How to Crochet Ripple Stitch Step-by-Step

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Ready to learn how to crochet the ripple stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to crochet the classic crochet ripple stitch and give you tips for using this stitch in patterns.

UPDATED: AUGUST 10, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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Post sponsored by Red Heart Yarns.

A step-by-step guide for the classic crochet ripple stitch
Crochet Ripple Stitch with Red Heart Italian Story Ombra Yarn (Discontinued)

The crochet ripple stitch is a classic when it comes to crochet blankets but its versatility makes it great for all sorts of projects.

Pair it with your favorite yarn and let your imagination run wild. Ripple stitches are great for scarves, clothing, and even home decor projects.

While there are a variety of ways to crochet a classic ripple stitch like this one, we think this pattern is the easiest to learn for beginners. Plus its easy repetition makes it great for when you want to tune out and enjoy the stitching process.

In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of the crochet ripple stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best suited for. Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.

Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:


What is the Ripple Stitch?

The ripple stitch is a beginner-friendly crochet stitch that has a subtle wave look to it. Since the ripple stitch is made primarily with double crochet stitches, projects using this stitch will finish faster than other ripple or chevron stitch pattern varieties.

Strategically placed increases and decreases shape the “peaks and valleys” of a crochet ripple stitch pattern. While still easy to learn, these increases and decreases are a great next step for new crocheters who have mastered basic stitches.

Crochet Ripple Stitch Tutorial

The crochet ripple stitch is incredibly versatile so you can pair it with just about any yarn in your stash from lightweight to super bulky. In order to see the stitch pattern best, choose a smooth yarn that’ll highlight and show off the pattern. Alternatively, you can pair it with a slightly textured yarn for an even more interesting look to your project.

Supplies

  • Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
  • 6 mm Crochet Hook

Pattern Notes

  • There is no right or wrong side: the crochet ripple stitch is considered a reversible stitch, which means it looks the same on both sides.
  • This crochet pattern is written in US terms.

In the pattern instructions below, the chain 3 at the beginning of every row counts as a double crochet stitch. So the first stitch of every row will be a chain 3. And the last stitch of every row after the first, will be a chain 3.

To avoid dropping stitches at the beginning and end of the row, your first stitch is worked in the same stitch where the chain three is coming from. The last two stitches of the row should be worked in the third chain.

Stitch Multiple

The crochet ripple stitch multiple is 14 + 3.

This means that there are 14 stitches from peak to peak. When planning a project that uses the ripple stitch, chain in groups of 14 and add three chains only at the very end.

While chaining until it’s as wide as you need is a fine strategy for basic stitches, it doesn’t work for ripple or chevron stitches. Since the chain is condensed into peaks and valleys, the length will seemingly “shrink” after finishing the first row.

This just means you need to do a little extra work to plan the length of your starting chain for ripple stitch projects. When you’re ready for that, or when you want to improvise your own blanket pattern, we have an article that will help you figure out how many starting chains you need for your ripple and chevron stitch projects.

Stitch Abbreviations

  • Ch Chain
  • Dc Double Crochet
  • Dc2tog Double Crochet Two Together
  • Hk Hook
  • Rem Remaining
  • Rep Repeat
  • St(s) Stitch(es)

Row 1: Ch any number of sts divisible by 14 and add 3 at the end. 1 dc in 4th ch from hk. 1 dc in next 4 sts. Dc2tog twice. *1 dc in next 4 sts. 2 dc in next 2 sts. 1 dc in next 4 sts. Dc2tog twice. Rep from * to last 5 sts. 1 dc next 4 sts. 2 dc in last st. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3. 1 dc in same st as ch 3. 1 dc in next 4 sts. Dc2tog twice. *1 dc in next 4 sts. 2 dc in next 2 sts. 1 dc in next 4 sts. Dc2tog twice. Rep from * to last 5 sts. 1 dc in next 4 sts. 2 dc in last st. Turn.

Repeat: Rep the last row until your project measures the length you want.


Crochet Ripple Stitch Step-by-Step Video

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Right-Handed Tutorial on YouTube

Left-Handed Tutorial on YouTube

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Crochet Ripple Stitch Project Ideas

The crochet ripple stitch creates a light, reversible fabric with no holes or gaps. These qualities make it an excellent choice for projects where drape is important (clothing), where both sides will show (scarves), and projects where you don’t want a lacey look (blankets).

Here is a quick beginner-friendly ripple stitch cowl to put your new skills to use. The color-changing yarn does all the interesting work for you so you can just focus on mastering the ripple stitch pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between a Chevron and a Crochet Ripple Stitch?

The difference between a chevron stitch and a ripple stitch is the shape of the peaks and valleys. Ripple stitches have a more subtle wave to their peaks and valleys, while chevron stitches have more defined points. To see an example of this and to learn how to crochet the chevron stitch, check out our chevron stitch tutorial here.

How Do You Calculate Ripple Crochet Stitch Patterns?

Since the length of the starting chain “shrinks” after finishing the first row of the ripple stitch, you’ll need to figure out how wide a single repeat (peak to peak) is for your chosen yarn and hook. We outline everything you need to know to figure this out in our article here.

More Beginner-Friendly Stitch Tutorials + Free Patterns

When you’ve mastered the four basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet, the next step is to use these stitches together to make up more interesting stitch patterns. Here are some more stitches for you to try next: