Granny's Ripple Bag: Crochet A Colorful Carry-All

The Granny Ripple crochet stitch is a fun and hybrid stitch pattern that combines the ripple and granny stitches to create a unique and colourful design. This stitch is perfect for creating bags, as it adds a bit of texture and personality to your accessory. You can adjust the pattern to create a bag of any size, and the flexibility of the design makes it accessible for anyone to try. The Granny Ripple stitch is written in standard US crochet terms and is easy to follow, so you can get started on your new bag today!

Granny ripple stitch for beginners

The Granny Ripple stitch is a delightful crochet pattern that combines the classic granny stitch with a ripple effect. This guide will take you through each step, making it easy for beginners to create beautiful projects like blankets, scarves, bags, and home decor items.

To get started with the Granny Ripple stitch, you'll need some basic materials:

• Yarn: Choose a yarn that suits your project. For beginners, it's recommended to use worsted weight yarn. You can use a single colour or multiple colours for a vibrant look.
• Crochet Hook: The size of the hook will depend on your yarn. Check the yarn label for recommendations.
• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
• Yarn Needle: To weave in the ends.

The Granny Ripple stitch is worked in multiples of 18 or 24, so plan your project size accordingly. For example, if you chain 18, 36, 54, etc., you will get a wider pattern. To start your project, you need to calculate the length of your foundation chain by chaining in multiples of 24, adding 19 chains to even out the pattern, and then adding 3 more chains to begin.

• Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook to make a chain. Repeat this until you have the desired number of chains.
• For the Granny Ripple, chain in multiples of 24, then add 19 chains, and finally add 3 more chains.
• Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, make 3 double crochets in the same chain.
• Skip 2 chains, then make 3 double crochets in the next chain. Repeat this pattern across the row.
• At the end of the row, you should have 4 double crochets in the last cluster to match the first cluster.

Now, you can start working on your first row:

• Begin in the 4th chain from the hook.
• Make 3 double crochets in the same chain.
• Skip 2 chains, then make 3 double crochets in the next chain.
• Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row.

To create the signature ripples of the Granny Ripple stitch, you'll need to form peaks and valleys:

• Peaks: Work 3 double crochets, chain 3, then 3 double crochets in the same stitch.
• Valleys: Skip 5 chains and then continue with 3 double crochets in the next chain.

Repeat this alternating pattern of peaks and valleys to create the unique texture of the Granny Ripple stitch.

Some tips for consistent stitches:

• Count Your Stitches: Always count your stitches to ensure you haven't missed any.
• Use Stitch Markers: Place stitch markers at the beginning and end of each row to keep track.
• Practice: The more you practice, the more even your stitches will become.

You can add a personal touch to your Granny Ripple project by incorporating different colours, textures, and embellishments. You can change colours seamlessly at the end of a row to create stripes or other patterns. Adding a border to your project can also give it a polished look.

Congratulations! You now have the basics to start your first Granny Ripple project. Remember to practice and experiment with different colours and yarns to make your project truly unique.

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn, or its thickness, plays a crucial role in determining the drape and structure of your bag. Generally, crochet bags are made with medium weight yarns, such as DK weight or worsted weight yarns. These yarns provide a good balance between sturdiness and ease of handling. Lighter yarns may not be robust enough, while heavier yarns can be cumbersome to work with.

Yarn Fiber

The fiber content of the yarn significantly impacts the look and feel of your bag. Natural yarns, such as those made from animal fibres (e.g., wool, alpaca) or plant fibres (e.g., cotton, linen), offer durability and breathability. Synthetic yarns, on the other hand, are often inexpensive, easy to find, and suitable for beginners. They are also hypoallergenic and machine washable. If you want the best of both worlds, consider yarn blends that combine natural and synthetic fibres to enhance strength, shine, or breathability.

