Monthly Archives: November 2012

This free-style afghan is a great way to use up little bits of leftover yarn while making a stunning conversation piece. The diamond inserts transition the ripple pattern from a smaller ripple to a larger one and then back to a smaller one again. The diamond inserts can also be stacked to create a patchwork look.

The example is made in light worsted weight mercerized cotton.

Since this is a design-your-own style afghan, this pattern is presented as patterns for the individual sections and construction guidelines. This is not a traditional pattern with beginning to end instructions. It is not a beginning project. ATTEMPT AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn (see chart for amount)
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Special stitches:
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.
dc5tog – double crochet 5 stitches together (uses five stitches, decreases by four stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 5 times (6 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 44 plus 10.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:
29.75″ = 142
39″ = 186
48.25″ = 230
57.5″ = 274
66.75″ = 318

Begin with Small Ripple A.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 8 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 8 ch, ** 5 dc in next ch, dc in next 8 ch, dc5tog (uses next 5 ch), dc in next 8 ch. Repeat from ** to last 4 ch. 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next dc, 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc, ** 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc. Repeat from ** to last 3 dc and turning chain. 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning chain.
Repeat row 2.

Small Ripple B: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog, 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc, ** dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc. Repeat from ** to last 5 stitches and turning chain. dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning chain.

These two will be front and back of the same section.
Big Ripple A: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next dc, 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 8 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 19 dc, 5 dc in next dc, ** dc in next 19 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 19 dc, 5 dc in next dc. Repeat from ** to last 13 stitches and turning chain. Dc in next 8 dc, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next two dc, dc in top of turning chain.
Big Ripple B: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in next 8 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 19 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), ** dc in next 19 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 19 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc). Repeat from ** to last 11 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 8 dc, 3 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning chain..

Big Ripple C: Ch 3, turn. Dc in 2nd dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog(uses dc3tog, 2 dc), dc in next 19 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 19 dc, ** dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog , 2 dc), dc in next 19 dc, 5 dc in next dc, dc in next 19 dc. Repeat from ** to last 5 stitches and turning chain. dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning chain.

Basic Diamond:
Row 1: Form a slip knot, find the stitch that is 11 stitches before the center bottom stitch and slip stitch the slip knot to it. Ch 3, dc in the next 8 stitches, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 9 dc.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 7 dc.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next 3 dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 5 dc.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next 3 dc.
Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc, dc5tog (uses 2 dc, dc5tog, 2 dc), dc in next dc. Fasten off and secure.

Right side half diamond:
Row 1: On last stitch of prior row, before pulling through last two loops of last stitch, change to diamond yarn and pull through. Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in next 9 dc.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next 5 dc, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in next 4 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in top of turning ch.
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sl st in dc3tog, Hdc in next dc, dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Pull finally loop out a bit and secure. Complete other diamonds across and then make color change on this last stitch for next section.

Left side half diamond:
Row 1: Form a slip knot, find the stitch that is 11 stitches before the dc3tog stitch and slip stitch the slip knot to it. Ch 3, dc in the next 8 stitches, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in next 6 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next 3 dc, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, dc in next dc, dc3tog (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Skip first dc, dc3tog (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of turning ch.
Row 6: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, hdc in next dc, sl st in dc3tog. Fasten off and secure.

Construction Tips:
At the end of each section, extend the last loop and secure it. Once diamonds are completed between the sections, if the next section is going to be the same color as the previous, just pick up and continue with the reserved loop. If a color change is desired, pull loop back and insert hook back into last two loops of last stitch of the row. Knot new color close to work. Yarn over with new color and pull through both loops.

After completing a ripple section, turn the work as though to start the next row. Start the diamonds on this side.

The first row of a ripple section will be worked on the sides of diamonds. When making stitches, make a stitch in the same stitch that the first stitch of the first row of the diamond was made and in the same stitch that the last stitch of the first row of the diamond was made. Make two stitches over each dc or ch 3 on the sides of the diamonds. Make a stitch in the dc5tog at the top of each diamond.

Examples:
Going from small ripple to big ripple – diamonds will be placed in every other “valley”. The edge stitches of the first row of the diamonds will be in the center dc of the 5dc at the top of the adjacent “peaks”. The big ripple has a dc5tog in the valley of the small ripple and then has 19 dc. The first 8 dc are in dc stitches. The next dc is in the same dc as the first stitch of the diamond. The next 10 dc are along the side of the diamond, with 2 dc over each dc or ch 3 that form the edge of the diamond (5 rows of the diamond with 2 dc in each make up the 10 dc). The 5 dc in one stitch for the peak will be in the dc5tog of the diamond. For the 19 dc going back down to the valley, 10 will be along the other side of the diamond, 1 in the same dc that the end stitch of the first row of the diamond, and then 8 in dc continuing along the small ripple. That should bring you to 2 dc before the dc5tog in the valley.

