How to Knit a Waving V Design

A waving V design in knitting is often called a ripple pattern. This is a simple pattern and a good choice for a knitter who is moving on from basic stockinette. Ripple patterns are used in patterns ranging from afghans to sweaters, scarves to gloves. They can be done in a fine laceweight yarn or a bulky wool, depending upon the desired effect.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles
• Stitch markers

Instructions

1. Plan out your pattern and design. A scarf, afghan or other flat-knit item might need only a border and the waving V design to make a lovely finished product. If you are adapting a pattern for a sweater or another shaped item to this sort of pattern, you may need to make some alterations. You will also need to decide if you are working in a solid color or stripes. One of the most fun uses for this sort of pattern is creating multicolored stripes. This works very well for a large item like an afghan or floor pillow, but is also a fun idea for a child's sweater or vest. Worked in a solid, a V pattern is ideal even for adult women's garments, but may be too feminine for most menswear. Adapting the pattern to manage shaping may take some experimentation, so this design can work best for simpler garments.

2. Knit a gauge swatch, in pattern. Working a gauge swatch in the knit waving V design will allow you to work out any sizing issues, but will also allow you to determine whether the yarn and needles you have chosen are right for the project. A ripple pattern like this works well in both very soft and firmer yarns, and will knit up nicely in artificial or natural fibers. Wash and block your gauge swatch to judge how the yarn will handle laundering.

3. Cast on the desired number of stitches. This is an 18-stitch pattern, so you will want to choose a multiple of 18. You may wish to add a border at each edge in garter or seed stitch to produce a nice, flat, non-rolling edge for a scarf or afghan. The waving V design is not as apt to roll as some knitting patterns, but an edging is still a nice touch and may add durability. Scale your edging to the garment as desired. A four-stitch edging may be right for a scarf, but an additional eight stitches or rows on each side might be better for an afghan.

4. Start with row one of the knit ripple design or waving V pattern. Row 1 is the only row that is not a basic knitting, so keeping track of your rows in this pattern is quite easy. R1: *Knit 2 together 3 times, Knit 1, yarn over 6 times, Knit 2 together 3 times. Repeat from * to end of row. Placing a stitch marker at the end of each repeat can be helpful and can prevent frustrating errors.

5. Knit all stitches on Rows 2 and 3. On Row 4, purl all stitches. Begin again from Row 1. If you would like to stripe your item, a four-row stripe works well, but eight-, 12- or 16-row stripes also work great when knitting a waving V. Repeat this four-row pattern until your item has reached the desired length. Bind off your stitches.

6. Wash and lay flat your hand-knit item. Carefully blocking your knitting will help to open up the waving V pattern and make it show up well, especially if you have used a wool yarn. The waving V design is great for baby afghans, lap blankets, scarves and much more. If you are looking to branch out beyond the basics, this may be a great choice.