How to Crochet an Afghan With V-Shaped Ends and Make the Ends Lie Flat

Crochet ripples into your afghan using increases and decreases.

The ripple-stitch afghan is an attractive addition to a living room or bedroom. This crochet technique involves increases and decreases crocheted in a repeating pattern that helps to create the hills and valleys of each ripple. If you crochet your stitches too tightly, the afghan will curl up. Crochet each chain stitch through the points loosely so the top of each ripple lies flat. Each increase and decrease is positioned at the tops and bottoms of the ripples. When it is complete, it should measure approximately 40 inches by 68 inches. To crochet this afghan, you should be comfortable with color changes, increases and decreases.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted-weight yarn, two colors, two 1 lb. skeins each
• Size I crochet hook
• Scissors
• Large-eye tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Crochet a foundation chain of 168 chain stitches, making your stitches loose.

2. Double crochet (DC) in the fourth chain from the hook and into the next seven stitches. Repeat this sequence to the final 10 chain stitches: Work one DC, one chain stitch and one DC into the next chain for the point; DC into each of the next nine chain stitches. Skip the next two chain stitches. DC into each of the next nine stitches. As you get to the last 10 chain stitches of the foundation chain, crochet one DC, one chain stitch and one DC into the next chain stitch for the last point. Work one DC into each of the remaining nine chain stitches. Crochet two chain stitches and turn the work.

3. Skip the next DC for Row 2 and DC in the back loop of the next DC and the next seven DC. Repeating from here to the chain stitch on the last point, work a DC, crochet one chain stitch and DC in the next chain at the point. DC in the back loop of the next nine DC and skip the next two DC. DC in the back loop of the next nine DC. Repeat pattern ends here. Crochet one DC, work one chain stitch and one DC in the chain at the last point. DC in the back loop of the next nine DC and skip the next DC. DC in the top of the turning chain. Chain two and turn the work.

4. Repeat the second row seven more times. After you finish crocheting Row 9, change to the second yarn color in this way: crochet the last DC in the top of the turning chain until you have two loops of the first yarn color on the hook. Cut the first color and join the second and complete the final DC with the second color. Work two chain stitches and turn the work.

5. Create the following color pattern, repeating with the Row 2 instructions: two rows of color two, one row of color one, two rows of color two, two rows of color one, one row of color two, seven rows of color one, two rows of color two, two rows of color one, one row of color two, one row of color one and five rows of color two. Repeat this color pattern one more time, then crochet two rows of color two, one row of color one, four rows of color two, two rows of color one, one row of color two and nine rows of color one. Fasten off and cut the yarn with the scissors. Using the tapestry needle, neatly weave the ends in.

Tips & Warnings

• As you create the hills and valleys of each ripple, keep the stitches loose enough that the work lies flat and does not begin to curl up.

References

• Boye: I Taught Myself to Crochet