Cheerful Ripple Crochet Blanket Pattern

Another blanket is finished! This is my 'Cheerful Ripple', and I'm  really pleased at how snuggly and cosy it's turned out. It's been so dismal and grey (even the snow was grey) to perk things up I wanted some random brightness, and something simple to do while himself and I watch DVDs in the evening. We don't have a tv and haven't for years, but we do love our films and certain series, so we just watch those. Can't say I miss the adverts!



The pattern is  easy peasy, so I thought I'd share it. It's just sets of 14 treble stitches, plus three turning chains.

I used Robin Double Knit* acrylic 100g (300m 328yds) for a blanket/throw 46 x 52 inches or 117x133 cm - any similar DK, light worsted weight or 8 ply, depending  which continent you're on - would do.

50g ball each of 11 colours of your choice, mine were:

Fondant

Pale Rose ( looks more lavender in the photos)

Cordial
Apple 
Acid yellow
Lemon
Madonna
Turquoise
Jade
Red
Peach

Size 5mm H/8 Hook

To decide on my colour scheme, I cut a small piece of each colour yarn and play about until I'm happy with the arrangement and the order. Then I tape it onto a piece of white card to keep as a reminder, like a  swatch.

If you use US terms UK treble is a double crochet so just substitute dc.

Tr3tog - * yoh, insert hook into the next st,  yoh, pull through, yoh, pull through first 2 loops, rep from * twice, yoh, draw through all 4 loops on hook

Chain 14 and repeat until you get your desired width. Then add three more stitches.

Row 1
Skip the first 2 ch (this counts as 1 tr),
2 tr into next ch,
*1tr into next 3 ch
then using the next 3 stitches tr3tog
again, using the next 3 stitches tr3tog
1 tr into next 3 chain
3 tr into next 2 chain*
Repeat from * to * all the way to the end of the row and make sure you end with 3tr.

Row 2
Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr)
2 tr into first stitch
* 1tr into next 3 stitches
then using the next 3 stitches tr3tog
again, using the next 3 stitches tr3tog 1 tr into next 3 stitches
3tr int next 2 chain*
Repeat from * to * all the way to the end of the row and end with 3tr.

Repeat Row 2 pattern twice,then fasten off and  join in  a new colour
Do this twice more, joining a new colour at the end of every second row.
On Row 9 do only one row before changing colour. You can see where I've done this on the piccie below)  So every 9th row has only one 'ripple' instead of 2. Repeat from the beginning until you have your desired length.

I decided on a simple plain edging in red and blue to 'frame' the ripples. Crochet three rounds in dc (US sc), at each corner crochet 4 dc into the corner stitch to 'make' your corner. The last two rounds are in htr, again you make 4 stitches into each corner stitch. That's it, I hope it makes sense, but I'm sure someone will tell me if it doesn't!

Crochet blankets must, of course, meet my teddy test. Himself's gorgeous Blue Ted ( aged 50) and my adorable Cuddles (a mere babe at 46) think it's great! You may wonder why they are both in such immaculate condition....

Well,  I asked for a new teddy when I was 7 and everyone said I was too old, except my lovely Auntie Mary (who also started me embroidering). She bought Cuddles for my birthday and I  treated him like a mascot rather than a toy. ( At one stage he did have an 'Osmonds' top which I embroidered, and briefly one for the Bay City Rollers and a tartan scarf, but - hey- I was very young!) He's beautiful and still has his growl.
Blue Ted's story is very sad. Adored by his little owner and taken everywhere (and yes, I mean everywhere) he dropped into the potty one day- while it was being used. Despite being washed and cleaned thoroughly, he was cast aside by his owner - (how sad to be so fickle at such a young age!). I am just very glad he was kept. He is a Wendy Boston bear, an iconic British 1950's and 60's design - and extremely cute.

You'll be happy to hear Blue Ted got over his traumatic experience and has now been fully rehabilitated, living happily in the hug with the other bears. Keep snug!x