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200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets and Throws: Textured Blocks to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets and Throws
-Fresh approach to knitting and crocheting with traditional and contemporary stitch patterns -Membership in the Knitting Guild of America has increased 21 percent - - to 11,000+ -- since the end of 2001, and surveys show most knitters also crochet
-Clearly describes degree of difficulty for each project
New and experienced knitters and crocheters will discover all the instruction and inspiration they need to create amazing afghans, scarves, pillow, wraps and blankets in this exciting new guide. An extensive directory covers 200 ripple-stitch patterns and variations, describes techniques used, and level of experience required to complete each project.
This book gives
-Detailed directions and more than 200 color illustrations to use in completing each project
-Tips for combining various types of yarns to create projects featuring a kaleidoscope of color
-Access to various knitting and crochet resource Web sites
-Clearly describes degree of difficulty for each project
New and experienced knitters and crocheters will discover all the instruction and inspiration they need to create amazing afghans, scarves, pillow, wraps and blankets in this exciting new guide. An extensive directory covers 200 ripple-stitch patterns and variations, describes techniques used, and level of experience required to complete each project.
This book gives
-Detailed directions and more than 200 color illustrations to use in completing each project
-Tips for combining various types of yarns to create projects featuring a kaleidoscope of color
-Access to various knitting and crochet resource Web sites
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
56 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Jan Eaton
118 books15 followersJAN EATON is known internationally for her specialty in needlecraft and textile designs. Since finishing her training at Goldsmiths College in London, Jan has worked as a freelance designer showcasing her embroidery, crochet, knitting, and textile painting designs in various UK and European magazines. Past works include the new edition of Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, Country Crochet and Knitted Lace, and 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans. (ref: http://us.macmillan.com/author/janeaton)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 24, 2019
200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets, and Throws by Jan Eaton is the new edition of the classic 2006 collection of beautiful stitch patterns for ripples, chevrons, and waves. The book opens with a thumbnail table of contents that lets you find favorite stitches again.
The Introduction is followed by How To Use This Book, which provides a visual reference for using the stitch patterns. This section also includes a list of US and UK pattern abbreviations and a guide to the symbols used in the book for pattern ease, yarn types, and to indicate if the pattern is knit (2 needles) or crocheted (a hook).
Colour is a 1-page section that provides an overview of color theory along with tips for choosing project colors.
Texture is a 1-page section that talks about incorporating smooth, lace, and textured stitches into your projects.
Yarn is a 2-page section that provides an overview of yarn weights and gauge.
The next section is the stitch collection. Each pattern includes the name, the pattern difficulty (on a scale of 1, 2, or 3), whether the stitch is knit or crochet, any special abbreviations used in the pattern, a photograph of a swatch, and both the number and a list of colors used in the pattern. The patterns are written in US abbreviations (with UK abbreviations in italics for the crochet patterns).
In terms of difficulty, the pattern breakdown is as follows:
Knitting (47 patterns total):
Level 1: 1 pattern
Level 2: 35 patterns
Level 3: 11 patterns
Crochet: (47 patterns total)
Level 1: 36 patterns
Level 2: 6 patterns
Level 3: 5 patterns
I imagine now is the time that you think, but wait, that’s just 94 patterns. And, I remember this was a critique of the original version of the book, too. Yes, there are 200 patterns in the book, but they are variations of these 94 original patterns. For example, a knitting pattern may include a 3-color and a 6-color variation with different notes about where to change colors. Similarly, a crochet pattern might include 2-color, 4-color, and 5-color variations. So, the book does actually have 200 patterns as each design is written in at least one alternate variation.
The book also includes 5 project patterns for a cushion (pillow) cover, a scarf, a wrap, a baby blanket, and an afghan. Each of the project patterns includes a brief introduction, suggestions for working in knit or crochet, and tips for choosing a stitch pattern and combining colors. The pattern will include specific directions using one of the book’s stitch patterns along with four suggested alternative patterns.
