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Ripple patterns are commonly used in baby afghans and throws. The classic design is at once eye-catching and familiar. It can also be modified in many ways to make a variety of afghans.

The afghan ripple pattern looks the way it sounds, like a ripple. Each row across is a series of V shapes. The entire afghan, including the top and bottom edges, is made in this rippled way. Depending on the pattern, the ripples can be steep Vs or may be more shallow, like gentle waves.

Basic ripple patterns often set up the pattern in the first two rows and repeat the same row until the desired length is achieved. This makes them work well for baby afghans and lap throws. The width can also be easily adjusted based on the number of stitches in the V of each ripple.

Baby ripple afghans can be made in solid colors, with variegated yarn, or in stripes. To easily make stripes, simple change the yarn color after every few rows. Make stripes the same width (same number of rows) for a more uniform look, or add variety with a combination of thin and thick stripes.

Some ideas for color patterns are below (double crochet ripples):

Blue and Green stripes:
6 rows of pastel blue
2 rows of white
6 rows of pastel green
2 rows of white
(repeat above until desired length)

Pink and Lavender stripes:
3 rows of lavender
3 rows of pink
3 rows of lavender
3 rows of white
3 rows of pink
3 rows of white
(repeat above until desired length)

Ripple patterns can be straightforward using nothing more than single or double crochet stitches, or they can be more complex involving decorative stitches such as puff stitches. When you begin creating baby ripple afghans, you should always use a pattern. Patterns have already calculated the foundation rows and will walk you through the best way to turn each row.

Once you're experienced with baby ripple patterns, you can begin to see how you might create your own ripple designs. The ripple repeats across the row, so the trick is in calculating how many stitches you need for the foundation chain. This includes how many stitches are required for each ripple, how many stitches to skip between each ripple (usually 2), and how many stitches to turn (1 to 3 depending on if you use single or double crochets).

Baby ripple afghans are easy to make in varying styles and make wonderful gifts. Search Helium.com to find articles on where to find free crochet patterns online and try one today.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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