Yarn Characteristics

When choosing a yarn for your crochet bag, consider its characteristics, such as elasticity and colorfastness. Most wool and acrylic yarns are elastic and prone to sagging, so they may not be ideal for bags that need to hold their shape. Cottons and linens are less stretchy and make better choices. Additionally, ensure that the yarn is colorfast to prevent dye from bleeding during laundry or transferring to your clothes, especially if your bag gets wet.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, choosing the right yarn for your crochet granny ripple bag depends on your personal style and preferences. Experiment with different yarns, fibres, and colours to find what works best for you. Remember to consider the weight, fiber content, and characteristics of the yarn to ensure your bag is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

How to crochet the granny ripple stitch

To crochet the granny ripple stitch, you will need to follow a few simple steps. This stitch is a fun and satisfying project for crocheters of all levels, creating a delightful blend of texture and colour. The pattern is a hybrid of the ripple stitch and the granny stitch. It is perfect for blankets, pillows, bags and more.

Firstly, you will need to work out how wide you want your project to be. For example, a baby blanket will require a starting chain of 108, plus an extra 6 for turning. So, 114 in total. The pattern is worked in multiples of 18, so you can adjust the size accordingly.

Now, you can begin the foundation row. For this, you will need to create 3 double crochets in the 5th chain from the hook, skip the next 2 chains, 3 double crochets in the next chain, skip the next 2 chains, and so on, following a repeating pattern.

The next row will be worked into the spaces between the clusters of trebles from the previous row. You will need to follow a specific pattern, which includes skipping spaces and working in specific chains, to create the ripple effect.

Repeat this second row until your project reaches the desired length. You can finish by fastening off the yarn and weaving in any loose ends.

There are also variations and additions you can make to the granny ripple stitch. For example, you can add a border, fringe, tassels, or poms to your project. You can also adjust the colours and yarn weights to create different effects.

Creating a granny ripple blanket

To begin, you must decide how wide you want your blanket to be. The pattern requires you to work in multiples of 18. For instance, if you want to make a baby blanket, you can start by chaining 108 and then adding 6 more for turning, resulting in a total of 114 chains. However, you can adjust the size according to your preference.

The next step is to create the foundation row, which sets the base for your granny ripple pattern. Here is an example of how to structure your foundation row:

> Foundation Row: 3 double crochets in 5th chain from hook, skip next 2 chains, 3 double crochets in next chain. Skip the next 2 chains. * work{ 3 double crochets, 3 chains, 3 double crochets} in next chain, skip next 2 chains, 3 double crochets in next chain. Skip next 2 chains, 3 double crochets in next chain .Skip next 5 chains, 3 double crochets in next chain, skip next 2 chains. 3 double crochets in next chain, skip next 2 chains. Repeat from * ending last rep at , 1 double crochet in the last chain, turn.

Once your foundation row is complete, you can move on to Row 1. This is where the ripple pattern starts to emerge. Here is an example of how to structure Row 1:

> Row 1: Chain 4, {3 Double Crochets between next two 3 Double Crochet group spaces.} Do this twice. * 3 Double Crochets, Chain 3, 3 Double Crochets in next Chain 3 Space. {3 Double Crochets between next two 3 Double Crochet group spaces.} Do this twice.Skip the space between the next 2 Double Crochet Groups. {3 Double Crochets between next two 3 Double Crochet group spaces.} Do this twice. Repeat from * across ending at , Skip next 3 Double Crochets, 1 Double Crochet in top of the turning chain, turn. Change Colours here if you wish.

After completing Row 1, all you need to do is repeat this row, alternating colours every 2 rows, until you reach your desired blanket length. You can add a border or edging to finish it off.

You can get creative with your yarn choices, using different colours to create a unique design. Some recommended yarn types include Stylecraft Special DK, Impeccable Yarn from Michaels, and Red Heart Soft Baby Steps. Remember to use a corresponding crochet hook, as stated on the yarn package, to ensure your stitches are consistent.

