Add A Touch Of Ripple Blanket Crochet Border

Adding a crochet border to a ripple blanket is a great way to give it a neat finish. While some crocheters prefer to leave their ripple blankets without a border, others opt for a simple edging that can add width to the blanket and make it look more polished. There are several ways to approach this, including using double crochet stitches or half treble stitches, depending on the desired size and style.

The neat ripple stitch

Step 1: Foundation Chain

To begin, you need to create a foundation chain with a specific number of chains. The starting chain should be a multiple of 14, plus an extra 3 chains for turning. For example, you can start with a chain of 31 (2 x 14 + 3) to get a feel for how the ripples form. Count your chains carefully as you make them!

Step 2: First Row

Insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook and make a treble crochet stitch (tr). Then, make 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains. This forms the "valley" of the ripple.

Step 3: Decrease Stitch

Now, you'll create the "mountain" of the ripple by working a standard decrease stitch, known as tr2tog (treble two together). Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull the hook back through the stitch (you should have 3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and draw the yarn through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook). Repeat this process in the next stitch to complete the tr2tog.

Step 4: Repeat Valleys and Mountains

Repeat the process of creating valleys (4 tr) and mountains (tr2tog) until you reach the end of the row. End the row with 2 tr into the last chain to turn your work.

Step 5: Second Row and Beyond

Chain 3, then make 1 tr into the same stitch. Repeat the pattern of valleys and mountains from the previous row. At the end, make 2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from the previous row.

Step 6: Change Colour

When you're ready to change colours, simply knot the new colour yarn to the last stitch of the previous colour. Insert your hook through the first stitch, yarn over with the new colour, and pull it through to begin crocheting with the new colour.

Step 7: Repeat Rows

Continue repeating rows 2 and beyond until you reach your desired length. Remember to change colours as desired by following the steps above.

Tips:

• Practise on a small sample before starting a full blanket to get a feel for the pattern.
• Weave in tail ends neatly to avoid puckering or pulling your crochet work.
• Use a 4mm hook with DK weight acrylic yarn for a cosy blanket.
• For a bigger blanket, increase the number of stitches in your starting chain – always remember, the starting chain should be a multiple of 14, plus 3.

Choosing colours for your ripple blanket

Start by considering the purpose of the blanket and who it is for. Is it for a baby, a child, or an adult? Do you want it to be bright and cheerful, or more subtle and sophisticated? Perhaps you are making it as a gift for someone, in which case you can consider their favourite colours or a palette that will match their home decor.

Once you have an idea of the mood or theme you want to create, you can start exploring specific colours. A great way to do this is to use a colour wheel, which will show you the relationships between different colours. You can choose colours that are next to each other on the wheel for a harmonious look, or go for complementary colours that are opposite each other on the wheel for a bolder, more contrasting effect.

Think about the number of colours you want to include. A ripple blanket with too many colours can look chaotic, while too few colours may make it appear dull. A good range is around 3-7 colours, depending on the size of your blanket. You can also create a sense of balance by using some colours more prominently than others.

When selecting your yarn, pay attention to the weight and fibre content. For a ripple blanket, a DK weight acrylic yarn is a good choice as it is durable and easy to care for. Make sure to buy enough yarn of each colour, especially if you are ordering online and may not be able to get more of the same dye lot if you run out.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts. Crochet a few sample swatches to see how different colours work together, and remember that you can always undo your work if you change your mind. Enjoy the process of creating your unique ripple blanket!

How to start a ripple blanket

To start a ripple blanket, you will need to use a DK weight acrylic yarn and a 4mm hook. The number of stitches you will need to chain depends on the size of the blanket you want to make. For a single bed-sized blanket, the starting chain should be a multiple of 14, plus an extra 3. So, for a width of 110cm, you would chain 213 to begin.

Once you have your starting chain, you can begin to crochet the ripple pattern. The pattern is as follows:

• 1 treble (tr) into 4th chain from hook
• 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains, treble 2 together (tr2tog) twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains
• (2 tr into the next chain) twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains
• Repeat between ending the last repeat with 2 tr into the last chain, turn.

