Ridge & Flow DC + Slip Stitch Crochet Blanket
A soothing, textured blanket worked only with double crochet and slip stitch. Written in US terms with UK equivalents noted.
Skill Level
Beginner/Improver
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight (Category 4). Choose a soft, resilient fiber like superwash wool, wool blend, or acrylic.
- Approximate Yardage (Imperial/Metric):
- Baby 30 x 34 in (76 x 86 cm): 850–1000 yd (780–915 m)
- Lap 40 x 50 in (102 x 127 cm): 1450–1800 yd (1325–1645 m)
- Throw 48 x 60 in (122 x 152 cm): 1900–2400 yd (1740–2195 m)
- Twin 66 x 90 in (168 x 229 cm): 3500–4400 yd (3200–4025 m)
- Queen 90 x 90 in (229 x 229 cm): 4700–5600 yd (4300–5120 m)
- Crochet Hooks (US / UK Old / Metric):
- Main: US I-9 / UK 5 / 5.5 mm
- Swatch up or down if needed: US H-8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm; US J-10 / UK 4 / 6.0 mm
- Optional for edging finesse: US G-6 / UK 8 / 4.0 mm or US 7 / UK 7 / 4.5 mm
- Notions: Tapestry needle, locking stitch markers, measuring tape, blocking tools.
Gauge (after blocking)
13 sts x 16 rows in pattern = 4 in x 4 in (10 x 10 cm) using US I-9 (5.5 mm, UK 5). Adjust hook to match.
Sizes & Starting Chains
Pattern width can be any stitch count. For convenience, use these starting chains (foundation chain = target stitch count + 3 for turning chain):
- Baby 30 in (76 cm): ch 101 (98 dc across)
- Lap 40 in (102 cm): ch 133 (130 dc across)
- Throw 48 in (122 cm): ch 159 (156 dc across)
- Twin 66 in (168 cm): ch 217 (214 dc across)
- Queen 90 in (229 cm): ch 295 (292 dc across)
Length is worked to measurement; approximate rows based on gauge: ~4 rows per inch (2 pattern repeats per inch).
Stitches & Terms
- US dc (double crochet) = UK tr (treble)
- sl st (slip stitch)
- ch (chain)
- BLO = back loop only (furthest loop)
- RS/WS = right/wrong side
Turning Chains: For dc rows, ch 3 counts as 1 dc. For slip stitch rows, ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
Texture Strategy
DC rows add height and drape; slip-stitch rows in BLO compress slightly to create gentle, modern ridges without bulk.
Pattern (US terms; UK in parentheses)
Foundation: Ch your chosen starting chain from Sizes & Starting Chains.
- Row 1 (RS): Dc (tr) in 4th ch from hook (ch-3 counts as first dc), dc (tr) in each ch across. Turn.
- Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (does not count), sl st BLO in each st across, keeping tension relaxed. Turn.
- Row 3 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across, working under both loops of the sl sts. Turn.
- Repeat Rows 2–3 until the blanket measures your desired length (see size targets). End after a Row 2 for a balanced edge if you plan the border below.
Edge Consistency Notes
- Always place the last dc of dc rows into the top of the ch-3 from the previous dc row to maintain a straight edge.
- Keep slip stitches gently loose; consider a hook one size larger for Row 2 only if your slip stitches run tight.
Optional Color Play
- Single Ridge Stripes: Change color on each Row 2 (sl st BLO). Carry yarn up the side neatly for fewer ends.
- Chunky Blocks: Work 6 dc rows + 6 sl st rows in Color A, then repeat in Color B.
- Fades: Alternate every 2 rows for 8–12 rows when transitioning between colors.
Border (clean and sturdy)
- Round 1 (Settle): With RS facing and same or contrasting color, ch 1, sl st evenly around the entire blanket, placing 1 sl st per row along sides and 3 sl sts in each corner. Join with sl st to first sl st. Do not tighten excessively.
- Round 2: Ch 3 (counts), dc in same st as join, dc across to corner, (dc, ch 1, dc) in corner stitch, continue dc evenly around, working (dc, ch 1, dc) in each corner. Join to top of ch-3.
- Round 3: Repeat Round 2.
- Rounds 4–7 (Ribbed Finish): Ch 1, sl st BLO in each st around; in corners work 1 sl st BLO in each of the ch-1 corner spaces to keep corners crisp. Join. Repeat for a total of 4 rib rounds or to taste. Fasten off.
Swatching & Measuring
- Ch 31, work Rows 1–3 as written until you have at least 5 in (13 cm) of fabric.
- Block the swatch. Measure 4 in across the center; you should have ~13 sts and ~16 rows. Adjust hook if needed.
Finishing
- Weave in ends carefully along slip-stitch ridges for invisibility.
- Block: Gently wet block or steam block (check yarn label) to even stitches and open the texture.
Customization
- Heavier Drape: Use US J-10 / UK 4 / 6.0 mm and adjust starting chain via swatch.
- Lighter Fabric: Use US H-8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm; add stitches to maintain width.
- Fringe: Add after finishing; cut strands 6–8 in (15–20 cm) and attach every 2–3 stitches on the short edges.
Troubleshooting
- Wavy Sides: Your slip stitches may be too tight/loose. Match edge stitch counts and consider a larger hook for sl st rows.
- Leaning Fabric: Ensure you’re working slip stitches in BLO on WS rows and dc under both loops on RS rows.
- Uneven Width: Count stitches every few rows; dc rows should always match your initial dc count.
Abbreviations Quick Ref
US: ch, sl st, dc. UK: ch, sl st, tr.
Care
Follow yarn label. Typically machine wash cold, lay flat to dry for best longevity and shape.
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