Pastel Ripple Baby Blanket

Using a beautiful pattern like this one you can make a gorgeous blanket for any baby you know. This makes for a great baby shower gift. This is a good pattern for beginners.

Materials:

• Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 6 oz/170 g, 315 yds/288 m): 4 oz each in 4 colors Shown in: #9717 Orchid (A); #9712 Soft Blue; #9801 Baby Brites (C); 9719 Soft Pink (D)
• One size US I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Yarn needle

GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project.

STRIPE SEQUENCE

In Ripple pattern, work 2 rows A, * 2 rows B, 2 rows C, 2 rows D, 2 rows A; repeat from * for length of Afghan.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE

Changing Colors: Work across to last st, insert hook in last st and pull up a loop – 2 loops on hook), drop color used for this row, with next color in Stripe Sequence, yarn over, draw through both loops on hook to complete sc.

STITCHES USED

Chain (ch): Begin by making a slip knot on your hook. * Wrap the yarn around the hook (yarn over) and pull up a loop, [draw the yarn through the loop on the hook to form the first chain]. Repeat from * for number of chains required. Note: The loop on the hook is not included when counting the number of chains.

Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook in stitch indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook.

Ripple Pattern (multiple of 13 sts + 4)

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook, sc in next ch, skip 1 ch (edge sts), * sc in next 5 ch, work 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 5 ch, + skip 2 ch; repeat from * across, end last repeat at + skip 1 ch, sc in last 2 ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1,working through the back loop only of each st, sc in first 2 sts, skip 1 st, * sc in next 5 sts, work 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, skip 2 sts; repeat from * 9 times, end sc in next 5 sts, work 3 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts, skip 1 st, sc in last 2 sts.

Repeat Row 2, following Stripe Sequence, for Ripple patt.

AFGHAN

Using A, loosely chain 148.

Begin Ripple patt; work Row 1—147 sts.

Work even in Stripe Sequence, repeating Row 2 of Ripple patt, until color C has been completely used, ending with 2 rows A—piece measures approximately 36".

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

Blocking

Pin piece to measurements; spray with warm water and let dry.

Hint: Use a small amount of Fabric Softener or Hair Conditioner in the water – it will make the Afghan softer.