Crochet a Sweet, Stylish Throw: The Watermelon Ripple Pattern

The crochet chevron stitch is both visually striking and rich in history. Here’s a structured approach to understanding its background and a detailed guide to creating your very own Watermelon Ripple Pattern. This pattern is perfect for intermediate crochet lovers looking to add a playful twist to their projects. If you understand the concept of chaining, a single crochet, increases, and decreases, in crochet, then this pattern will be perfect for you. You can get the pattern free here or purchase a PDF from my website or on Ravelry.

The History of the Chevron Stitch

The chevron pattern, or ripple stitch, has roots in ancient textile designs. Variations of the zigzag pattern can be traced back to early civilizations, including Egyptian and Roman times.

The chevron stitch gained prominence in modern crochet in the 20th century. It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the vibrant, bohemian crochet trends of the era.

The chevron stitch became a staple in the 1970s craft movement. It was used to create various home décor items, such as blankets, cushions, and even clothing. Its bold, repetitive pattern made it a favorite for creating eye-catching, textured pieces.

While it’s challenging to pinpoint a single creator, many credit the widespread popularity of the chevron stitch to influential crochet designers and pattern publishers of the 60s and 70s. Designers like Mary Thomas, known for her crochet books, contributed to its fame.

The chevron stitch is characterized by its V-shaped peaks and valleys, which create a ripple effect. This pattern is typically worked in rows with alternating increases and decreases.

Over time, the chevron stitch has evolved into various forms, including the classic zigzag, striped patterns, and color-blocked designs. It’s versatile and adaptable to different yarns and projects.

My love for the Chevron pattern goes back to my childhood and the red ombre throw on our couch. My grandma made it; I still have it bagged up, so no harm comes to it. Then there was my mom. She would crochet this chevron baby blanket for friends at work who were having a baby. She made one for each one of her grandchildren. I guess you can say the chevron pattern is traditional in my family.

I’ll be the first to admit that it was a challenge when I started to learn the chevron pattern, but the more you practice at it, the easier it gets. It can become one of the staple stitches in your crochet throws and blankets. Once you understand the basics of the stitch, it’s a lot of fun to do.

Watermelon Ripple Pattern

Inspired by the vibrant colors of a watermelon, this pattern is a classic 10 x 3 chevron stitch. The pattern reflects a watermelon slice's juicy, refreshing look, complete with varying pink and green stripes. I call it a 10 x 3 chevron stitch because you are crocheting stitches of 10 separated with either a 3-stitch decrease (the valley) or a 3-stitch increase (the hill). Each row starts and ends with a 2-stitch increase (the hill).

 Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Red Heart Yarn was my yarn choice for this design. Pretty N Pink(3), Baby Pink(1), Frosty Green (2) and Thyme (1).
  

• Hook: I9-5.5mm crochet hook

• Additional Supplies: Scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a stitch marker for keeping track of your rows.

 Pattern Instructions

The 10x3 Chevron is done with a multiple of 24 plus 2. My pattern starts at the top of the hill, so the first and last stitch of each row is 2scinc in that first and last stitch. The foundation in this pattern is 192+2 (194). The pattern has 160 rows, using the following written pattern:

ROW 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, <2sc(inc), scblo10, 3sc(dec), scblo10, 3sc(inc)> x 7 times, scblo10, 3sc(dec), scblo10, 2sc (inc), tch.

ROW2: 2sc (inc), scblo10, 3sc(dec), scblo10, 3sc(inc) x7, scblo10, 3sc(dec), scblo10, 2sc(inc), tch. (Row 2 is the repeat row throughout the pattern).

Here is the chart for those who prefer crocheting this way:

Here is a Video Tutorial that shows the stitch in a swatch:

I sincerely hope you give this pattern a try and find as much joy in it as I do. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to message me—I'll do my best to assist you with the chevron stitch. Once you complete your project, please come back and share your creation; I love seeing the wonderful work of others!

Try the same pattern with whatever colors make you happy. When it comes to the chevron stitch, the possibilities are endless. From traditional color combinations to experimenting with different yarn weights and textures, the chevron pattern is a versatile stitch that will never go out of style. It’s perfect for adding a touch of personality to any crochet project. Happy crocheting! Keep creating! The possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and have fun with it! Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering the chevron stitch. So keep crocheting, and soon you’ll be a pro at creating beautiful watermelon ripple patterns and more. Have fun and happy crocheting!

Resources

Chevron Stitch History

Happy crocheting! If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out or drop a comment below. 🌿

Keep your eyes open for my next design using this very same stitch but in a different way! Detailed Step-by-Step Process for Creating the Witchy Ripple Throw!