The zigzag crochet pattern, also known as the ripple, can be used for many different projects. The most common of these is the afghan. The greatest part about this pattern is that it can be changed very easily to create a different look or style.
I’m going to give you a basic free crochet pattern for the ripple stitch, so that you can lean how to crochet an afghan, and then explain to you how it can be altered to create different looks.
Basic zigzag (ripple) pattern:
Chain 37
Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, skip 1chain, single crochet in next 7 chains, 3 single crochets in next chain, single crochet in next 7 chains, skip 2 chains, single crochet in next 7 chains, 3 single crochet in net chain, single crochet in next 7 chains, skip next chain stitch, single crochet in last chain. Chain 1, turn.
For those of you who read crocheting patterns it would look something like this:
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sk 1ch, sc in next 7 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 7 chs, sk 2 chs, sc in next 7 chs, 3 sc in net ch, sc in next 7 chs, sk next ch st, sc in last ch. Ch 1, turn.
Row two as follows:
Single crochet in first single crochet stitch, skip next single crochet, single crochet in next 7 single crochets, 3 single crochets in next single crochet stitch, single crochet in next 7 single crochet stitches, skip 2 single crochet stitches, single crochet in next 7 single crochet stitches, 3 single crochets in next stitch, single crochet in next 7 stitches, skip next single crochet, single crochet in last single crochet stitch. Chain 1, turn.
Again in pattern form:
Sc in first sc, skip next sc, sc in next 7 sc, 3 sc in next sc , sc in next 7 sc , sk 2 sc , sc in next 7 sc , 3 sc in next , sc in next 7 , sk next sc, sc in last sc . Ch 1, turn.
For all rows after: repeat row two.
This is your basic pattern for the zigzag (ripple) stitch.
To enlarge it, simply add 17 chain stitches for every ripple you wish to achieve. It will on average be about 241 stitches, with a size I hook to create a 50″ blanket. From there you can make it as long as you may wish.
As promised here are some ideas to change the pattern:
1. Crochet in front loops only, or back loops only. This adds a fun texture, giving you the feeling that the zigzags, or ripples go up and down as well as side to side.
2. Increase or decrease the number of single crochets. Instead of using 7 single crochets to create the length of the ripple, try 10, or 5. This will make a longer or shorter ripple, which in turn changes the look. Longer is often softer looking, while shorter will give the piece more of an edge, and is great for a man’s afghan.
3. Change the number of single crochets added to the peek of the ripple. This is, of course, is a bit more complicated. In order to do this, you must remember to do two things: The first is to add an even number at the peek. This will always make the number odd. For example: The pattern has you add 3 single crochets to the tip (or 3 single crochets in one single crochet stitch) If you add on here, then you must add on two making it 5, or add on 4, making it 7. The second thing you must do is add the same number you added to the tip, to the number you skip in the valley of the ripple. So if you added 2 single crochets, then you must skip 2 more single crochets. This means you would single crochet 5 at the top of the ripple, single crochet 7 in the next seven stitches, then skip 4 stitches. Over all this will elongate your ripple (or zigzag). A quick note here: You can change the look by simply adding stitches to the peek of the ripple, but it is much more advanced. You must remember to add a stitch to the length of your ripple on every row. This creates a very unique design that is not favored by most people.
4. Switch colors. Switching colors every few rows is the most common look among these ripple patterns. I suggest you stick with 2 or 3 colors; however this is a great pattern for your scrap yarn. And with every few rows a different color, it can be quite eye catching.
5. Use a different size hook. This may seem like an obvious idea. Of course the different size stitches will make your afghan look different. But I put this in here to give you a personal favorite of mine. This is a scrap yarn project using the Q hook (the largest of crochet hooks). The idea is to crochet using two strands of yarn, but with a twist. I want you to use two different colors. What works out great with this is that when one color runs out, simply add a new color on and keep going. It allows for the colors to flow together. This same effect can be achieved with a smaller hook. Both sizes N and P work well with two strands of yarn. And you can go with a smaller hook if you are using lighter weight yarn. But, the Q hook makes the biggest, softest and coziest afghans.
6. Finally, don’t be afraid to try this out on other projects. It would work well as a table runner, tablecloth, placemats, any sort of cover, and clothes. There are several patterns out there for jackets and skirts. These patterns are generally for an intermediate or advanced level.
Well, there we have it. The basics of the zigzag or ripple stitch. It is an easy stitch to use, yet one of the most interesting ones out there. Now go, go out there and make something!