Going from a big ripple to a small ripple – diamonds will be placed in every deep “valley”. The small ripple will have 8 dc coming down from the big ripple. At the valley there will be 2 dc and then a stitch that has an edge stitch of a diamond. To make the dc5tog for the small ripple valley, you will use 2dc, the shared dc, and make the last two parts over the edge dc or ch 3 of the diamond. The remaining 4 rows of the diamond give you 4 edge dc and ch 3 spaces to make 2 dc each to form the 8 dc climbing to the peak of the small ripple. The 5 dc will be worked in the dc5tog at the top of the diamond. The 8 dc coming down to the next valley will be in the dc and ch 3 spaces along the side of the diamond for the first 4 rows. The dc or ch 3 sp on the side of the first row of the diamond, the shared stitch and 2 dc will make up the dc5tog of the valley.

Convert from one type of small ripple to the other by putting a diamond in every valley. The edge stitches of the diamonds will share the center stitch of the 5 dc of the peak of the ripple.

Diamonds can also be made on other diamonds to make fields of diamonds. Just follow the basic rules as established above to keep stitch counts consistent.

The first row of an afghan with homespun or bouclé or other knobby style yarn can be frustrating. This afghan does not require finding chain stitches, even for the first row. The sides are a straight edge, and the top and bottom has a border with a loop edge.

This pattern was designed to be easy for homespun or bouclé style yarns, but it can be made with just about any yarn. Make it in a solid color or with as many color changes as you like.

The example is made in Sensations Rainbow Boucle.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for worsted weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet

Special Stitches:

Double treble crochet (dtr): Wrap the yarn over the hook 3 times and insert the hook into the space indicated. *Wrap the yarn over the hook and draw it through 2 loops.* Repeat from * to * 3 times to complete the double treble.

Decrease stitch (dec): yo, insert hook in ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next ch sp, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Instructions:

There is a video tutorial and a chart available.

Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and dtr spaces.

For these widths, start with this number of chain and dtr spaces:
32″ = 28
41.25″ = 36
50.25″ = 44
59.5″ = 52
68.5″ = 60

Row 1: Chain 4. Dtr in first chain. This forms the first chain and dtr space. Form each additional space by chaining 4 and doing a dtr on the dtr of the prior space. Make an even number of chain and dtr spaces.

Do not turn.

Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, rotate so that the following is worked across the dtr created in the first row. Over first dtr work dc, ch1, dc, dec. The dec will move to the next dtr. Over it and each dtr to the last work dc, ch1, dc, dec. The second part of the last dec will be in the last dtr. On the last dtr, also work dc, ch1, 2dc.

Row 3: Ch 3 and turn. Sc in ch-1 sp. Working across row, ch 4 and sc in each ch1 sp. At the end of the row, ch 3. Sc in the space created by the ch 4 turning chain.

Row 4: Ch4 and turn. In ch-3 sp work 3dc. Working across row ** ch2, skip a ch-4 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-4 sp. Repeat from ** across to last ch-4 and ch-3 spaces. Skip ch-4 sp, ch 2. In the last ch-3 sp, work 3 dc, ch-1, dc.

Row 5: Ch4 and turn. In first ch-1 space work 3 dc. Working across row ** ch2, (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from ** across to last ch-4 space, ch 2. In the last ch-4 sp, work 3 dc, ch-1, dc.

Row 6: Ch4 and turn. In first ch-1 space work 3 dc. Working across row ** ch 1, reach down to ch-2 space below ch-2 space of last row and make a sc , ch 1, (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from ** across to last ch-4 space, ch 1, reach down to ch-2 space below ch-2 space of last row and make a sc , ch 1. In the last ch-4 sp, work 3 dc, ch-1, dc.

Row 7: Ch4 and turn. In first ch-1 space work 3 dc. Working across row ** ch2, skip (ch1, sc, ch1), (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from ** across to last ch-4 space, ch 2, skip (ch1, sc, ch1). In the last ch-4 sp, work 3 dc, ch-1, dc.

Repeat rows 5 through 7 until afghan is desired length. End with a row 6 then work these last three rows:

Third to last row: Ch 6 and turn. Skip first ch-1 space. Working across row ** skip (ch1, sc, ch1), sc next ch-1 sp, ch 6. Repeat from ** across to last ch-1 space, ch 6, skip (ch1, sc, ch1). Sc in the last ch-4 sp.

Second to last row: Ch 4 and turn. In each ch-6 space across row up to the last ch-6 sp, work (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1). In last ch-6 sp, work (3 dc, ch 1, 4 dc).