At the end of the book, there is a 3-page knitting techniques section including written and illustrated instructions for casting on, the knit and purl stitches, binding off, working into the back loop, slip stitching, and several methods for increasing and decreasing. Similarly, there is a 3-page crochet techniques section with written and illustrated instructions for forming a slip knot and chain, tips for counting turning chains, basic crochet stitches (single crochet, slip stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet), and decreasing.
The book closes with a yarn directory listing each color used in the stitches and the specific brand and color used as well as a note on which stitches use that color. There is also an index.
Some of my favorite things about 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns…
The pattern swatches always show either the top or bottom edge. This is so important for ripple patterns because some stitch guides don’t include that detail and it’s difficult to know how “pointy” or “curvy” the edges are.
The consistent look of the formatting for both crochet and knit patterns.
The variety of stitches. I find myself coming to this book again and again for inspiration, even though I have other ripple stitch guides.
The tips that are included in the pattern sections. While I don’t use these much anymore, when I was just starting to design my own patterns in 2006, I relied upon these a lot.
The range of difficulty levels. It’s easy to find a “mindless” project to work on while watching tv, or something more complex to keep your mind occupied.
As I mentioned, the main critique that I’ve heard about this book over the years is the confusion about the number of patterns included. There are 200, but some repeat the stitch patterns with alternate color combinations as discussed above.
If you are bi-stitchual and enjoy both crocheting and knitting, 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets, and Throws by Jan Eaton is a great stitch guide that will keep you inspired!
Full disclosure: Search Press North America provided me with a free review copy of 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets, and Throws by Jan Eaton. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
The Introduction is followed by How To Use This Book, which provides a visual reference for using the stitch patterns. This section also includes a list of US and UK pattern abbreviations and a guide to the symbols used in the book for pattern ease, yarn types, and to indicate if the pattern is knit (2 needles) or crocheted (a hook).
Colour is a 1-page section that provides an overview of color theory along with tips for choosing project colors.
Texture is a 1-page section that talks about incorporating smooth, lace, and textured stitches into your projects.
Yarn is a 2-page section that provides an overview of yarn weights and gauge.
The next section is the stitch collection. Each pattern includes the name, the pattern difficulty (on a scale of 1, 2, or 3), whether the stitch is knit or crochet, any special abbreviations used in the pattern, a photograph of a swatch, and both the number and a list of colors used in the pattern. The patterns are written in US abbreviations (with UK abbreviations in italics for the crochet patterns).
In terms of difficulty, the pattern breakdown is as follows:
Knitting (47 patterns total):
Level 1: 1 pattern
Level 2: 35 patterns
Level 3: 11 patterns
Crochet: (47 patterns total)
Level 1: 36 patterns
Level 2: 6 patterns
Level 3: 5 patterns
I imagine now is the time that you think, but wait, that’s just 94 patterns. And, I remember this was a critique of the original version of the book, too. Yes, there are 200 patterns in the book, but they are variations of these 94 original patterns. For example, a knitting pattern may include a 3-color and a 6-color variation with different notes about where to change colors. Similarly, a crochet pattern might include 2-color, 4-color, and 5-color variations. So, the book does actually have 200 patterns as each design is written in at least one alternate variation.
The book also includes 5 project patterns for a cushion (pillow) cover, a scarf, a wrap, a baby blanket, and an afghan. Each of the project patterns includes a brief introduction, suggestions for working in knit or crochet, and tips for choosing a stitch pattern and combining colors. The pattern will include specific directions using one of the book’s stitch patterns along with four suggested alternative patterns.
At the end of the book, there is a 3-page knitting techniques section including written and illustrated instructions for casting on, the knit and purl stitches, binding off, working into the back loop, slip stitching, and several methods for increasing and decreasing. Similarly, there is a 3-page crochet techniques section with written and illustrated instructions for forming a slip knot and chain, tips for counting turning chains, basic crochet stitches (single crochet, slip stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet), and decreasing.
The book closes with a yarn directory listing each color used in the stitches and the specific brand and color used as well as a note on which stitches use that color. There is also an index.
Some of my favorite things about 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns…
The pattern swatches always show either the top or bottom edge. This is so important for ripple patterns because some stitch guides don’t include that detail and it’s difficult to know how “pointy” or “curvy” the edges are.
