Meet the ripple blanket: the wavy, soothing classic that looks impressive yet works up on autopilot once your hands find the rhythm.
Below you’ll find a curated list of 12 free crochet ripple blanket patterns—from baby-size chevrons to big, drapey throws. Each option includes realistic time estimates, recognizable U.S. yarn brands (think Red Heart, Lion Brand, Caron, Bernat), plus yardage, hook sizes, and sizing notes.
12 Free Crochet Ripple Blanket Patterns
1) Coastal Sunrise Ripple Throw
A soft ombré wave that shifts like sunrise over the water. Easy repeats and long-color-change yarn make this stunning with minimal ends to weave in.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 10–14 hours
- Yarn: ~1,300 yds worsted (try Lion Brand Mandala Ombre or Caron Simply Soft)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 48″ × 60″ throw
- Pro Tip: For smooth color transitions, start each cake at a similar color point.
- User Note: “Mindless TV crochet—I watched a mini-series and finished half!”
2) Classic Chevron Baby Ripple
Crisp, high-contrast stripes with gentle peaks—perfect for showers and keepsakes.
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Time: 6–9 hours
- Yarn: ~800 yds worsted (try Red Heart Super Saver or Bernat Super Value)
- Hook: H-8 (5.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 36″ × 40″ baby blanket
- Pro Tip: Use a foundation single crochet for a stretchier start edge that won’t pucker.
- User Note: “I made it during nap times—washable and sturdy for daily snuggles.”
3) Soft Waves Lapghan
Gentle undulating ripples with airy drape—ideal for couch reading or wheelchairs.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 8–12 hours
- Yarn: ~1,000 yds DK (try Lion Brand Coboo or Caron Cotton Cakes)
- Hook: G-6 (4.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 40″ × 50″ lapghan
- Pro Tip: Place stitch markers at each valley/peak in the first 5 rows to lock in the count.
- User Note: “Lightweight cotton blend—no overheating during spring evenings.”
4) Modern Monochrome Ripple
One color, all texture—let the wave silhouette be the statement in a minimalist space.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 10–15 hours
- Yarn: ~1,300 yds worsted (try Caron One Pound for fewer joins)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 48″ × 62″ throw
- Pro Tip: Block lightly with steam to relax the peaks without flattening the texture.
- User Note: “Looks designer—no color changes, no ends, my kind of project.”
5) Desert Sunset Skinny Ripple
Slimmer ripples create a chic, modern look; great for stash stripes in earthy tones.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 9–12 hours
- Yarn: ~1,100 yds worsted (try Lion Brand Heartland)
- Hook: H-8 (5.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 45″ × 58″ throw
- Pro Tip: Keep stripe heights consistent (e.g., 4–6 rows each) for a gallery-ready vibe.
- User Note: “I raided my neutrals—every stripe tells a story from older projects.”
6) Beach House Ripple in Cotton
Breathable cotton waves that look sharp on porch furniture or summer beds.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 9–13 hours
- Yarn: ~1,200 yds cotton worsted (try Lily Sugar’n Cream or Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 46″ × 58″ throw
- Pro Tip: Cotton can grow; measure after a gentle wash before deciding the final length.
- User Note: “Perfect picnic blanket—machine washable and sturdy.”
7) Cozy Cabin Chunky Ripple
Quick, squishy waves in super bulky yarn—weekend project alert.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Yarn: ~700 yds super bulky (try Bernat Blanket)
- Hook: L-11 (8.0 mm) or M/N (9.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 45″ × 52″ throw
- Pro Tip: Keep your tension relaxed; bulky yarn compresses if you grip too tightly.
- User Note: “Fast gift blanket—Netflix, cocoa, done.”
8) Baby Soft Ripple with Bobble Accents
Classic ripple rows with occasional bobble bands for playful texture.
- Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate
- Time: 8–12 hours
- Yarn: ~900 yds worsted (try Bernat Softee Baby or Lion Brand Basic Stitch)
- Hook: H-8 (5.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 34″ × 40″ baby blanket
- Pro Tip: Add bobbles only on right-side rows so they pop consistently.
- User Note: “The bobbles look fancy—but they’re spaced out so it’s still squishy.”
9) Two-Row Repeat TV Ripple
Memorize it once—then crochet without thinking during movie night.
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Time: 7–10 hours
- Yarn: ~1,100 yds worsted (try Red Heart With Love or Caron Simply Soft)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 45″ × 60″ throw
- Pro Tip: Count peaks every few rows (e.g., every 10 rows) to catch drift early.
- User Note: “My first ripple—so satisfying seeing the waves grow.”
10) Fade & Speckle Ripple
Alternate speckled and solid stripes for a painterly look without complex colorwork.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 9–13 hours
- Yarn: ~1,200 yds worsted (try Lion Brand Pound of Love + speckled indie-style acrylic)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 48″ × 60″ throw
- Pro Tip: Keep speckled rows thinner (2–3 rows) so the specks don’t overwhelm the waves.
- User Note: “Looks hand-dyed expensive, but my wallet says otherwise.”
11) Heirloom Lace Ripple
Openwork eyelets meet soft scallops—light, romantic, and drapey.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Time: 10–16 hours
- Yarn: ~1,200 yds DK/light worsted (try Lion Brand Feels Like Butta or Caron Cotton Angel Cakes)
- Hook: G-6 (4.0 mm)
- Finished Size: 44″ × 58″ throw
- Pro Tip: Block wet and pin peaks to define the lace points beautifully.
- User Note: “Wedding gift vibes—delicate but still cozy.”
12) Scrappy Weekender Ripple
Turn leftovers into a color-story blanket—no two versions are the same.
- Skill Level: Easy
- Time: 8–12 hours
- Yarn: ~1,100–1,300 yds mixed worsted (Red Heart, Lion Brand, Caron, Bernat)
- Hook: I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Finished Size: 45″ × 62″ throw
- Pro Tip: Choose a single neutral separator row between scraps to unify the palette.
- User Note: “Cleaned my bin, made a memory blanket—win-win.”
FAQ
How do I size up or down a crochet ripple blanket?
Most ripple patterns have a multiple + offset stitch count (e.g., multiples of 14 + 3). Increase or decrease the starting chain by one multiple to change width, and add or subtract stripe repeats for length. Make a small swatch to calculate stitches per inch for precise sizing.
Why do my ripple peaks/valleys skew or drift?
This usually happens when increases and decreases aren’t placed in the exact stitches each row. Mark the peak stitch and the two decrease points in every valley for the first several rows. Periodically count the number of peaks to catch errors quickly.
What yarn is best for ripple blankets?
Acrylic or acrylic blends (Red Heart, Caron, Lion Brand, Bernat) are durable, budget-friendly, and machine-washable. Cotton is great for summer or baby makes, while super bulky polyester (Bernat Blanket) is perfect for fast, plush throws.
How do I keep ripple edges straight?
Use a consistent turning chain (often ch 2 for dc ripples) and place the first and last stitch in the correct posts. Consider a border (single crochet or linen stitch) to square up edges and hide color-change jogs.
Conclusion
Ripple blankets are a maker’s happy place: rhythmic repeats, endless color play, and a finished piece that always looks more impressive than it felt to make. Whether you love neutral waves or playful chevrons for a nursery, these free crochet ripple blanket patterns are full of inspiration to spark your next project.
Save this guide and pin your favorite design for later. When you finish your ripple, share your progress—we’d love to celebrate it with you!