Ripple Stitch

Ripple stitch (also called chevron stitch) is not a single stitch but a pattern built from basic stitches (usually double crochet or single crochet) arranged to peak and dip across a row. Extra stitches worked into one point create a peak, and stitches skipped or worked together at another point create a valley, and repeating that rhythm across the row produces the zigzag "ripple" look classic in afghans.

There's no single abbreviation for ripple stitch since it's a pattern, not a stitch, and it's built from whichever base stitch the pattern specifies. Refer to that base stitch's own US/UK abbreviation (for example dc/tr) when reading a ripple pattern.

How to work it

1. Work a multiple of the stitch count the pattern specifies, since ripple patterns repeat in blocks (commonly 12 to 16 stitches per repeat).
2. At each peak point, work 3 stitches into the same stitch (an increase) to push the fabric upward.
3. Work straight across the "sides" of the zigzag in your base stitch as normal.
4. At each valley point, skip a stitch or work 2 or 3 stitches together (a decrease) to pull the fabric down.
5. Repeat the peak-side-valley-side sequence across the row, then repeat the same pattern on every row to keep the zigzag stacking vertically.
6. Change yarn colors at the start of a row for a striped ripple effect, a common way this pattern is used.

When to use it

Use ripple stitch for blankets, afghans, and scarves where a zigzag or chevron pattern is the point, especially in multi-color yarn. Because the increases and decreases happen at fixed points in every row, ripple patterns are less forgiving of a miscounted stitch than a plain rectangle worked in one stitch, so check your stitch count at the end of each row.