The crochet V Stitch Ripple combines the open, airy appearance of classic V-stitches with the beautiful peaks and valleys of a traditional crochet ripple.
Groups of V-stitches create little fan-like sections along the peaks, while decreases pull the fabric inward to form valleys. The result is a rhythmic zigzag pattern with plenty of movement and just enough openwork to keep the fabric from feeling heavy.
It also looks fantastic worked in alternating colours, where every row of the ripple becomes much more pronounced.
About the Crochet V Stitch Ripple
This ripple is built around a simple combination of double crochet stitches, V-stitches and double crochet decreases. At each peak, two V-stitches are positioned close together to increase the number of stitches and push the fabric outward. At each valley, stitches are skipped and double crochet decreases draw the fabric inward.
Once the first row establishes those peaks and valleys, the following rows are worked into the chain spaces of the V-stitches below. This makes the pattern much easier to follow than its finished appearance might suspect.
Crochet V Stitch Ripple at a Glance
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Stitches used: double crochet, V-stitch, dc2tog
- Row repeat: 1 row
- Stitch multiple: 14 + 2
- Texture: Lightly textured and slightly open
- Shape: Pronounced peaks and valleys
- Colour changes: Optional but ideal for emphasising the ripple
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- dc2tog – double crochet 2 together
- V-st – V-stitch
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- yo – yarn over
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
Special stitches:
V-stitch (V-st) – (dc, ch 1, dc) in designated stitch.
dc2tog – yo, insert hook into designated st, yo and pull through (3 loops on hook), yo and pull through 2 loops on your hook. Yo and insert hook into the next st, yo and pull up a loop. You should have 4 loops on your hook. Yo and pull through 2 loops. You should have 3 loops on your hook. Yo and pull through all 3 loops.
How to Crochet the V Stitch Ripple
Make a foundation chain in multiples of 14 + 2.
Row 1:
Work a dc in the 3rd ch from hook, *Sk 2 ch, V-st in the next ch, sk 2 ch, (V-st, ch 1, V-st) in the next ch, sk 2 ch, V-st in the next ch, sk 2 ch**, dc2tog over (next ch, sk next ch, next ch), rep from * across ending last rep at **, dc2tog. Turn. Change colour.
Row 2:
Ch 2, dc in ch-1 sp of the next V-st, *V-st in ch-1 sp of next V-st, (V-st, ch 1, V-st) in next ch-1 sp, V-st in next ch-1 sp**, dc2tog over (ch-1 sp of next V-st, sk next dc2tog, ch-1 sp of next V-st), rep from * across, ending last rep at **, dc2tog over (ch-1 sp of next V-st, next dc2tog). Turn. Change colour.
Repeat:
Rep row 2 for the stitch pattern changing colour every row.
Tips for the Crochet V Stitch Ripple
Once your first couple of rows are complete, use the peaks and valleys of the previous row as visual markers. This is much easier than repeatedly counting your way across the entire row.
The central chain one space between the two V-stitches marks a peak, while the decrease marks a valley. If those points remain aligned from row to row, your ripple should stay beautifully even.
It’s also worth checking your work after each row when you’re first learning the pattern. Ripple stitches have a mildly irritating talent for letting you discover a mistake three rows later!
Crochet V Stitch Ripple FAQs
Is the Crochet V Stitch Ripple difficult?
I’d say this is an intermediate stitch pattern. You definitely need to keep track of the increases, decreases and V-stitch placement to maintain the ripple.
What creates the peaks?
The peaks are formed by working two V-stitches separated by a chain 1 into the same stitch or chain space.
What creates the valleys?
Double crochet decreases combined with skipped stitches reduce the width at specific points, pulling the fabric inward to form each valley.
Do I have to change colour every row?
No. The stitch works really well in a single colour. Changing colour every row simply makes the ripple pattern and V-stitch structure more noticeable.
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