Following through on yesterday’s promise, here’s how to make a “Ripple Afghan.” I found this in a pattern book from the late 70s called “Keeping You In Stitches”—a cute, kitschy find that outlines all manner of berets and ponchos. However, I really do like this blanket. It’s basic enough for a crochet novice, but the result doesn’t necessarily look simple.What you’ll need:
1) J size crochet hook
2) About 36 ounces of different colored yarn*
Directions:
If you’re completely new to crochet, I would suggest checking out one of the many video tutorials out there on the internet to help you get a better understanding of what each of these steps looks like.
1) Chain 189 with your first color. This is the width of your afghan—it’s perfect for a one person snuggle.
2) Work 1 single crochet in the second chain from the hook, and 1 single crochet in the next chain. Skip the next chain.
3) Work 1 single crochet in the next 10 chains.
4) Work three single crochets in the next chain. This is the “top” of your first ripple.
5) 1 single crochet in the next ten chains.
6) Skip two chains. This is the “bottom” of the ripple.
7) Repeat the 10 single crochets, 3 single crochets, 10 single crochets, and 2 chains skipped pattern until you have only three chains left. Skip the first of the three, and work one single crochet in the last two chains (it’ll mirror the first three chains you worked).
8) Chain 1 and turn the work around.
9) Repeat step 2.
10) Work 1 single crochet in the next 10 chains, but this time, only use the back loop. This will give your afghan a ridged (ahem, ripple) effect.
11) Making sure to only use the back loop, repeat steps 4-8.
12) Repeat steps 9-11 twice and then change colors.
13) Repeat steps 9-11 four times with your new color and then change again.
14) Continue this process until… well, you’re done and the afghan is the length you want it. Fasten off!
*The pattern calls for four different colors, but I’m currently only using three. You can also adjust how many rows you want of each color (I’m doing 5, not 4), how long the afghan is, etc. All these choices effect how much yarn you’re going to use though, so 36oz is really just an estimate.
1) J size crochet hook
2) About 36 ounces of different colored yarn*
Directions:
If you’re completely new to crochet, I would suggest checking out one of the many video tutorials out there on the internet to help you get a better understanding of what each of these steps looks like.
1) Chain 189 with your first color. This is the width of your afghan—it’s perfect for a one person snuggle.
2) Work 1 single crochet in the second chain from the hook, and 1 single crochet in the next chain. Skip the next chain.
3) Work 1 single crochet in the next 10 chains.
4) Work three single crochets in the next chain. This is the “top” of your first ripple.
5) 1 single crochet in the next ten chains.
6) Skip two chains. This is the “bottom” of the ripple.
7) Repeat the 10 single crochets, 3 single crochets, 10 single crochets, and 2 chains skipped pattern until you have only three chains left. Skip the first of the three, and work one single crochet in the last two chains (it’ll mirror the first three chains you worked).
8) Chain 1 and turn the work around.
9) Repeat step 2.
10) Work 1 single crochet in the next 10 chains, but this time, only use the back loop. This will give your afghan a ridged (ahem, ripple) effect.
11) Making sure to only use the back loop, repeat steps 4-8.
12) Repeat steps 9-11 twice and then change colors.
13) Repeat steps 9-11 four times with your new color and then change again.
14) Continue this process until… well, you’re done and the afghan is the length you want it. Fasten off!
*The pattern calls for four different colors, but I’m currently only using three. You can also adjust how many rows you want of each color (I’m doing 5, not 4), how long the afghan is, etc. All these choices effect how much yarn you’re going to use though, so 36oz is really just an estimate.
Here's one that I'm working on:
Oh, and it looks messy on one side, but it's just because it's not lying completely flat. I rushed this quick pic with my phone at work. Just for you, blog-readers, just for you.
Any ideas for a 4th color? Orange? Let me know in the comments!
--Heather Robertson
how about a nice cabernet...? it's my winter color
ReplyDeleteI had an amazing red, white and black afghan when I was a kid.
ReplyDelete