Granny ripple stitch variations

The granny ripple stitch is a fun and satisfying project for crocheters of all levels. The stitch combines the timeless charm of the granny stitch with the soothing waves of the ripple stitch. It creates a delightful blend of texture and colour that is perfect for blankets, pillows, bags, scarves, and more.

There are several variations of the granny ripple stitch that you can try. Here are some detailed instructions for a few of them:

Basic Granny Ripple Stitch

This stitch is worked in rows and creates a beautiful ripple effect. The pattern is as follows:

Foundation Row: Chain a multiple of 18 (e.g. 18, 36, 54, etc.) plus 3 more chains. Skip 2 chains, then work 3 double crochets into the next chain. *Skip 2 chains, then work {3 double crochets, 3 chains, 3 double crochets} into the next chain. Repeat from * until you have 5 chains left. Skip the next 2 chains, work 3 double crochets into the next chain, skip 2 chains, then work 1 double crochet into the last chain.

Row 1: Chain 4, then work 3 double crochets between the next two 3 double crochet group spaces, twice. *Work 3 double crochets, chain 3, then 3 double crochets into the next chain 3 space. Work 3 double crochets between the next two 3 double crochet group spaces, twice. Skip the space between the next two 3 double crochet groups. Repeat from *, ending with 1 double crochet in the top of the turning chain, then turn. Change colours here if desired.

Repeat Row 1, alternating colours every 2 rows, until you reach your desired length. You can add a border or edging if you like.

Sundance Granny Ripple Stitch

This variation is worked in a similar way to the basic granny ripple stitch, but with a few differences. The pattern is as follows:

Row 1: Work 3 double crochets in the 5th chain from the hook, skip 2 chains, then work 3 double crochets into the next chain. Skip 2 chains, then work (3 double crochets, chain 3, 3 double crochets) into the next chain. Skip 2 chains, work 3 double crochets into the next chain, skip 5 chains, then work 3 double crochets into the next chain. Skip 2 chains, work 3 double crochets into the next chain, chain 2, then work another 3 double crochets into the same chain. Repeat across, ending with 1 double crochet in the last chain, then turn.

Row 2: Chain 4, then work {3 double crochets in the space between the next two 3 double crochet groups} twice. *(Work 3 double crochets, chain 3, then 3 double crochets) into the next chain 3 space. Repeat {3 double crochets in the space between the next two 3 double crochet groups} twice. Skip the next space between 3 double crochet groups. Repeat from *, ending with 1 double crochet in the top of the turning chain, then turn. Change colours here if desired.

Repeat Row 2 until your work reaches your desired length. You can tie off and weave in the ends, or add optional tassels, poms, or fringe.

Chevron Granny Ripple Stitch

This variation creates a more pronounced ripple effect, resembling a chevron pattern. The pattern is as follows:

Foundation: Chain a multiple of 24 plus 3 for your starting chain.

Row 1: Work a "Granny Cluster" (3 double crochets worked into the same stitch/space) into the 6th chain from the hook. Work 3 more Granny Clusters into each of the next 3 chains. Chain 2, then work another Granny Cluster into the same chain (this creates the peak). Work 3 more Granny Clusters into each of the next 3 chains. Skip 5 chains (this creates the dip). Work 3 Granny Clusters into each of the next 4 chains. Chain 2, then work another Granny Cluster into the same chain (peak). Repeat across until 3 chains remain, then work 1 double crochet into the last chain.

Row 2: Chain 4, turn, then work {Granny Cluster into the space between the next two Granny Cluster groups} twice. *(Work 3 double crochets, chain 3, then 3 double crochets) into the next chain 3 space. Repeat {Granny Cluster into the space between the next two Granny Cluster groups} twice. Skip the next space between Granny Cluster groups. Repeat from *, ending with 1 double crochet into the top of the turning chain, then turn. Change colours here if desired.

Keep repeating Row 2 until your work reaches your desired length.

These are just a few examples of the variations you can create with the granny ripple stitch. Feel free to experiment with different colours, yarn weights, and hook sizes to create your own unique variations!

Frequently asked questions