Crochet Granny Ripple Stitch

The crochet Granny Ripple Stitch combines the classic look of granny stitch with a bold zigzag shape. Increase create the peaks while strategically placed skipped groups form the valleys. The result is a rhythmic ripple made from familiar clusters of three double crochet stitches.

This stitch is particularly effective when different yarn colours are used for each row. Changing colour regularly highlights the zigzag shape and gives the finished fabric that unmistakable granny style appearance.

Crochet Granny Ripple Stitch Instructions

Your foundation chain must be in multiples of 25 + 3.

Row 1:

Work 3 dc in the 6th ch from the hook (5 skipped ch count as a dc and 2 ch), (sk 2 ch, 3 dc in the next ch) 3 times, *ch 2, (3 dc in the next ch, sk 2 ch) 4 times**, sk the next 5 ch, (3 dc in the next ch, sk 2 ch) 4 times, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, sk 2 ch, dc in the last ch. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), sk the first cluster of 3 dc, *(3 dc in the sp between the last dc of the 3 dc cluster and the first 3 dc of the next 3 dc cluster) 3 times, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 sp, sk the next 3 dc cluster, (3 dc in the sp between the last dc of the 3 dc cluster and the first dc of the next cluster) 3 times**, sk 2 3 dc cluster groups, rep from * across, ending the last rep at **, sk the last 3 dc cluster, dc in the turning chain. Turn.

Repeat:

Rep row 2 for your required swatch.

How the Granny Ripple Stitch Works

The zigzag shape comes from balancing increases at the peaks with decreases at the valleys. At each peak, two granny clusters separated by a chain 2 space are worked into the same chain space. This adds stitches and pushes the fabric upwards. At the valleys, entire granny clusters are skipped. Removing those stitches pulls the fabric down again and creates the opposite point of the ripple.

Once those two areas become familiar, it’s much easier to recognise where you are in the repeat without constantly counting every stitch.

Changing Colours

Colour can completely change the appearance of this stitch. Working each row in a different shade creates strong stripes that follow the peaks and valleys, and makes the traditional granny construction especially noticeable.

You don’t have to change colour every row though. Try alternating every two or three rows creating a repeating colour sequence or working the entire piece in one shade.

Tips for Working the Granny Ripple Stitch

Keep an eye on the chain 2 spaces at the peaks as these are useful visual markers for keeping your increases correctly positioned. The valleys are equally important. make sure you’re skipping the correct granny clusters so the decreases remain aligned from one row to the next.

If you’re changing colours every row, leave enough yarn when fastening off to weave in securely. There will be quite a few ends as granny stripes do enjoy giving us homework!

Crochet Granny Ripple Stitch FAQs

Is the Granny Ripple stitch difficult?

The individual stitches are simple but keeping track of the increases and decreases requires a little more concentration than an ordinary granny stitch. Once the first couple of rows are complete the repeating shape becomes much easier to recognise.

What is the stitch multiple for the Granny Ripple Stitch?

The stitch multiple for this stitch is 25 + 3.

Do I have to change colour every row?

No. Colour changes are completely optional. Using a new colour for each row emphasises the classic granny look, while a single colour version puts more attention on the texture and ripple shape.

Why are my peaks and valleys moving out of position?

Check that the chain 2 increases are being worked directly into the previous rows peaks and that you’re skipping the correct clusters at each valley. A misplaced increase or decrease can shift the entire ripple surprisingly quickly.