purlJam

# The "Ghost with the Most" Ripple Throw

This beginner-friendly pattern uses the iconic chevron (ripple) stitch to create a graphic representation of Beetlejuice. The black and white stripes represent his suit, while a centered color-block section creates the "image" of his face and green hair.

## Specifications
*   **Skill Level:** Beginner
*   **Size:** Approx. 50" x 60" (127 cm x 152 cm)
*   **Gauge:** 13 dc and 7 rows = 4" (10 cm). *Note: Gauge is not critical but will affect final size.*
*   **Yarn:** Worsted Weight (Category 4)
    *   Color A: Black (Approx. 1200 yds)
    *   Color B: White (Approx. 1000 yds)
    *   Color C: Neon Green (Approx. 200 yds)
    *   Color D: Purple (Approx. 150 yds)
*   **Hook:** US I-9 / 5.5 mm
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
*   **ch:** chain
*   **dc:** double crochet
*   **dc3tog:** double crochet three together (decrease)
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **rep:** repeat

## Special Stitches
*   **dc3tog (Decrease):** [Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] 3 times, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
*   **Peak (Increase):** Work 3 dc into the same stitch.

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## Pattern Instructions

### The Foundation
**Base Chain:** With Color A (Black), ch 185.
*(Math Check: 13 repeats x 14 sts + 3 for foundation = 185 chains).*

**Row 1:** Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc in first st). Dc in next 5 ch. *dc3tog over next 3 ch. Dc in next 5 ch. 3 dc in next ch. Rep from * 11 more times. Dc in next 5 ch. dc3tog over next 3 ch. Dc in next 5 ch. 2 dc in last ch. Turn. (182 sts).

**Row 2:** Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in same st. Dc in next 5 sts. *dc3tog over next 3 sts (the valley). Dc in next 5 sts. 3 dc in next st (the peak). Rep from * 11 more times. Dc in next 5 sts. dc3tog over next 3 sts. Dc in next 5 sts. 2 dc in last st (top of ch-3). Turn.

### Color Sequence for Beetlejuice Image
To create the image of Beetlejuice by hand, follow this row-by-row color guide. Each "Stripe" is 4 rows thick.

1.  **Suit Section (Bottom):** 
    *   Rows 1-4: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 5-8: Color B (White)
    *   Rows 9-12: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 13-16: Color B (White)
    *   Rows 17-20: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 21-24: Color B (White)

2.  **The Face Section (Middle):**
    *   Rows 25-28 (Purple Accent/Tie): Color D (Purple)
    *   Rows 29-44 (The Face): 
        *   The first 4 ripples and last 4 ripples are Color A (Black).
        *   The **center 5 ripples** (Ripples 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) are worked in Color B (White). 
        *   *Technique:* When you reach the 5th ripple, drop Color A and join Color B. Carry the unused yarn along the top of the stitches (tapestry crochet) or use separate bobbins.
    *   Rows 45-52 (The Hair): 
        *   The first 3 ripples and last 3 ripples are Color A (Black).
        *   The **center 7 ripples** (Ripples 4 through 10) are worked in Color C (Neon Green).

3.  **Suit Section (Top):**
    *   Rows 53-56: Color B (White)
    *   Rows 57-60: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 61-64: Color B (White)
    *   Rows 65-68: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 69-72: Color B (White)
    *   Rows 73-76: Color A (Black)
    *   Rows 77-80: Color D (Purple) - Final Border Row.

### Math Validation for All Rows
Every row must maintain exactly 182 stitches. 
*   Starts with 2 dc (inc)
*   13 Valleys (13 dc3tog = 26 stitches decreased)
*   12 Peaks (12 sets of 3-dc = 24 stitches increased)
*   Ends with 2 dc (inc)
*   Net change: +1 +24 +1 - 26 = 0. Stitch count remains stable.

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## Finishing
1.  **Weaving Ends:** Because this is a beginner project with many color changes, use your tapestry needle to weave in ends securely every 10 rows to avoid a large task at the end.
2.  **Edging (Optional):** If the sides appear uneven, join Color D (Purple) at any corner. Work 1 row of sc evenly around the entire perimeter, placing 3 sc in each corner.
3.  **Surface Detail (The "Image" Detail):** For the "Face" section (Rows 29-44), you can use a length of Color A (Black) and a tapestry needle to stitch two large "X" shapes for eyes and a long horizontal line for a mouth onto the white ripple section. This "by hand" detail completes the Beetlejuice character look.

**Block the blanket** by laying it flat and misting with water to open up the ripple peaks.