Ripples in the Sun Crochet Blanket in Bernat Maker Outdoor Stripes - Downloadable PDF

Ripples in the Sun Crochet Blanket in Bernat Maker Outdoor Stripes – Pattern Summary

The Ripples in the Sun Crochet Blanket is a beautifully textured, large-format throw designed for crocheters who love classic ripple and chevron aesthetics. Published by Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores® and worked in Bernat® Maker Outdoor™ yarn, this pattern produces a finished blanket measuring approximately 50" x 60" (127 cm x 152.5 cm) — a generous lap or throw size ideal for outdoor lounging, gifting, or home décor. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF and is rated as a beginner-friendly project, making it an excellent choice for those who are just stepping beyond basic crochet skills.

What Is Being Made

This project is a crocheted ripple blanket, a timeless style characterized by its undulating wave or chevron structure created through strategic increases and decreases across each row. The ripple pattern gives the finished throw a dynamic, flowing visual texture that catches the light beautifully — fitting perfectly with the name Ripples in the Sun. The blanket's substantial dimensions make it suitable as a cozy outdoor throw, a decorative accent for patio furniture, or a practical indoor blanket.

Techniques Used

• Ripple/chevron construction: The defining technique of this blanket, achieved by working increases and decreases at regular intervals across each row to create a wave-like structure. This is a foundational crochet technique that teaches pattern reading and row consistency.
• Foundation chain setup: The blanket begins with a chain of 137 stitches, establishing the full width of the piece from the very first row.
• Right-side row work: The pattern specifies a right side (RS), meaning the blanket is worked with attention to orientation and presentation of the finished fabric face.
• Skipped chain technique: The first row uses a skipped ch-4 that counts as 1 double crochet and a chain-1 space, a common method for creating a neat, structured edge at the beginning of a row.
• Decrease clusters: The ripple valleys are formed using a dc3tog (double crochet 3 together) decrease, which draws multiple stitches together into a single point to shape the downward dip of each wave.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch throughout the entire blanket, worked in rows to build up the ripple fabric. Double crochet is a tall, open stitch that works up quickly and produces a slightly flexible, drapey fabric.
• Chain (ch): Used in the foundation row and at the beginning of rows to establish height and structure.
• Dc3tog (double crochet 3 together): A cluster decrease stitch that pulls three partially worked double crochets together through a final yarn-over, creating the valley points of the ripple pattern. This stitch is worked by drawing up a loop in the next stitch, yarning over and drawing through two loops — repeated three times — then yarning over and drawing through all remaining loops on the hook.
• Yarn over hook (yoh): A fundamental action used throughout the double crochet and decrease stitches.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Bernat® Maker Outdoor™ in colorway Fresh Red Stripe (96006). This is a chunky weight yarn, sold in 8.8 oz / 250 g skeins with approximately 249 yards / 228 meters per skein. A total of 7 balls are required to complete the blanket. Bernat® Maker Outdoor™ is specifically formulated for outdoor use, making it resistant to the elements — a practical choice for patio throws, garden seating, or any project that may be exposed to sun and moisture. The Fresh Red Stripe colorway brings a vibrant, multi-tonal striped effect to the finished ripple design without requiring any color changes by the crafter, as the stripe effect is built into the yarn itself.
• Hook: A U.S. size L/11 (8 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to achieve