppom.

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Interlocking Ripple Blanket by Crafty CC

This roundup would be nothing without amazing rainbow projects, because they are everywhere! Amazing project by Crafty CC, which you can admire in the photos below, makes the rainbow a little bit more fun. It makes the colors slowly combine with each other, which make it look like fantastic waves of colorful sea.

photos by @crafty_cc on Instagram: top, bottom

This project is based on Interlocking Ripple Blanket by Lucy of Attic24.

Want to try something basic? Go for Popcorn Stitch Ideas.

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Neat Ripple Blanket by IndirectPoem

Need something a little bit more energetic? Why not go for a vibrant rainbow, right? This is an idea for those of you, who are not afraid of bold color palettes. Bedspread like this will most definitely become a crown jewel of your bedroom!

photos by IndirectPoem on ravelry.com

This project is based on Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

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Neat Ripple Blanket by cosykitty

When I look at this amazing blanket, I immediately think stained glass! Although this pattern doesn’t feature any pictorial motifs, simple combination of vibrant hues with black makes me think of chapels’ windows.

photos by cosykitty on ravelry.com

This project is based on Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

Nice choice of a stitch for a blanket would also be this one – Arcade Stitch Ideas.

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Neat Ripple Blanket by IgnorantBliss

Simple patterns with repetitive rows are perfect for two things – stash buster projects and temperature blankets. Whichever you choose, be sure that you can’t go wrong with these ideas, because they will look fantastic even if every row will feature a different color!

photos by IgnorantBliss on ravelry.com

This project is based on Neat Ripple by Lucy of Attic24, see more on its Ravelry page.

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That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with much more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!

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