Grandma’s Vintage Afghan is the crochet pattern I see so often requested in crochet groups and communities. If you’re looking for a zigzag ripple chevron afghan that was made by your grandmother 50 years ago, this is my version of that afghan.
“Grandma’s Vintage Afghan” free crochet pattern by Kim Guzman, © Jan. 2026. All rights reserved.
Technique: Regular Crochet
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Crochet Pattern At A Glance
Grandma’s Vintage Afghan
Designer: Kim Guzman © 2022-2026. All rights reserved.Rate the Pattern
Yarn
- JoAnn “Big Twist Value” yarn, size 4 weight, 100% acrylic, 380 yds/347m per 6 oz skein: 2 skeins each of olive drab (CA) and cream (CB) and 1 skein of eggplant (CC). For throw size: 3 skeins olive drab, 4 skeins cream and 2 skeins eggplant. For full size: 4 skeins olive drab, 5 skeins cream and 3 skeins eggplant.
Other Materials
- Suggested Crochet Hook Size J-10 (6mm) or hook needed to meet gauge.
- Yarn Needle for weaving ends.
Instructions
- Chain a multiple of 19, plus 18, depending on which size blanket you would like to make.
- Work in stripes of 8 rows until length of the size you want.
- Fasten off and weave in all ends carefully.
Full Free Crochet Pattern Below
This is a free crochet pattern and the written instructions are below. If you prefer a printable download, a PDF is also available for purchase.
My Crochet Pattern Notes
I’ve seen so many people request a pattern for that back loop only ripple afghan that’s in so many homes and “made by grandma” in the 70s. Rather than constantly look for 50-year-old patterns for them online, I wrote my own version.
Whether you’ve seen it called, zigzag, ripple or chevron, this is the vintage textured afghan I’ve seen so many people request.
I love crocheting ripple afghans. The Reversible Ripple Afghans book is one of my most popular books. And, later, I also wrote Afghan Variegations.
Again, this pattern isn’t copied from any other pattern. It’s not copied from an actual 70s pattern. There was more than one available, with different stitch counts and different rates of rise and fall. This is my own version of that afghan. For convenience, I’ve provided instructions for baby size, throw size and full size afghans.
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Finished Size
40″ x 40″ for baby afghan size. 47″ x 52″ for throw and 54″ x 64″ for full size afghan. (Second measurements are in parenthesis in the pattern instructions.) The crochet time estimate is for the smallest size.
Yarn
JoAnn “Big Twist Value” yarn, size 4 weight, 100% acrylic, 380 yds/347m per 6 oz skein: 2 skeins each of olive drab (CA) and cream (CB) and 1 skein of eggplant (CC). For throw size: 3 skeins olive drab, 4 skeins cream and 2 skeins eggplant. For full size: 4 skeins olive drab, 5 skeins cream and 3 skeins eggplant.
The yarn I’ved used in this pattern is Big Twist Value and I purchased it from JoAnn. When JoAnn closed, Michaels purchased the intellectual property. You can now purchase Big Twist Value at Michaels directly. I believe it’s the same weight and yardage.
Other Materials
Suggested Crochet Hook Size J-10 (6mm) or hook needed to meet gauge.
Yarn Needle for weaving ends.
Gauge
Working in stitch pattern, about 10 stitches for 10 rows measures 4″ when measured horizontally. It’s difficult measuring gauge for zig zag style afghans due to the diagonal nature of the rows. The important part to remember is that the chain will be long but will squish in a whole lot with the rises and falls of the ripple.
Each stitch repeat measures about 2 1/2″. A full color repeat of 32 rows measures about 12″.
Working at a different tension may require additional materials.
Stitch Multiple
If you would like to make a different size other than what’s shown, the beginning chain can be any multiple of 19, then add 18. To maintain the color striping, the row repeat is 32.
Abbreviations
This crochet pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
ch=chain; RS=right side; rep=repeat; sc=single crochet; sk=skip.
New Pattern Free PDF Download Weekend
This pattern is made free through ad support below, but the PDF download for the Grandma’s Vintage Afghan pattern is available for free this weekend only. This promotion ends at 11:59pm CST, Monday, February 2.
Click on the link near the top of this post to Ravelry, place the PDF in your cart. Do not click Buy Now. Put it in your cart. Add the code ZIGZAG, then check out once your total changes to $ZERO. There are no refunds so please do not click checkout unless your total is $ZERO. Enjoy your free pattern!
Free Crochet Pattern Instructions
Row 1: With CA, ch 208 (246, 284), sk first ch, * sc in next 8 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 8 ch, sk 2 ch, rep from * to last 17 ch, sc in next 8 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in next 8 ch, turn. Note: When counting the last 17 ch, remember that there are 2 chains at the end of the repeat so, in reality, there will actually be 19 chains unworked.
Note: All following rows are worked in back loops throughout, except the last sc of each row. For the last sc of each row, work under both loops to ensure stability of the stitch.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first sc, sk next sc, sc in next 7 sc, * 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, sk 2 sc, sc in each of next 8 sc, rep from * to last 10 sc, 3 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc, sk next sc, sc in last sc, turn.
Rows 3-8: Rep row 2, switching to CB on the final row. Note: There are color changes after each 8 rows. Fasten off unused colors every 8 rows.
Rows 9-16: With CB, rep row 2, switching to CC on the final row.
Rows 17-24: With CC, rep row 2, switching to CB on the final row.
Rows 25-32: With CB, rep row 2, switching to CA on the final row.
Rows 33-40: With CA, rep row 2, switching to CB on the final row.
Rows 41-104 (136, 168): Rep rows 9-40. Fasten off on final row.
Finishing
Weave in all ends securely.
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All the patterns at Make It Crochet are free. Since many of you have asked how to help with the costs of running a site like this, I’ve made all the patterns into print-ready PDFs and the cost is about the same as a cup of coffee. Every little bit helps.
TERMS: To my fellow crafters, you have my permission to use my patterns to make and sell your projects* anywhere you like. You cannot use my images to sell your projects, though. You must take photos of your own work. All patterns have been tested but mistakes can happen. If you find a mistake, please let me know. Everything at MakeItCrochet.com is protected by copyright to Kim Guzman. Other than the permissions previously given, no one other than Kim Guzman has permission to: reproduce, copy, publish or distribute this pattern, its parts or photos in any way or form, including, but not limited to, translations into foreign languages & video production.
*Not intended to be blanket permission for mass production.
I hope you enjoy this new free crochet pattern. Please write if you have any questions.
I’m one of the grandmas that made several ripple crochet afghans in the 70s and 89s! I live thus version!
That’s excellent! I’m sure it was well loved. 🙂
I made many zigzag blankets in my early years. I never thought I would forget how to start until a few months ago when I put off making one because I didn’t want to spend time finding the pattern online right now. So, here you are just sitting it in my lap as though you heard my plea across and space.
Great idea.
Thank you.
PS The email reminded me that you, like several of the designers I usually follow, had fallen off my feed. over 2025. I’m not sure what’s going on at present, but I’m glad you and a few others are back.
That’s really great! I’m glad it’s helpful. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Thank you for the pattern. I still have the blanket that my Grandma made using this pattern. She passed away in 91, so I have had it for a very long time.
What a blessing! Thank you for writing. 🙂
Thank you! I love those colours together 🙂
I love your color selection.
Thank you for the free PDF. I’ve made these for years, especially baby blankets, but have never found the written pattern.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
I love it. A good way to get rid of scraps or unwanted yarn. Thanks