Double Crochet Ripple Blanket Pattern – Free

The Dapple Crochet Ripple Blanket in bright rainbow colors - a free pattern

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Need a simple crochet project that’s perfect for unwinding? This easy double crochet ripple blanket pattern makes a great beginner project. The finished blanket is light and airy, making it a lovely extra layer of warmth for a baby or toddler. The pattern uses just the double crochet stitch and a simple one-row repeat that’s easy to memorize. It’s an easy project to pick up whenever you want some relaxing crochet time.

I find a crochet ripple pattern so satisfying once you get into the rhythm of it. The repeat becomes second nature after just a few rows, and with only double crochet stitches to work throughout, your hands soon know exactly what to do.

Double Crochet Ripple Blanket hanging on a metal fence

This double crochet ripple blanket is a free pattern sized for a baby, finishing at 44in [112cm] long by 34in [86.5cm] wide. It is generous enough for a stroller, a crib, or just extra snuggles on the couch.

Beginners will find it easy to follow, and more experienced crocheters will love it just as much for the relaxing stitch pattern.

I made this blanket as a gift for a new baby, and the parents were so happy with the bright and cheerful colors.

It has become one of my go-to patterns whenever I hear a new baby is on the way! The pattern is quick enough to finish before the due date, but special enough to become a keepsake.

Pattern Overview

  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Yarn: DK/light worsted weight – Lionbrand Mandala Bonus Bundle
  • Hook: 5mm
  • Finished size: 44 x 34 in [112 x 86.5 cm]
  • Stitches used: double crochet and chains
Closeup view of the brightly colored Double Crochet Ripple Blanket, scrunched up to show the texture

Why You’ll Love This Double Crochet Ripple Blanket Pattern

  • Uses only double crochet stitches, so it is easy to learn and beginner friendly
  • A relaxing one-row repeat
  • Worked in the back loop only for lovely added texture
  • No color changes and no ends to weave in, thanks to the self-striping yarn cake
  • A generous size for a stroller, crib, or extra snuggles on the couch
  • A lovely baby blanket to have on hand for a gift

Yarn Suggestions for the Ripple Crochet Baby Blanket

I used the following amount of yarn and hook for my blanket:

  • Lion Brand Mandala Bonus Bundle x 1
  • You could also use 2 cakes of Mandala yarn if you prefer
  • 5 mm hook

This was my first time using this yarn and will not be my last! I chose the colorway Gnome, a lovely rainbow mix that shifts through bright pinks, oranges, greens, and purple.

This blanket used almost the entire Mandala Bonus Bundle cake, with just a small bit of purple left at the end. The color changes in the yarn mean no weaving in ends as you go.

1000m of DK weight or light worsted yarn would work well for this pattern too, if you would rather use something from your own stash. 

Dapple Crochet Ripple Blanket in progress, shown with hook and working yarn in a basket

How to Crochet a Ripple Blanket with Double Crochet Stitch

The stitch pattern could not be any easier. It just uses the double crochet stitch and some chain spaces. The chains and skipped stitches are what create the peaks and valleys, giving you that soft ripple effect.

Every stitch is worked in the back loops only, except for the first and last stitch of each row, which adds a bit of lovely texture to the finished blanket.

How many chains for a ripple blanket?

  • For the blanket pictured, you will start with a chain of 159.
  • This pattern is worked over a multiple of 12 chains, plus 3 for the turning chain, so the ripple repeats evenly across the row.
  • If you want to make the blanket bigger or smaller, just add or subtract chains in multiples of 12. Each repeat adds roughly 2.5in (6cm) to the width.
  • You can also work more or fewer rows to adjust the length.
  • Just remember, changing the size will change your yarn requirements.
crochet ripple blanket in a rainbow of bright colors

More Crochet Ripple Baby Blanket Patterns

If you love the simple rhythm of a ripple blanket, take a look at these other crochet ripple blankets from the blog!

The Dapple Ripple Baby Blanket hanging over a metal fence

The Dapple Ripple Baby Blanket is a simple double crochet ripple blanket pattern worked with an easy one-row repeat. Chain spaces and skipped stitches create the gentle peaks and valleys, while back loop only stitches add subtle texture. It’s a light and airy blanket that’s perfect for relaxing crochet and makes a lovely handmade gift for a new baby.

Materials

  • Lionbrand Mandala Bonus Bundle: 100% Acrylic/1181yd/1080m/10.5oz/300g
    • 1 cake of color Gnome
    • 5 mm Crochet Hook

You can use 1000m of any dk/light worsted weight yarn to make the blanket.

Notes

  • Pattern uses a size 5mm crochet hook but you could use a smaller hook if you wish. If you work to a tight tension a larger hook can give you more drape.
  • Stitch Multiple is 12 ch (+3) for foundation chain
  • The stitches are worked into the back loop only except for the first and last stitch of each row.
  • The pattern is written in US Crochet Terms
  • Instructions are given to make the blanket pictured in this pattern. You can change the width or length by changing the stitch multiple and working less or more rows. Keep in mind your yardage requirements will vary.

Abbreviations

US Crochet Terms

  • Beg – beginning
  • Ch – chain
  • St(s) – stitch(es)
  • Dc – double crochet
  • Sp – space
  • Rep – repeat
  • BLO – back loop only

Measurements (tip to tip)

Blanket pictured is 44 in [112 cm] long by 34 in [86.5 cm] wide

Instructions (read notes before starting)

Chain 159

Row 1: 1 dc into 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch, ch 2,
*1 dc in each of the next 5 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch, ch 2; rep from * to the last 12 ch,
1 dc in each of the next 5 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch, 2 dc in the last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, 1 dc in the BLO in each of the next 4 sts,
*skip 2 sts, 1 dc in the BLO in each of the next 4 sts, (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in the next ch-2 sp, 1 dc in the BLO in each of the next 4 sts; rep from * across to the last 7 sts,
skip 2 sts, 1 dc in the BLO in each of the next 4 sts, 2 dc in the last st (t-ch), turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern for a total of 70 rows, or until the blanket is the desired length.

Finishing

Blocking your blanket will make a difference to the finished project. It will help the ripple pattern lie flat and even out any curling.

Pin in place, spray with water and leave to dry. Your blanket will look neat and polished!

Colorful crochet ripple blanket folded on a white surface

PIN FOR LATER

Pin the Dapple Ripple Blanket crochet pattern on Pinterest for later!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and be sure to tag me in your photos so I can see it too, @anniedesigncrochet or #anniedesigncrochet – I can’t wait to see what colours you use with this pattern!

The photographs and pattern contained on this page are the property of Annie Design Crochet.com.
You are welcome to use this pattern to make items to sell,  and I would appreciate that you include a link to the free pattern with credit for the designer, thank you!
No unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, or distribution of this pattern or content is permitted.

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