Peaks and valleys — the stripe superstar. BeginnerUS: chevUK: chev
Chevron / Ripple has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated chev), so you can follow either without converting.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by American Crochet Association on YouTube.
How to crochet the Chevron / Ripple — step by step
Foundation: chain a multiple of your repeat (e.g. 14) + 3.
Row 1: 2 dc in the 4th chain from hook, dc in the next 5 chains, *dc3tog over the next 3 chains (the valley), dc in the next 5, 3 dc in the next (the peak), dc in next 5*; repeat, ending with 2 dc in the last chain; turn.
Every following row repeats the same shaping: increases at every peak, decreases at every valley, so the zigzag lines up.
Switch colours at row ends for the classic ripple blanket.
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Common mistakes with the Chevron / Ripple
Carrying the unused yarn too tight — floats pucker the fabric.
Changing colour on the last pull-through of the *old* colour instead of the new one; always finish the last stitch of the old colour with the new colour.
Not weaving in ends as you go — save yourself a whole evening at the end.
Planning a project with the Chevron / Ripple? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
The Chevron / Ripple has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated chev.
Is the Chevron / Ripple good for beginners?
It is a beginner stitch — you can learn it in your first week. Peaks and valleys — the stripe superstar.
Can I crochet the Chevron / Ripple left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Chevron / Ripple, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Chevron / Ripple used for?
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Learn the Chevron / Ripple in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.