purlJam

# Baby Cryptids Ripple Afghan

This beginner-friendly blanket features a classic chevron "wave" pattern reminiscent of misty forests and deep lakes where cryptids hide. To finish the look, simple appliqués of a Baby Mothman, Baby Bigfoot, and Baby Nessie are added to the surface.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Finished Measurements:** Approx. 50" x 60" (127 cm x 152 cm)

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Worsted Weight (Size 4), 100% Acrylic or Cotton Blend.
    *   Color A (Midnight Blue): 3 skeins (approx. 600 yds)
    *   Color B (Forest Green): 3 skeins (approx. 600 yds)
    *   Color C (Misty Gray): 3 skeins (approx. 600 yds)
    *   Small amounts of Black, Brown, and Green for Appliqués.
*   **Hook:** US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers.

## Gauge
14 dc and 8 rows = 4" (10 cm). 
*Note: Correct gauge is important to ensure the blanket reaches the 50" width.*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
*   **ch:** chain
*   **dc:** double crochet
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rep:** repeat
*   **sk:** skip
*   **sc:** single crochet
*   **sl st:** slip stitch

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## The Ripple Blanket

**Stitch Pattern Notes:**
*   The "Peak" is created by working 3 dc into one stitch.
*   The "Valley" is created by skipping 2 stitches.
*   The starting ch-3 counts as 1 dc throughout.

**Foundation Chain:** With Color A, ch 171. (Math: [12 repeats x 14] + 3 = 171).

**Row 1:** Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc in first st). Dc in next 5 ch. *Sk 2 ch, dc in next 5 ch, 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 ch. Rep from * across until 8 ch remain. Sk 2 ch, dc in next 5 ch, 2 dc in last ch. Turn. (168 sts total, excluding turning chains).

**Row 2:** Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first st. Dc in next 5 sts. *Sk 2 sts, dc in next 5 sts, 3 dc in next st (the center st of previous peak), dc in next 5 sts. Rep from * across until 8 sts remain. Sk 2 sts, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in top of turning ch. Turn. 

**Row 3-120:** Repeat Row 2, following the Color Sequence below.

**Color Sequence:**
*   Rows 1-10: Color A (Midnight)
*   Rows 11-20: Color B (Green)
*   Rows 21-30: Color C (Gray)
*   Repeat this sequence 4 times total (120 rows).

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## Cryptid Appliqués (Make 2 of each)

### 1. Baby Mothman (Black Yarn)
1. **Body:** Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st. (6)
2. **Round 2:** Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join. (12)
3. **Wings:** Ch 5, dc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Fasten off. Sew to sides. 
4. **Eyes:** Use red yarn to stitch two small dots.

### 2. Baby Bigfoot (Brown Yarn)
1. **Body:** Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 chs. 3 sc in last ch. Working along the bottom of the chain: sc in next 3 chs, 2 sc in last ch. Join. (12)
2. **Ears:** Ch 2 at the top of the head, sl st back into same st. Repeat for second ear.
3. **Face:** Use light brown yarn to stitch a small "V" for a nose.

### 3. Baby Nessie (Green Yarn)
1. **Neck/Head:** Ch 12. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 chs (Head). 
2. **Body:** Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 3 chs. 
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Shape into an "S" curve when sewing to blanket.

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## Finishing
1. **Block** the blanket lightly to open up the ripple peaks.
2. **Layout:** Arrange your 6 cryptid appliqués on the peaks of the blanket in a random "hide and seek" fashion. 
3. **Attach:** Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the appliqués securely to the blanket.
4. **Weave in all ends.**

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## Math Validation for Editor
*   **Total Stitches Per Row:** 12 repeats. Each repeat consists of: 5 dc (side) + 3 dc (peak) + 5 dc (side) = 13. The 2 skipped stitches in the valley are not worked. 
*   **Edge Math:** The 2 dc at the start and the 2 dc at the end provide the extra stitch needed to keep the count consistent.
*   **Verification:** (2 start) + (5 dc) + [11 repeats of (sk 2, 5 dc, 3 dc, 5 dc)] + (sk 2, 5 dc, 2 end) = 171 chains used. Perfect.