The Pink Granny Ripple: A Spiked Blanket Crochet Adventure

The pink granny spiked ripple blanket is a fun and easy crochet pattern that combines the classic granny stitch with the beautiful flow of the ripple stitch. This pattern, designed by Darlisa Riggs, is perfect for those who want to try something different from the traditional granny square pattern. The spike stitch gives the blanket a dense and warm texture, making it ideal for cosy winter nights. The pattern allows for customisation in terms of yarn colour, size, and weight, making it a versatile project for crafters. With its unique zigzag design and endless possibilities for creativity, the pink granny spiked ripple blanket is a fun and rewarding project for crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The best type of yarn for the pattern

When choosing the best type of yarn for the Pink Granny Spiked Ripple Blanket pattern, there are a few factors to consider to ensure your project turns out just right! This vibrant blanket pattern features a combination of granny squares and spike stitches, creating a beautiful textured ripple effect. Here's a guide to help you select the most suitable yarn:

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content:

For this pattern, it is recommended to use worsted weight yarn, also known as aran or medium weight yarn. This weight provides a nice balance of warmth and drape for a blanket project. Going with a yarn weight that is too light might result in a blanket that lacks coziness, while a heavier weight could make the blanket too bulky and heavy.

Fiber content is another important consideration. Acrylic yarn is a great option, as it is affordable, durable, and easy to care for. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, which is perfect for this colorful pattern. However, if you prefer natural fibers, a wool-acrylic blend or pure wool yarn would also work beautifully. Wool provides excellent warmth and a nice, soft feel. Cotton yarn could also be considered, especially if you are looking for a breathable option for warmer climates.

Color Choices:

The Pink Granny Spiked Ripple Blanket pattern really shines when you use a variety of colorful yarns. The pattern calls for several different colors, so you can have fun selecting a palette that suits your taste. Many yarn brands offer yarn packs or bundles specifically curated for ripple blanket projects, ensuring that your colors complement each other beautifully. You can also build your own palette by choosing individual skeins in your favorite shades.

Yardage and Quantity:

Worsted weight yarn typically comes in skeins or balls with a standard yardage. For a project like this blanket, it is a good idea to buy a little more yarn than you think you will need, especially if you are using multiple colors. This will ensure that you have enough to complete your project and allow for any variations in color distribution within the pattern. The pattern should provide an estimate of how much yarn is required, so use that as a starting point and adjust as needed based on your desired size and color choices.

With these considerations in mind, you can confidently select the best yarn for your Pink Granny Spiked Ripple Blanket. Remember to have fun with your color choices and enjoy the process of bringing this vibrant and textured blanket pattern to life!

How to create a granny ripple stitch

To create a granny ripple stitch, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, gather your essential materials and tools. These include yarn, a crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. It is recommended to use worsted weight yarn for beginners, and the size of the hook will depend on the yarn you choose. Check the yarn label for recommendations.

Next, you'll want to select the right yarn for your project. Consider the texture and colour of the yarn. Softer yarns like acrylic or cotton are great for creating blankets and wearables. You can choose a single colour or multiple colours for a vibrant look. Keep in mind that the granny ripple pattern is worked in multiples of 18, so plan your project size accordingly.

Now, you can start creating your foundation chain. Calculate the length of your foundation chain by chaining in multiples of 24, then adding 19 chains to even out the pattern, and finally adding 3 more chains to begin. For example, if you want a small swatch, you can chain 46 (24 + 19 + 3). Make a slip knot and place it on your hook, then yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook to make a chain. Repeat this until you have the desired number of chains.

Once you have your foundation chain, you can start working on the first row. Begin in the fourth chain from your hook and make 3 double crochets (dc) in the same chain. Skip 2 chains, then make 3 dc in the next chain. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row.

To create the distinctive ripples in your granny ripple stitch, you'll need to form peaks and valleys. To create a peak, work (3 dc, chain 3, 3 dc) in the same stitch. To form a valley, skip 5 chains and then continue with 3 dc in the next chain. This alternating pattern will give your project a beautiful wavy look.

