Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern (Easy Ripple Stitch)

The ripple stitch creates a soft wave pattern using only increases and decreases spaced evenly across each row — no complicated stitch combinations, just double crochet worked in a repeating rhythm. This size finishes at approximately 30" x 36", perfect for a crib or stroller.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in 3-4 pastel colors, about 150g each
• 4.0mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Gauge

Not critical for a blanket, but aim for approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows per 4 inches in the ripple pattern for this finished size.

Foundation

Chain a multiple of 14, plus 3 (for example, chain 143 for 10 full repeats).

Ripple Row Pattern

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook. dc in next 4 sts. skip 2 sts (this creates the "valley"), dc in next 6 sts, 3 dc in next st (this creates the "peak"), dc in next 6 sts. Repeat from * across, ending with dc in last 5 sts. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 sts. skip 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts. Repeat from * across, ending dc in last 5 sts, dc in top of turning chain. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 for the entire blanket, changing colors every 4-6 rows for a striped ripple effect. To change colors cleanly, work the last stitch of the final row in the old color until the last yarn-over, then finish it with the new color.

Length

Continue working rows until the blanket measures approximately 36 inches, or your desired length, ending on a color change row for a clean edge.

Border

Work 3 rounds of single crochet around the entire outer edge in your main border color, working 3 sc in each corner stitch to keep the blanket flat and square.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely (baby blankets get a lot of washing, so extra-secure ends matter). Block gently and let dry flat before gifting or using.

Tip: keep a consistent color-change rhythm (like "4 rows each") written down somewhere — it's easy to lose count over a long project like this.