No Beginning Chain Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan
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 lacy v-stitch pattern keeps the afghan light even with a heavier yarn.
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. (For the traditional beginning chain version of this blanket go here.)
The example is made in Yarn Bee Tender Touch.
Size: This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.
| Size | Width (Inches) | Length (Inches) | Ounces of yarn | Yards of yarn |
| Extra Small | 30 | 40 | 15 | 675 |
| Small | 40.67 | 54.22 | 27.56 | 1240.33 |
| Medium | 51.33 | 68.44 | 43.92 | 1976.33 |
| Large | 62 | 82.67 | 64.07 | 2883 |
| Extra Large | 72.67 | 96.89 | 88.01 | 3960.33 |
Materials:
Yarn – Sizing given for Bulky weight yarn but other weights can be used
Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple crochet
Special stitches:
V-stitch: in stitch or space indicated, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc
Shell: in stitch or space indicated, (1 dc, 1 ch) 3 times, 1 dc
Instructions:
Instead of a beginning chain, the blanket is begun with a first row of chain and tr spaces.
For these widths, start with this number of chain and tr spaces:
30″ = 45
40.75″ = 61
51.25″ = 77
62″ = 93
72.75″ = 109
Row 1: Ch 3, tr in first ch, (ch 3, tr in last ch sp) until you have made desired number of tr/ch spaces. Make a number of tr/ch spaces that is a multiple of 8 plus 5.
Do not turn.
Row 2: Ch 4. Without turning the work, v-stitch in first ch sp, v-stitch in next ch sp, shell in next ch sp, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice. ** Skip a ch sp, v-stitch in next ch sp, skip a ch so, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice, shell in next ch sp, (v-stitch in next ch sp) twice. Repeat from ** across to end of the chain spaces.
Row 3: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Chain 2, skip next v-stitch. In next chain space (1 sc, 4 ch, 1 sc). Chain 2, skip next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch.
Row 4: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Skip next v-stitch and chain 2. In chain 4 space work v-stitch. Skip chain 2 and next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch.
Repeat rows 3 and 4. Next to the last row should be a row 3. Finish with this last row:
Last Row: Ch 4, turn, skip first v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. ** Chain 2, skip next v-stitch. In next chain space (2 sc). Chain 2, skip next v-stitch, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice, shell in next chain space, (v-stitch in next chain space) twice. Repeat from ** across to end, ending on next to last v-stitch. Fasten 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:
9/10/15 – corrected special stitches section