The consistent look of the formatting for both crochet and knit patterns.
The variety of stitches. I find myself coming to this book again and again for inspiration, even though I have other ripple stitch guides.
The tips that are included in the pattern sections. While I don’t use these much anymore, when I was just starting to design my own patterns in 2006, I relied upon these a lot.
The range of difficulty levels. It’s easy to find a “mindless” project to work on while watching tv, or something more complex to keep your mind occupied.
As I mentioned, the main critique that I’ve heard about this book over the years is the confusion about the number of patterns included. There are 200, but some repeat the stitch patterns with alternate color combinations as discussed above.
If you are bi-stitchual and enjoy both crocheting and knitting, 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets, and Throws by Jan Eaton is a great stitch guide that will keep you inspired!
Full disclosure: Search Press North America provided me with a free review copy of 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns: Exciting Patterns to Knit and Crochet for Afghans, Blankets, and Throws by Jan Eaton. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
September 3, 2009
The concept is good - half the patterns are to knit, half to crochet and there is lots of variety. However the mistakes, of which there are a lot, made it impossible for me as a near beginner to make anything. Perhaps an advanced crocheter (or knitter) could muddle through and figure it out but I could not.
August 27, 2020
Good
A good reference book, loved the content and very useful. That said I'm not that keen on the ebook format. May just take time for me to get use to. I do like that you can zoom in, but it's fiddly when you are crocheting.
A good reference book, loved the content and very useful. That said I'm not that keen on the ebook format. May just take time for me to get use to. I do like that you can zoom in, but it's fiddly when you are crocheting.
April 10, 2018
Not a technique I want to knit.
February 10, 2024
Easy to follow directions. Practiced a brew stitch.
February 12, 2024
This was a great book for an advanced crochet, which I am not.
April 12, 2024
Great book! Lots of ideas!
Many ideas for colors and designs,both knit and crochet. Digital version was 2$. Similar to another book by the same author.
Many ideas for colors and designs,both knit and crochet. Digital version was 2$. Similar to another book by the same author.
September 11, 2025
I love ripple patterns, so this was a great book for me. The only thing that would have made it better if it showed crochet diagrams for each pattern type.
March 25, 2023
Love the contents but can't see it well!
The patterns are gorgeous & the pictures very pretty but since I bought the Kindle version the printing is so tiny. I screen shot what 'looks to be' interesting & then enlarge the picture. The print that was used has some kind of fancy lettering to where even if you can get the pattern enlarged it's unable to be read. Some pictures are gorgeous but have either no pattern or maybe 1/2 way. I'm not good enough to fill in the blanks nor should I have to try, while reading this. Still, I can't let go of the book because there may be a small handful that I think I can decifer. There have been several people in the reviews who complained about this for quite some time (for the Kindle version). Obviously the author isn't too worried about trying to fix the printing size or letter type. I love material hand held books best, but am trying to lessen the books I have to find space for & I can clutter the heck my Kindle & it affects only me. I'm on my way to go see if I can find a different ripples book & send this one back. The more I hear myself the more irritated I get with myself to just rid of this one regardless. This hobby is suppose to stay relaxing!
The patterns are gorgeous & the pictures very pretty but since I bought the Kindle version the printing is so tiny. I screen shot what 'looks to be' interesting & then enlarge the picture. The print that was used has some kind of fancy lettering to where even if you can get the pattern enlarged it's unable to be read. Some pictures are gorgeous but have either no pattern or maybe 1/2 way. I'm not good enough to fill in the blanks nor should I have to try, while reading this. Still, I can't let go of the book because there may be a small handful that I think I can decifer. There have been several people in the reviews who complained about this for quite some time (for the Kindle version). Obviously the author isn't too worried about trying to fix the printing size or letter type. I love material hand held books best, but am trying to lessen the books I have to find space for & I can clutter the heck my Kindle & it affects only me. I'm on my way to go see if I can find a different ripples book & send this one back. The more I hear myself the more irritated I get with myself to just rid of this one regardless. This hobby is suppose to stay relaxing!
