How to Crochet Granny Ripple Stitch

The granny ripple stitch is a beautiful crochet pattern that combines two classic techniques: the traditional granny stitch and the flowing ripple (chevron) stitch. This stitch creates a zigzag or wave pattern made from double crochet clusters, giving your crochet fabric both texture and movement. It’s easy to learn and works up quickly, making it perfect for larger projects like blankets and throws. If you already know how to chain and double crochet, you can easily learn how to crochet the granny ripple stitch. Once you understand the repeating pattern of peaks and valleys, you’ll be able to crochet beautiful ripple projects in no time.

What Is the Granny Ripple Stitch?

The granny ripple stitch is a variation of the traditional granny stitch pattern. Instead of working granny clusters in straight rows, the clusters are arranged to create zigzag waves. The ripple effect is created by: Peaks → clusters worked into the same space, and Valleys → skipped stitches that pull the fabric inward. This creates the distinctive chevron or ripple shape.

Read the full guide to 55 crochet stitches for beginners.

How to Crochet Granny Ripple Stitch (Step by Step)

As long as you know how to work chain stitch and double crochet, you will be able to master this granny ripple stitch. The extra skills you need to create this stitch are working multiple stitches into one base stitch and skipping stitches. For beginners, it is best to start with a little sample of granny ripple, just to get a feel for the stitch.

1. Start and First Peak

1. Create a slip knot and a foundation chain. This foundation chain needs to be a multiple of 18.

❤️BEGINNER TIP: Because you will be creating a ripple or chevron effect, your starting chain will not be the width of your finished piece. You will need to have a longer starting chain than your desired width. (See calculating the number of ch below.) Time to get out that calculator! First, work your swatch, following these instructions:

2. Work 3 dc, all into the 5th ch from the hook.
3. Sk next 2 ch, 3 dc into next ch.
4. Sk the following 2 ch.
5. (Work 3 dc, 3 ch, 3 dc) all into the next ch. This forms the “peak.”

6. *Sk next 2 ch, then 3 dc into next ch.
7. Sk next 2 ch, then 3 dc into next ch, again.

2. First Valley

8. Now sk 5 ch, work 3 dc into next ch. This forms the “valley”.

3. More Peaks and Valleys Across Row 1

9. Sk next 2 chains, 3 dc in next chain, sk next 2 ch.
10. (Work 3 dc, 3 ch, 3 dc) all into the next ch. This forms the second peak.
11. Rep the pattern from * until you reach the last ch, 1 dc into that final ch. Turn your work.

4. Row 2

1. Ch4, work 3 dc into the first space (making the first cluster),

2. Work 3 dc into next space.
3. * 3 dc, Ch 3, 3 dc in the next Ch-3 space (peak).

1. [3 dc between the next granny cluster] twice.
2. Sk the sp between the next 2 granny clusters. (valley)
3. [3 dc between the next 2 granny clusters.]

4. Rep from *, then sk next 3 dc, work 1 dc into top of turning ch.
5. Turn work.

5. Repeat Granny Ripple Stitch Pattern

6. This may be a good place to change colors if you are working in multiple colors. Or you may want to have wider stripes. See how it looks both ways.
7. Repeat row 2 until your desired length is reached. When your project is complete, weave in all your ends.

Granny Ripple Stitch Formula

Now, to work out how many chains you need for your crochet blanket project. Start by making a sample swatch with the yarn and hook you are planning to use.

1. Start your swatch with 54 ch. (3 x 18). Work about 8 rows of the granny ripple stitch pattern.
2. Measure the width of one of your upside-down “V’s.” This tells you the width of one repeat. Call that ‘A’
3. Work out your desired blanket width. Call that ‘B’
4. Divide your desired width by your repeat measurement (B divided by A). This number tells you how many repeats you will need. Round this off to the nearest whole number.
5. Multiply this answer by 18, (which is 1 repeat).
6. This will tell you how many ch to begin with.
7. Don’t forget to add in your turning ch to this total!

Your figures will probably vary, depending on your tension. If you are making a smaller item, such as a scarf or a bag, the same method applies; just use the width of your final item.

What Can I Make With Granny Ripples?

Because this is a large-scale stitch pattern, it is perfect to use for afghan blankets or throws of any size. You could make something like a shawl, a wide scarf, or even a large tote bag, especially if you use fine yarn. There is absolutely no “rule” saying you can’t make smaller items or garments with this pattern, but it definitely lends itself to larger items.

How to Crochet a Granny Ripple Stitch Blanket:

1. Chain your desired length foundation chain based on the formula above
2. Follow the granny ripple steps above for your blanket

Color Choices for Granny Ripple Stitch

This pattern looks really effective in multi-colored stripes. The width of the stripes can be varied. You can have narrow stripes of around 2 rows of each color or really wide stripes of 6 or more rows. Whether you fancy bold, contrasting stripes or a gentle blending of colors for an ombre effect is up to you.

If you are someone who hates weaving in ends, you could try a multicolored or variegated yarn. You may really like the zig-zag look of this pattern but decide not to have any stripes at all. It will still have a subtle, zig-zag, textured effect if you work it in a single color.

Granny Ripple FAQs

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In Conclusion

There you have it! We have explored the delightful Granny Ripple Stitch, with its rippling waves and endless possibilities! You may have created a cozy, snuggly blanket, a warm, wide scarf or shawl, or a distinctive, pretty little baby blanket for that special baby in your life. Have loads of fun using this stitch in as many creative ways as possible!