Jacob’s Ladder Ripple Afghan
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I love the basic Jacob’s Ladder Afghan, so thought it could only be even all the more wonderful in a ripple version.
The example is made in worsted weight acrylic.
Size:
This blanket can be made any size. Five widths are given in the directions.
| Size | Width (Inches) | Length (Inches) | Ounces of yarn | Yards of yarn |
| Extra Small | 33.46 | 44.62 | 21.58 | 1133.16 |
| Small | 39 | 52 | 29.32 | 1539.32 |
| Medium | 44.54 | 59.38 | 38.24 | 2007.57 |
| Large | 50.08 | 66.77 | 48.34 | 2537.91 |
| Extra Large | 55.62 | 74.15 | 59.62 | 3130.33 |
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn – see chart for amount
Size H (5mm) crochet hook
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
ch sp = chain space
dc = double crochet
tr = triple/treble crochet
Special stitch:
dc3tog - double crochet 3 stitches together (uses three stitches, decreases by two stitches) – [Yarn over, insert hook in next stitch, yarn over and pull up loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 3 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all loops on hook.
Instructions:
There are two tutorial videos available for this blanket. Part one covers the beginning and body of the blanket. Part two covers the finishing rows of the blanket.
The beginning chain should be a multiple of 24 plus 1.
For these widths, start with this number of chains:
33.5″ = 145
39″ = 169
44.5″ = 193
50″ = 217
55.5″ = 241
Row 1: 2dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next 2 ch, dc3tog ** dc in next 6 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next two ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch, dc3tog (uses 3 ch), dc in next 2 ch, dc3tog. Repeat from ** across to last 7 chains. Dc in next 6 ch, (2dc, tr) in last ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip 2 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch10, skip 2 dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip 2 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.
Row 3: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch10, skip ch10, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch10, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.
Repeat row 3 until afghan is desired length. Work the last three rows as follows:
Second to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch6, skip ch10, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch10, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.
Next to last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch6, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, ch6, skip ch6, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, ch6, skip ch6, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Turn.
As you work the last row, you will need to draw up the loops of each loop column as you come to it. Starting at the bottom of the column, pull the first over the second and pull the second loop through it toward the front. Then pull that loop over the third loop and pull the third loop through to the front. Continue in this way up the column. You will then make stitches from the last row in this top loop to secure it.
If you would like to see a tutorial on looping, Linda of alottastitches has a great post about it, as well as a lot of other great tips on this blanket.
Last row: Ch3 (counts as a dc), 2dc in tr, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, dc3tog in next three stitches, ** dc in next 6 dc, 3dc in next dc, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, 3dc in next dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc3tog in next three stitches, loop the column to the top and make 2 dc in top loop, dc3tog in next three stitches. Repeat from ** across to last 6 dc and turning chain. Dc in next 6 dc, (2dc, tr) in top of turning chain. Finish off and weave in end.
The blanket can be made in a solid color or can be made with any number of color changes. The best way to make a color change is to finish all but the very last pull through of the two loops of the last triple crochet of a row. Cut yarn with a few inches of tail and join with new color next to stitch. Pull new color through last two loops. Weave in ends.
Love the colour and thank you for the pattern..:)
Love it! Thank you for sharing your pattern.
Love this pattern, have made a few in my time, thanks so much for sharing the pattern.
I think I’d make the Jacobs Ladder Ripple Afghan, but I think unless someone I was making it for wanted darker colors I’d go with brighter. Not sure which colors, I suppose it would depend on what I had on hand, and if I could afford to buy more yarn.
Many MANY years ago a neighbor jotted down on an old piece of paper a very simple afghan pattern. All I can remember is that it was at least 100 chains long and you Double crocheted in the first 10 chains, then you chained ten,skipping 10 chains double crochet in the next…continuing this pattern to the end. If I remember correctly it was a chain 3 turn and follow this same pattern for as long as you want this afghan. I gave several away and used mine as an extra winter blanket..anyway, in the chain 10 spaces starting at the bottom you would make a twist and then pull the next row up through this twist again following all the way to end.and then you single crochet all around and add fringe or tassels if you want. Can ANYONE find me such a pattern? THANKS!