Continue building upon this pattern, making sure to count your stitches and maintain consistent tension. You can add colours by switching yarns at the end of a row to create stripes or other patterns.

Finally, you can add a border to your project to give it a polished look. Choose a style that complements your main pattern, such as simple single crochet or picot edges. Attach your yarn to any corner of the project and work single crochets evenly around the edges, adding extra stitches at the corners to prevent curling.

How to change colours in the pattern

Changing colours in the "Pink Granny Spiked My Ripple Blanket" crochet pattern can be done by following these steps:

Firstly, the pattern itself is made up of a series of rows, and you can choose to change colours every few rows to create stripes of different widths. The number of rows you crochet in each colour is up to you and will depend on the desired look of your blanket. For example, you could crochet two rows in one colour and then change to another colour for the next two rows, or you could do wider stripes of four or six rows in each colour. Alternatively, you could use a multicoloured or variegated yarn to avoid having to change colours frequently and weave in ends.

Now, to change colours, you will need to cut the yarn you are currently using, leaving a tail that is about 5-6 inches long. Then, take the new colour yarn and create a slip knot, pulling the tail through the loop to secure it. You can then start crocheting with the new colour, following the pattern as usual. When you have completed the desired number of rows in this new colour, you can change back to the previous colour or choose a different one and repeat the process.

It is important to weave in the ends of the yarn securely to ensure that your blanket does not unravel. To do this, you can use a yarn needle to thread the tail of the yarn through the stitches on the wrong side of your work, going back and forth a few times to secure it. Then, trim the excess yarn close to the blanket.

Additionally, when changing colours, you should consider the contrast between the yarn colours. The greater the contrast, the more dramatic the spike stitch effect will be. So, if you want the stitch pattern to stand out, choose colours that are very different from each other. On the other hand, if you want a more subtle effect, you can choose colours that are similar or use a single colour throughout.

How to create a spike stitch

The spike stitch is a simple technique that adds a unique look to any crochet project. It is also known as the single crochet spike stitch, the elongated single crochet, or the long single crochet.

To create a spike stitch, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to work a row of chain stitches with your first colour (Colour A). Then, single crochet across those chains.

Now, change to your second colour (Colour B). Insert your hook into the top of the stitch below the current row being worked and pull it up to the current row. This is the key difference between a regular single crochet stitch and a spike stitch. The spot you insert your hook might be slightly to the left or right, rather than directly below, depending on the direction of your stitches.

Next, yarn over and draw the yarn back through the stitch. Pull the loop through until it is level with the top of the single crochet stitches in the top row. This is what makes the stitch longer.

Finally, yarn over and pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook, completing the spike stitch.

To achieve the classic spike stitch look, make a row of spike stitches followed by a row of single crochets of the same colour. Repeat this for a total of two rows, then change colours.

You can also create interesting patterns by varying the height of the stitch within the same row. For example, you could work a spike stitch one row down, then the next two rows down, and the next three rows down. This will create a fun, geometric design.

The spike stitch is a great way to add detail and texture to your crochet projects. It is an easy stitch to master, so happy spiking!

How to crochet a border

To crochet a border, you will first need to crochet around the entire project to create a nice edge to work off of. This is important, especially if your project is a blanket worked in horizontal rows. If your blanket was worked from the centre outwards, you can skip this step.

Next, you will need to crochet one round of any stitch (sc, hdc, dc) around your entire project. This will leave a nice, clean edge to work from, leaving your border looking professional. It is important that the row you will be working into is an even number or divisible by 2.

Now, you can begin to work on your border. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Begin your row with a chain 1.
• Sc2tog (insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, insert hook into next st, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through remaining 3 loops on hook).
• Ch 1, yarn over hook, insert hook around sc2tog just made from front to back, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops on hook.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 around the entire border/edge of the crochet project.

You can finish off your border with a bobble edging. Simply tie off and weave in all loose ends.

Frequently asked questions