June 23, 2019
This book has the interesting arrangement of putting knit patterns on even-numbered pages and crochet patterns on odd-numbered pages. If, like me, you only do one of these crafts, this makes it easy to just look at the patterns for your craft. The downside might be that it limits the patterns to those that fit this format.
Each page has 2-3 patterns that are actually the same pattern with different use of color. It’s useful to see how patterns look in solid vs stripe, different number of rows per color change etc. but it does mean that what you get is ~50 knit patterns and ~50 crochet patterns with instructions for 2-3 different color patterning ideas for each. I don’t have a problem with that - it’s still a lot of nice patterns and I’m one who struggles with color decisions.
So, even though about half the book is useless to me, I find the remainder useful as a reference and inspiration for making items using ripples. Patterns range from extra-pointy to very subtle waves, from solid to lacy, and from long ripples to short. It also includes a few full patterns for items like cushion covers, scarf and blanket. Recommended.
Each page has 2-3 patterns that are actually the same pattern with different use of color. It’s useful to see how patterns look in solid vs stripe, different number of rows per color change etc. but it does mean that what you get is ~50 knit patterns and ~50 crochet patterns with instructions for 2-3 different color patterning ideas for each. I don’t have a problem with that - it’s still a lot of nice patterns and I’m one who struggles with color decisions.
So, even though about half the book is useless to me, I find the remainder useful as a reference and inspiration for making items using ripples. Patterns range from extra-pointy to very subtle waves, from solid to lacy, and from long ripples to short. It also includes a few full patterns for items like cushion covers, scarf and blanket. Recommended.
March 24, 2018
This is a beautiful book and perfect for all knitters, from beginners to advanced level.
Chevrons, Lace and Ripples are all laid out with stunning photography and easy to follow instructions.
On the right side pages of the book the patterns are for knitting and on the left they are for crochet. Which to me is a brilliant idea.
You will not find needle sizes, you will refer to your wool band for this information, but all other guidance, with hints and tips are given.
All the patterns are beautiful. The ideas for throws, blankets and afghans are plenty, the colours chosen for each are impressive, but as always your own ideas and creativity are encouraged. Some of them are perfect for scarves and snoods etc.
This book is highly recommended, and covers everything needed for a beautiful design.
Chevrons, Lace and Ripples are all laid out with stunning photography and easy to follow instructions.
On the right side pages of the book the patterns are for knitting and on the left they are for crochet. Which to me is a brilliant idea.
You will not find needle sizes, you will refer to your wool band for this information, but all other guidance, with hints and tips are given.
All the patterns are beautiful. The ideas for throws, blankets and afghans are plenty, the colours chosen for each are impressive, but as always your own ideas and creativity are encouraged. Some of them are perfect for scarves and snoods etc.
This book is highly recommended, and covers everything needed for a beautiful design.
January 26, 2008
Beautiful wavy stitch patterns with tips on choosing and mixing colours and yarns. The patterns are split half and half between knitting and crochet, and all are given a difficulty rating. The downside is that there are only specific patterns for five projects, so using the stitches mostly requires guesswork and experimentation.
November 24, 2007
Well, I guess the title says it all. There are in fact 200 ripple stitch patterns in this book. Half knit, half crochet, but I don't know, none of them really jumped out at me as being super-awesome patterns.
August 18, 2011
This pattern book had allot of pic and so easy to follow.
I made samples first of the stitches I liked before I start it a Afghan ,that is the save way to do it.
I recommend it if you like knitting .
I made samples first of the stitches I liked before I start it a Afghan ,that is the save way to do it.
I recommend it if you like knitting .
December 4, 2007
Great crochet and knit patters and color ideas! One of the best crochet-related buys I have had in a while.
April 26, 2025
I got a lot of ripple patterns from this book that I have used. The patterns are easy and go really quickly too.
January 9, 2016
One of the most useful books in my knitting library!
May 17, 2011
Can't wait to try some of these patterns!
July 13, 2012
Love it! Great patterns! I check this out over and over from the library. I need to buy my own copy.
September 17, 2022
A lot of great ideas. I really appreciate the variations in stripe options.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews