Looking for a free zigzag crochet blanket pattern that’s easy to follow and bursting with color? This stunning granny ripple design uses the iconic stitch for this handmade blanket.
It’s written in seven different sizes, so you can make everything from a cozy baby blanket to bold statement afghan patterns for your living room.
The timeless charm of the granny stitch is a fun and relaxing project that’s perfect for crocheters of all skill levels—especially beginners!
Granny Ripple Pattern
With its eye-catching chevron-style waves and vibrant mix of grey, teal, gold, orange, and dark red, this blanket combines classic charm with a fresh, modern twist.
If you want a stress-free project with stunning results, the granny ripple stitch is a great place to start. The stitch pattern is simple and repetitive, making it ideal for beginners, yet it still creates a striking zigzag texture that looks far more advanced than it really is.
In this pattern, I’ve included multiple size suggestions with a stitch count so you can customize your blanket. Everything from a baby gift to a full-sized throw or even a king size. You’ll also find a photo tutorial and a complete video walkthrough, so you can follow along at your own pace—no guessing or frustration required.
If you’re ready to turn some yarn into a cozy, colorful masterpiece, grab your hook and let’s get started! This easy zigzag blanket is sure to become a go-to favorite for gifting, decorating, or curling up under on chilly nights.
What Skill Level Is Needed for This Blanket?
This is a truly beginner-friendly pattern! If you can double crochet and chain, you can make this blanket. The granny ripple stitch creates a stunning zigzag effect using just simple repeats, so it’s a relaxing and rewarding project whether you’re new to crochet or just want an easy-going pattern.
How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Granny Ripple Blanket?
The amount of yarn you’ll need for the granny chevron blanket depends on the size you want to make. The different colors you choose to include and the weight of the yarn. Here’s a general guideline for worsted weight yarn.
- Baby Blanket approximately 550 yards
- Child or Lapghan Blanket approximately 1,000 yards
- Throw Blanket approximately 1,830 yards
- Large Throw Blanket approximately 3,015 yards
- Twin Size Blanket approximately 4,400 yards
- Queen Size Blanket approximately 5,500 yards
- King Size Blanket approximately 6,200 yards
We have more information in our Crochet Guidelines for Standard Bed and Blanket Sizes blog post.
Keep in mind that the ripple stitch may use a little more yarn than straight rows due to the peaks and valleys in the pattern.
How Many Chains Do You Need for a Granny Ripple Blanket?
The starting chain is based on a multiple of 18, but to keep the blanket symmetrical, I would suggest multiples of 36. I’ve included a chart with suggested chain counts for various blanket sizes to make it easy for you to get started—no math required!
What Yarn Should I Use for This Granny Ripple Blanket?
One of the best things about this blanket pattern is how versatile it is with yarn. You can truly make it your own, whether you love bold stripes or prefer a clean, solid look.
This pattern looks beautiful in a single solid color, especially if you want the texture of the granny ripple stitch to really stand out. It’s a simple way to create an elegant and modern throw without having to change colors.
For a more dynamic and colorful effect, try changing colors every two rows. This gives you classic chevron-style stripes with plenty of visual movement—without getting too busy.
I used medium weight yarn cakes where the color changes in bold bright color combinations. The fact that the yarn did not change every two rows created a nice modern crochet design. Variegated colors is an ideal yarn for creating easy color transitions without the need to change yarn manually.
It’s a great choice if you love the look of multicolor stripes but don’t want to deal with lots of yarn tails or color planning. Fewer ends to weave in means more time actually enjoying your project!
You can also experiment with other yarn weights. Just be sure to adjust your hook size and make a small swatch to check how the fabric feels and drapes.
Can I Make This Blanket Using Bulky Yarn?
Yes, you can absolutely use bulky yarn! The granny ripple stitch works with almost any yarn weight. Just be sure to use an appropriately sized hook and make a swatch to test your tension and see how the stitch looks with your chosen yarn.
Keep in mind that changing the yarn weight will affect the overall size and drape of the blanket—but it’s a fun way to customize the pattern!
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Directions: Easy Granny Ripple Zigzag Crochet Blanket Pattern
Skill Level
Confident Beginner. It is an easy pattern if you can work the Double Crochet Stitch.
Finished Size
The blanket shown is 60” X 80”.
To adjust the width of the blanket, simply start with a chain in a multiple of 18. However, if you want the ends symmetrical, use a multiple of 36. To make the blanket longer or shorter, simply crochet for more or fewer rows.
- Baby Blanket = 30” X 30”
- Child or Lapghan Blanket = 40” X 40”
- Throw Size Blanket = 50” X 60”
- Large Throw Blanket = 60” X 80” (shown)
- Twin Size Blanket = 80” X 90”
- Queen Size Blanket = 90” X 100”
- King Size Blanket = 100” X 100”
Gauge
14 stitches and 5 rows of double crochet every 4” X 4”.
Materials
I used Caron Big Cakes. It’s an acrylic number 4 medium weight yarn with 603 yards per yarn cake. I used five cakes for this pattern in the color Toffee Brickle for a total of 3,015 yards for the large throw blanket size shown.
Suggested yardage for different sizes:
- Baby Blanket approximately 550 yards
- Child or Lapghan Blanket approximately 1,000 yards
- Throw Size Blanket approximately 1,830 yards
- Large Throw Blanket approximately 3,015 yards (shown)
- Twin Size Blanket approximately 4,400 yards
- Queen Size Blanket approximately 5,500 yards
- King Size Blanket approximately 6,200 yards
If you are not able to find the yarn locally, you can purchase it online right from Yarnspirations through the link on our Savings Center page.
Size I Crochet Hook 5.5mm
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Abbreviations
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SP = Space
- ST = Stitch
- STs = Stitches
- [ ] = Repeat Between
Crochet Pattern Notes
Turn at the end of each row.
Repeat row 2 throughout the pattern.
The length of your starting chain will shorten by a few inches due to the peaks and valleys.
This pattern is written in U S Crochet Terms.
There are photo tutorials throughout the pattern and video tutorials after the written pattern.
If changing color, I would recommend adding the new color every other row.
Basic Crochet Stitches Used
Double Crochet (DC). Yarn over, insert the hook through both loops and pull up a loop. Next, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
Granny Cluster. Involves making clusters of three double crochets in a single crochet stitch. However, for this pattern, we are not working a single crochet between the 3-DC groups. Therefore, the granny cluster is worked between the DC clusters.
Begin Crochet Pattern
Start by making a slip knot and adding the loop on the hook.
Chain your desired number of chains for the foundation row.
For the large throw blanket shown 216 foundation chain stitches.
- Baby Blanket = 108 chain stitches
- Child or Lapghan Blanket = 144 chain stitches
- Throw Size Blanket = 180 chain stitches
- Large Throw Blanket = 216 chain stitches (shown)
- Twin Size Blanket = 288 chain stitches
- Queen Size Blanket = 324 chain stitches
- King Size Blanket = 360 chain stitches
Row 1
In the 5th CH from the hook, 3 DC. SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH. SK 2 CH STs, in the next ST work (3 DC, CH 3, 3 DC). The first peak is done. SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH, SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH. Make the Valley. [SK 5 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH. SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH. Make the Peak. SK 2 CH STs, in the next ST work (3 DC, CH 3, 3 DC). SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH, SK 2 CH STs, 3 DC in the next CH]. Repeat between [ ] across. End with 1 DC in the last CH. Turn
Row 2
CH 4. [SK the first 3 DC. In the SP between the 2 clusters of 3 DC, 3 DC]. Repeat between [ ] once. Skip to the CH 3 SP and work (3 DC, CH 3, 3 DC). [SK 3 DC, in the SP between the 2 clusters of 3 DC, 3 DC]. Repeat between [ ] once. [SK the next 2 clusters of 3 DC. 3 DC between the next clusters of 3 DC. SK 3 DC, in the SP between the 2 clusters of 3 DC, 3 DC. Skip to the CH 3 SP and work (3 DC, CH 3, 3 DC). SK 3 DC, in the SP between the 2 clusters of 3 DC, 3 DC. SK 3 DC, in the SP between the 2 clusters of 3 DC, 3 DC]. Repeat between [ ] across to the end. End with a DC in top of the turning CH. Turn
Rows 3 and Beyond
Repeat row 2 until your desired length.
I worked 96 rows for the large throw blanket shown.
- Baby Blanket = 40 rows
- Child or Lapghan Blanket = 50 rows
- Throw Size Blanket = 75 rows
- Large Throw Blanket = 96 rows (shown)
- Twin Size Blanket = 112 rows
- Queen Size Blanket = 125 rows
- King Size Blanket = 125 rows
Finishing
After you work the last ST, cut off the yarn leaving about a 12-inch long tail. Pull the yarn tail through the last loop on the hook.
Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tails and weave them through the crochet stitches back and forth until the yarn feels secure. Snip off the excess yarn.
If you are a beginner crocheter, you can find more detail on finishing your crochet project on the website.
Crochet Video Tutorial for the Granny Ripple Stitch
We hope you have enjoyed crocheting your beautiful granny ripple blanket. There are endless possibilities of the granny stitch. It’s the perfect mix of vintage flair. We have other free patterns to inspire your future crochet projects.
If you are looking for a crochet ripple afghan pattern with soft waves, we have another beauty you should check out. Quick and Easy Wavy Ribbed Ripple Blanket Crochet Pattern
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.