Peach Ripple Square Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Peach Ripple Square is a cheerful 12-inch afghan block that brings a little retro sunshine to any project. It is written for beginners, using only double crochet, simple decreases, and chain spaces to create its wavy chevron texture. Worked in soft worsted weight yarn, it alternates two-row stripes of peach and apricot for a warm, sunset-inspired look. The finished square is flat, lightly ridged, and wonderfully squishy, making it perfect for blankets, pillows, or a sampler afghan.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn, approximately 200 yards total: 100 yards peach (Color A), 100 yards apricot (Color B)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I/9)
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, measuring tape
- Finished size: 12 inches (30.5 cm) square
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- dc2tog: double crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
- RS: right side (the front of the fabric)
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- [ ]: repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
12 dc and 6 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the ripple pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your stitches at the end of every row. Each row should always have 47 dc and 2 ch-2 spaces, so any mistake is easy to spot early.
- Change colors at the very end of the last row of each color pair, completing the final stitch with the new color for a clean stripe.
- Keep your ch-2 spaces loose and even; these form the peaks and valleys of the ripple and give the square its shape.
- Work the edging evenly, spacing your single crochets so the border lies flat rather than ruffling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The square is worked in rows back and forth, changing color every 2 rows.
Main Square
Setup: With A, ch 51.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in next 2 ch, *[dc2tog over next 2 ch] twice, dc in next 3 ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch 2, 2 dc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch; rep from * to last 7 ch, [dc2tog over next 2 ch] twice, dc in last 3 ch (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, dc in next 2 dc, *[dc2tog over next 2 sts] twice, dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * to last 7 sts, [dc2tog over next 2 sts] twice, dc in last 3 sts (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 3-4: With B, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 5-6: With A, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 7-8: With B, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 9-10: With A, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 11-12: With B, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 13-14: With A, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 15-16: With B, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps).
Rows 17-18: With A, repeat Row 2 (47 dc, 2 ch-2 sps). Do not fasten off.
Edging
Rnd 1: With A, ch 1, turn, sc evenly around entire square, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
This square is a single flat piece, so no seaming is required. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, working them through several stitches in different directions so they stay secure. Block the square lightly by misting it with water and pinning it to 12 inches square on a blocking mat; let it dry completely. Blocking smooths the ripple edges and helps the square lie flat for joining into blankets or pillows.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Make a solid-color version by working all 18 rows in peach, or swap in any two colors that suit your blanket palette.
- Add a second edging round in apricot single crochet for a contrasting border that frames the stripes.
- Join several squares with a simple single crochet seam to create a full ripple-striped afghan or a cozy throw pillow cover.
