There’s something undeniably comforting about a ripple afghan—the rhythmic waves of stitches, the playful color changes, the way it drapes perfectly over your lap on chilly evenings. This Shaded Ripple Afghan is no exception! Made with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, it works up quickly while offering rich texture and visual depth through clever color sequencing.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern:
✔ Super bulky yarn = fast progress – Finish in a weekend!
✔ Easy ripple technique – Great for first-time afghan makers.
✔ Bold color transitions – The shaded effect adds sophistication.
✔ Customizable palette – Use earthy tones, brights, or neutrals!
Whether you’re making it for your couch, a gift, or just for the joy of crocheting, this afghan is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started
🧶 Materials
- Yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick):
- 3 balls Charcoal (A)
- 3 balls Lemongrass (B)
- 2 balls Denim (C)
- 2 balls Fisherman (D)
- Hook: *Size N-13 (9.0 mm)*
- Tapestry needle (for weaving ends)
📏 Gauge & Size
- Gauge: *1 ripple = ~6″ (15 cm)*
- Finished Size: 36″ x 41″ (91.5 x 104 cm)
Pro Tip: If your ripples are smaller, try a larger hook; if larger, switch to a smaller one
📝 Stitch Guide
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- dc3tog: Double crochet 3 together (see special instructions below)
How to dc3tog:
- Yarn over, insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops.
- Repeat for next 2 stitches (3 loops remain on hook).
- Yarn over and draw through all loops. (Decreases 2 stitches)
🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions
Color Sequence
Work 2 rows each in this order:
A, B, A, C, D, C, B, A, B, D, C, D
Foundation & Ripple Pattern
- With Charcoal (A), chain 76.
- Row 1 (Right Side):
- Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc + skipped ch).
- Dc in next 4 ch, dc3tog, dc in next 4 ch, 3 dc in next ch.
- Repeat from * 4 more times.
- End with: Dc in next 4 ch, dc3tog, dc in next 4 ch, 2 dc in last ch.
- Total: 6 ripples.
- Row 2:
- Ch 3, turn, dc in first dc.
- Dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, dc in next 4 dc, 3 dc in next dc.
- Repeat from * 4 more times.
- End with: Dc in next 4 dc, dc3tog, dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in top of turning ch.
- Change to next color (B).
- Rows 3–24:
- Repeat Row 2, changing colors every 2 rows as per the Color Sequence.
- Rows 25–34:
- Repeat Row 2, cycling back to *** of the Color Sequence.
- Fasten off.
💡 Pro Tips
- Weave in ends as you go to avoid a pile at the end!
- Keep tension loose—bulky yarn can feel stiff if worked too tightly.
- Block lightly to open up the ripple texture.
🌟 Finishing Touches
Weave in all ends. For extra coziness, add a simple fringe:
- Cut yarn into 10″ (25 cm) strands.
- Attach 3 strands per ripple peak using a lark’s head knot.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Shaded Ripple Afghan is a quick, rewarding project that’s as fun to make as it is to use. The thick yarn makes it perfect for last-minute gifts, and the color variations ensure no two afghans look alike