For the second row, you will need to change to a new colour:

• Chain 3, 1 tr into the same stitch
• 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains
• 2 tr into the next chain) twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of the next 4 chains
• Repeat between ending the last repeat with 2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from the previous row.

Repeat row 2, changing colours every alternate row. For a single bed-sized blanket, work a total of 84 colour stripes (2 rows for each stripe).

It is important to note that if you are planning to add an edging to your blanket, you should use the same colour to work the starting chain, rows 1 and 2, and the final two rows. This will ensure that the edging is consistent around all sides of the blanket.

Different types of crochet stitches

The ripple stitch is a versatile stitch pattern that creates a subtle wave effect, perfect for blankets, shawls, and sweaters. It is a beginner-friendly crochet stitch that mainly uses double crochet stitches, making it a quick stitch to master and work with.

There are a variety of ways to crochet the ripple stitch, and the stitch can be paired with different types of yarn to create a range of projects. For example, pairing the ripple stitch with lightweight yarn is ideal for scarves, while using super bulky yarn can create interesting home decor projects. The ripple stitch is also reversible, with no wrong side, making it a great choice for projects where both sides will be visible.

To create the ripple stitch, you will need to chain a certain number of stitches, depending on the desired size of your project. The foundation chain is typically a multiple of 12, 14, or 17, plus a few additional chains for the turning chain. The turning chain counts as a stitch, so it's important to include it in your stitch count.

The basic stitches used in the ripple stitch pattern are chain stitches, double crochet stitches, and double crochet two together (dc2tog) stitches, also known as double crochet decrease. The dc2tog stitch is created by yarn over, inserting the hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, and pulling the yarn through, resulting in three loops on the hook. Then, yarn over and pull through two loops, followed by yarn over, inserting the hook into the next stitch, and pulling up a loop. Finally, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

By combining these stitches in different sequences, you can create the characteristic peaks and valleys of the ripple stitch pattern. The placement of increases and decreases shapes the waves, giving the stitch its unique texture and appearance.

In addition to the basic ripple stitch, there are variations such as the lacey ripple stitch, which adds a beautiful intricate texture, and the colourful chevron stitch, which is perfect for adding a pop of colour to any project.

Tips for dealing with tail ends

When it comes to dealing with tail ends in your crochet work, there are several methods you can use to ensure a neat and secure finish. Here are some tips to help you tackle those tail ends like a pro:

Weaving In Ends

Weaving in ends is a common technique to secure the loose strands of yarn when starting a new project, changing colours, joining pieces, or finishing off. It is important to leave a long enough tail, approximately 6-8 inches, to work with when weaving in your ends. Using a tapestry needle, insert the needle horizontally through a few stitches in the previous row, then change direction and weave the needle vertically through a column of stitches. Pull the yarn snug but not too tight to avoid puckering. Continue changing directions and weaving through stitches, always skipping the first strand to prevent unraveling. Finally, gently pull the yarn tail through, stretch out the fabric, and trim the excess close to the surface.

Crocheting Over Ends

Another method to deal with tail ends is to crochet over them as you work. Place the tail over the top of your next stitch and complete the stitch as normal. This secures the tail within the stitch. Continue in this manner until the entire tail is used, then snip off any remaining length. This technique works for both stripes and solid colours.

Tips for Securing Tail Ends

• Always leave a long enough tail, about 6-10 inches, when changing colours or finishing off to make it easier to weave in.
• When weaving in ends, avoid pulling the yarn too tightly to prevent distorting your stitches and causing puckering.
• For multicoloured projects, weave the ends through stitches of the same colour to better disguise the tail.
• Be sure to weave under every stitch and change directions at least once to ensure the ends are securely locked in place.
• Avoid the temptation to tie knots and cut tails short. Instead, leave tails long enough to weave in to prevent them from coming undone.

Reducing the Number of Tail Ends

If you want to minimise the number of ends you have to deal with, consider the following:

• Opt for fewer colour changes in your pattern.
• Choose seamless patterns worked in the round to reduce joins.
• Carry your yarn by bringing it along the side of your project instead of cutting it each time you change colours.
• Add a crochet border to work over the tail ends and create a neater finish, especially with grippy fibres like wool.

By following these tips and techniques, you can confidently tackle those tail ends and create crochet projects with a polished and secure finish.

Frequently asked questions