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This easy ripple stitch scarf is quick to knit in bulky yarn. I actually knit this one in a day (though I don’t recommend it!).
What is Ripple Stitch?
Ripple stitch is an easy knit and purl knitting pattern that makes textured zig zags or ripples in the fabric. There are different versions but this one uses a 10 row repeat to make the design.
Because there’s a good balance of knit and purl stitches, ripple stitch tends not to curl at the edges. It’s not reversible but both sides look nice in their way.
How to Knit Ripple Stitch
Ripple stitch is a pattern that can be worked on multiples of 8 plus 6 stitches. That means you start with a number that’s a multiple of 8 (like 16, 24, 32) and then add 6 (to get 22, 30 or 38, respectively. The pattern is as follows:
Row 1: Knit 6, *purl 2, knit 6. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: Knit 1, *purl 4, knit 4. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, end purl 4, knit 1.
Row 3: Purl 2, *knit 2, purl 2. Repeat from * across.
Row 4: Purl 1, *knit 4, purl 4. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, end knit 4, purl 1.
Row 5: Knit 2, *purl 2, knit 6. Repeat from * to last 4 stitches, end purl 2, knit 2.
Row 6: Purl 6, *knit 2, purl 6. Repeat from * across.
Row 7: Purl 1, *knit 4, purl 4. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, end knit 4, purl 1.
Row 8: Knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2. Repeat from * across.
Row 9: Knit 1, *purl 4, knit 4. Repeat from * to last 5 stitches, end purl 4, knit 1.
Row 10: Purl 2, *knit 2, purl 6. Repeat from * to last 4 stitches, end knit 2, purl 2.
Repeat these 10 rows for pattern.
Supplies
A long time ago I knit a version of this scarf using Lamb’s Pride Bulky from Brown Sheep, which is a great American made yarn. I used about 200 yards for that scarf.
I wanted to use some stash for ripple stitch scarf, so it’s worked in two colors. I used bulky/chunky/weight 5 yarn. The green half is Lion Brand Hue + Me in color Artichoke, and the purple is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky in Eggplant. I used about 156 yards total. Use one or two colors of Hue + Me, or Lion Brand Jiffy would also be a good choice.
You’ll also need a pair of 10.5 US/6.5 mm knitting needles, a small pair of scissors and a yarn needle.
Gauge
Gauge isn’t critical for this project as long as you’re getting a fabric you like, but I got about 12.5 stitches and 17 rows per 4 inches/10 cm in ripple stitch.
Size
My finished scarf is about 4.25 inches/10.8 cm wide and 63 inches/1.6 meters long. To make your scarf wider, add 8 stitches at a time. You can knit longer or shorter as you like or as your amount of yarn allows.
Ripple Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern
Cast on 14 stitches.
Work in Ripple Stitch to desired length before you change colors (or until you’re about to run out of yarn if using two colors). Each half of my scarf ended up being 31.5 inches/80 cm long. If possible, change colors on row one because it has the fewest purl stitches so the color change won’t be as visible on the front side.
Change colors as needed/desired and bind off in knit at the end of a repeat when you’re ready to stop knitting. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
Ripple stitch worked over 14 stitches is as follows:
Row 1: Knit 6, purl 2, knit 6.
Row 2: Knit 1, purl 4, knit 4, purl 4, knit 1.
Row 3: Purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2.
Row 4: Purl 1, knit 4, purl 4, knit 4, purl 1.
Row 5: Knit 2, purl 2, knit 6, purl 2, knit 2.
Row 6: Purl 6, knit 2, purl 6.
Row 7: Purl 1, knit 4, purl 4, knit 4, purl 1
Row 8: Knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2.
Row 9: Knit 1, purl 4, knit 4, purl 4, knit 1.
Row 10: Purl 2, knit 2, purl 6, knit 2, purl 2.
Repeat these 10 rows to desired length.