Last row: Ch 4 and turn. Sc in ch-1 sp. Working across row to the ch-4 sp at end of the row – ch 4 and sc in each ch-1 sp. Sc in ch-4 sp at end of row. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitch of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
3/17/14 – corrected last number of chains in third to last row.
1/11/17 – added link for video tutorial.

The ripple of the chevrons is accented by rows of purl stitches. Vertical ladders separate the columns of chevrons. The look of this blanket can be changed by using different fibers and colors. The example is made with worsted weight cotton yarn.

Sizes:

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn
Size 8 (5 mm) knitting needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.
s2kp2  – slip2 (together, knitwise), k1, pass 2 slipped stitches over

Instructions:

The number of cast on stitches should be a multiple of 25 plus 6 .

Cast on these number of stitches for these widths:
33″ = 181
37.5″ = 206
42″ = 231
46.75″ = 256
51.25″ = 281

Repeat directions between ** across the row.
Row 1: p1, k1, p1, ** k2tog, k8, yo, k1, yo, s2kp2, yo, k1, yo, k8, ssk **, p1, k1, p1
Row 2: p1, k1, p1, ** k10, p5, k10 **, p1, k1, p1
Row 3: Repeat row 1
Row 4: p1, k1, ** p **, k1, p1
Row 5: Repeat row 1
Row 6: Repeat row 4
Row 7: Repeat row 1
Row 8: Repeat row 4
Row 9: Repeat row 1
Row 10: Repeat row 2

Repeat these 10 rows until blanket is desired length ending with a row 9. Cast off with an additional row of knit, finish off, secure and weave in end.

Make color changes before any row 1.

This is a very simple filet crochet ripple pattern. This blanket can be made in a solid color or in as many colors as you wish. The example is made in worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.

Materials: Worsted weight yarn Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet

Special stitches:
dc3tog – double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.
dec – Decrease 3 stitches – yo, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, skip next stitch, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

The beginning chain should be a multiple of 28 plus 5.

There is also a chart available for this pattern.

For these widths, start with this number of chains:

33.5″ = 145
40″ = 173
46.5″ = 201
53″ = 229
59.5″ = 257

After the first row, make all stitches in front loop.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, ** 3 dc in next ch, dc in each of next 9 ch, dc3tog (uses next 3 ch), dc in next ch, dc3tog (uses next 3 ch), dc in each of next 9 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next ch. Repeat from ** across to last ch. Dc in last ch.

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) four times, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dec (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), ch 1, skip 1 dc, dec (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) four times, ch 1, skip 1 dc, (dc, ch1, dc) in next dc, ** ch 1, skip 1 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) four times, ch 1, skip 1 dc, dec (uses 2 dc and dc3tog), ch 1, skip 1 dc, dec (uses dc3tog and 2 dc), (ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc) four times, ch 1, skip 1 dc, (dc, ch1, dc) in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last dc and turning ch. Dc in dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, (dc in ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc) twice, dc in ch, dec (uses dc, ch and dec), dc in ch, dec (uses dec, ch and dc), (dc in ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc) twice, dc in ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, ** dc in ch, (dc ch 1, dc) in next dc, (dc in ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc) twice, dc in ch, dec (uses dc, ch and dec), dc in ch, dec (uses dec, ch and dc), (dc in ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc) twice, dc in ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last dc and turning ch. Dc in dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, (ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip dc, dc in dc) twice, ch 1, skip ch, dec (uses 2 dc and dec), ch 1, skip dc, dec (uses dec and 2 dc), (ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip dc, dc in dc) twice, ch 1, skip ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, ** ch 1, skip dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, (ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip dc, dc in dc) twice, ch 1, skip ch, dec (uses 2 dc and dec), ch 1, skip dc, dec (uses dec and 2 dc), (ch 1, skip ch, dc in dc, ch 1, skip dc, dc in dc) twice, ch 1, skip ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc. Repeat from ** across to last dc and turning ch. Dc in dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. Dc in second dc, 3 dc in next dc, (dc in ch, dc in dc) four times, dc in ch, dc3tog (uses dc, ch and dec), dc in ch, dc3tog (uses dec, ch and dc), (dc in ch, dc in dc) four times, dc in ch, 3 dc in dc, ** dc in ch, 3 dc in next dc, (dc in ch, dc in dc) four times, dc in ch, dc3tog (uses dc, ch and dec), dc in ch, dc3tog (uses dec, ch and dc), (dc in ch, dc in dc) four times, dc in ch, 3 dc in dc. Repeat from ** across to last dc and turning ch. Dc in dc. Dc in top of turning ch.

Repeat rows 2 through 5 until afghan is desired length. Finish off and weave in end.

The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last stitich of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.

Edits:
5/22/13 – Changed row one to “in ch” from “in dc”.
2/18/15 – Added chart.