Open and Shut Ripple Baby Blanket
The second in our baby blanket pattern series is the Open and Shut Ripple Blanket. I’m so happy with how this blanket turned out. I don’t often use the ripple stitch pattern so this was especially wonderful to work on.
What is the ripple stitch?
The ripple stitch (aka chevron) is a timeless classic that keeps returning to the forefront of crochet design. Over the years, the color schemes have varied but the basic stitch pattern has remained. The ripple stitch can be varied to add even more interest to an already visually stunning pattern. That’s what I’ve done in this blanket, alternating sections of solid and filet.
The ripple stitch can be altered in many ways to change the slope of the peaks and valleys, to add textural interest, or change colors strategically. Different stitches can be chosen as the base stitch in the pattern, usually that’s the sc, hdc and dc. The shorter the stitch, the narrower the zigzag pattern. Design elements like BLO (back loop only) can give a bit more texture as well. And, it can be paired with granny squares or motifs to create a visually stunning affect. In other words, this is one versatile stitch pattern that can easily be customized for a unique look.
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What’s up with this design?
In the not too distant past, I’ve employed the ripple stitch pattern in other projects. For instance, I made my youngest grandson a lovey in shades of blue and gray worsted weight yarn. And, later this year, I’ll be publishing a scarf pattern, worked in Lion Brand’s “Heartland”, that uses the very same stitch pattern as this blanket!
I chose the alternating sections of solid ripple and filet openwork to give the blanket (and the scarf) a bit more drape in the resulting fabric. Plus, it’s just really pretty to look at! The blanket is made with Lion Brand’s “Mandala – Baby”, a beautiful DK weight yarn in the most whimsical colors. It’s perfect for baby blankets and that’s why I keep using it (I promise the next blanket will be in a different yarn 😇)
Here are the specifics.
YARN – Lion Brand “Mandala – Baby” – DK weight; 100% acrylic (5.3 oz/590 yds; 150g/540m); Color #209 (Unicorn Cloud) or #208 (Pixie Hollow) – 2 cakes (You can buy it HERE)
HOOK – US size H-8 (5mm)
FINISHED SIZE – Approx. 36″ x 32″
What comes with the pattern?
You’ll get written instructions as well as a helpful chart that shows the solid and filet sections.
Where can I buy the pattern?
As always, MadameStitch patterns are available on Ravelry HERE and Etsy HERE.
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