That sounds like the original Jacob’s Ladder that I hyperlink to in my intro to this pattern. Here is the link:
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/jacob.html
I have done many baby afghans in this original stitch and then felt the weave together turned out after awhile – loosed up so that is why I – only chained 8 and then twisted so looked more cable look. Especially when using a light weight yarn or very soft yarn…. LOVE IT…..
Pattern: Jacob Ladder Ripple
I am having a little problem with Row 3 where is says:
ch10, skip ch10. So you continuously have ten chains on top of each other? How do they connect to each other? Or, are they loose?
They will be loose like that until the blanket is as long as you want it. Then you will do the last few special rows and with the last row, you will loop all those chains up from the bottom to the top and catch the top loop in the last row of crochet.
I love this kind of afghan. I also have done the chain 10 where when I put together I will twist is half a turn so looks like an addt’l cable on the pattern. Never thought of this in a ripple tho… Thank you so very much….
I am a huge fan of ripples. My favorite..Thanks for the great pattern once again Mama!
I love this afghan. I have a grandson named Jacob and this will be a birthday gift to him. Thank you so much for the pattern. I love you site.
I have made many many of these but never with that drop down stitch, this is the exact color combo I am making I will be using it for a bedspread,I alwasy seem to come back to the ripple. I can see it will look wonderful this way.
Thank you it is just beautiful you did a great job.
I’m a beginner. Isn’t there an easier ripple pattern?
Here is one of mine that is simpler:
http://blogs.thetucker.com/knit/2012/03/16/eyelet-ripple-afghan/
Here are a couple from other sites that are simpler:
http://www.abc-knitting-patterns.com/1054.html
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/ripple-throwback
I have a question. I’ve never done a ripple pattern before and honestly this is my first time reading a full pattern. Are the chains of 10 supposed to be right on top of each other like a regular Jacob ladder? Mine are off set of one another and I’m not sure if I’m doing it correctly. If not I’m not sure where I went wrong. Pics would be great but right now any help would be great.
The chain segments should line up. If you look back at the pattern again, I’ve added a photo of the blanket in progress with the chains unlinked. Hope that helps diagnose what is happening with your blanket.
Thank you so much! After starting over I found my mistake. The picture has helped me stay on track. It is much easier for me to have visuals to go off of as well. Thanks again for your help and for your great site. I have been reading many post from people and your replies, it has been helpful. I’m excited to try many of your patterns.
I have done 14 of these. 1 for each grandchild and 1 for my sister. So easy
Love this pattern, I am fixing to start making a couple different blankets & this is might make it on the list as one of them that I am going to make!
I love your patterns. What more is there to say.
I want to make this afghan and it just be me but I want to make it in three colors and not able to fine the amount of each color I will need. Will make the largest one. Thank you very much for your site
I added a chart that I’ve been including for my more recent patterns that has the ounces and yardage for the different sizes. I also added two more larger sizes. It still just has a total yarn amount. The amount of each depends on if you want equal width stripes of the different colors or not. Let me know if you want more calculations based on your stripe pattern.
I don’t see a link for the chart….am I missing it?
I love your afghans.
It’s a size chart under Size pretty close to the top of the pattern.
I have a pillow pattern that matches this afghan, and have made at least twenty five of them. Now I will make the afghan as a set, for gifts. Thank you for the pattern. My pillow pattern is round.
This is such a clever idea! I wonder if it wouldn’t work with a round ripple ‘ghan. I’m gonna give it a try!
I’ve crocheted 3 Jacob Ladder blankets, but this one beats all. It’s lovely, and I just started it. Can’t wait for the completion to post on my FB wall.
OMG! this is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! and in my FAVORITE COLORS! This kind of reminds me of the Mile Long Afghan that a Youtuber created, the difference is you’re working strips then you crocheted them together when you’re done making your strips.
Thank you for this free pattern!
Respectfully,
Crystal
I love crocheting this pattern. I’ve just started it and on 3rd row. I’m confused because it appears that with each row it is getting wider. I’m crocheting with mohair yarn and i really don’t want to ruin this. Will the last 3 rows make it be a straight edge on the sides? Help Please. I’ll be waiting to hear from you and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!
Have you seen this blog post about this blanket? She has a lot of great pictures which might help you see if yours is going right. Let me know if you still think something is wrong. Maybe you could send me a picture of yours if you are still concerned.
http://alottastitches.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/climbing-jacobs-ladders-and-what-happened-after/
When I do the ch 10 on the 2nd row and then sk 2 dc do I actually skip 10 on the 1st row or immediately sk the next 2 dc? Thank you for any help.
You just skip 2 dc and then pick up again. So in other words in the second row, there will be a ch 10 loop above 2 skipped dc stitches at each peak and valley of the ripple going across. The ch 10 will be loose and look funny, but when you loop them all up at the end of the the project they make sense.
Thank you for clearing that up for me!
I’m wondering about looping the chains. It leaves an open gap at the bottom which doesn’t look good. Is the first chain supposed to loop between the 2 DC below it? I love this pattern and am about half done with my first one. Thank you so much for this pattern!!!
I think if you loop the first chain between those 2 dc it will pull it too tight and cause a ripple at the bottom. That hole is one of the carry overs from the original Jacob’s Ladder that this one is based on. I think some people have stitched the hole shut. When I designed this one, I pondered that problem and couldn’t ever come up with a solution that I liked.
I ended up twisting the first chain twice and the rest of the chains once. There’s still a hole at the bottom but it’s small and hardly noticeable. I used colors really close to what’s in your pictures: Red Heart Super Saver Windsor Blue, Country Blue and Light Grey. I’m very happy with how it turned out. Thanks again for this pattern! If you’d like to see a picture of it, I’m on Ravelry as “Stueysmom”.
i am trying to crochet the jacob’s ladder ripple afghan. i don’t understand what the abbrev tr means. any help will be appreciated. thanks
tr = triple/treble crochet
I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. I’ve started over 3 times with the same result each time. I need your help. One end grows with each row and the other shrinks.I tried to send a pic but can’t figure it out.
I sent you an e-mail with my e-mail address. I’d love to see a picture to try to diagnose the problem.
Thank you this Blanket so nice so beautiful
Thank’s & have a good time
I really like this pattern, however it doesn’t tell you what the color combination is. These colors would be perfect for my son. If you can tell me what the colors are please email me, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Jen
It’s all Caron Simply Soft.
8 rows – Dark Country Blue
4 rows – Country Blue
8 rows – Light Country Blue
4 rows – Country Blue
repeated for length of blanket and ended with 8 rows of Dark Country Blue.
Thank you so much for this pattern I am in Australia and find it hard to get patterns this is beautiful. Perfect for a baby as little fingers won’t get caught.
i luv doing ripples but for some odd reason my 2nd row does not come out right my dc2togdoes not even with row 1 im mad cause i want to make this for a dpecial person
sorry i meam 3dc2og im on my 4th time trying this
thanks for ur help do u have a video on how to do this that would help me maybeim going to keep trying i dont wanna give up yet
I made a couple of tutorial videos for it. I hope they are helpful. If not, please let me know.
http://youtu.be/C-8JUj_6yGk
http://youtu.be/TFEoNqsZZSY
Such a beautiful pattern but I seem to be having a problem. As I work the 2 dc, 1 tr into the turning chain the edges end up at an angle makeing it wider and wider instead of a straight line. Any advice?
Make sure you always have 6 dc between the dc3tog and the 2dc/tr at the beginning and end of each row. I had a request for a tutorial video, so that may also be helpful.
http://youtu.be/C-8JUj_6yGk