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The Ripple Sutherland Strips Crochet Throw combines several crocheted panels into one cozy, graphic blanket. Its strip-based construction makes the project easier to manage than working the full width of a throw in one piece, and the alternating panels give the finished fabric a distinctive look. It’s a satisfying project for crocheters who enjoy steady row-by-row work and want a handmade layer for the sofa, reading chair, or guest bed.

Why you’ll love this pattern

The throw is made from five individual strips: three Strip #1 panels and two Strip #2 panels. Working the fabric in sections can feel more manageable than handling a large blanket throughout, especially when you’re crocheting on the go or prefer to keep most of the project folded in your lap.

The two strip types give you useful practice following row instructions and keeping track of pattern changes. Once the panels are finished, you’ll join them in an alternating arrangement with a whip stitch, then add a single crochet border. The result is a coordinated throw with a clear construction process from start to finish.

The RED HEART® Soft® shades—Grey Heather, Guacamole, Black, and Off White—create a strong, modern palette. You can follow the listed colors for a defined look or use the same pattern with a palette that suits your home.

“I liked being able to finish the strips one at a time instead of carrying a full blanket around. Laying them out before joining helped me get the alternating arrangement just right, and the border gave the edges a tidy finish.”

Before you begin

You’ll make five crocheted strips, each starting with a chain of 47. Complete the row instructions for each strip type, then arrange the panels so Strip #1 and Strip #2 alternate across the throw. The assembly instructions specify matching the bottom edges before joining the strips with a whip stitch.

The main skills are crocheting from row-by-row instructions, keeping track of edges, joining panels, and working single crochet stitches for a border. The exact stitches used within the strip rows depend on the detailed Strip #1 and Strip #2 instructions, so keep those instructions nearby while you work. This article does not supply missing row details, color placements, or stitch counts beyond the starting chain stated in the instructions.

This is a practical project for a crocheter who is comfortable with basic stitches and ready to follow a more structured pattern. A newer crocheter can work on it too, but should take time to learn any stitches named in the original row instructions before beginning. Completion time will vary with your pace, the exact stitch sequence, and how often you work on the throw.

Before starting, read through the detailed strip and border instructions. The available project steps refer to those instructions for the specific rows and border placement, so use the original pattern for the precise stitch sequence. A gauge swatch is also helpful if the original pattern provides a gauge: matching it helps the finished throw come out closer to its intended size.

Materials you’ll need

RED HEART® Soft® yarn in Grey Heather, Guacamole, Black, and Off White
Susan Bates® crochet hook: 5.5 mm [US I-9]
Yarn needle for whip stitching the strips together and weaving in ends

Use the yarn quantity and color placement specified in the full pattern. Those details are not included in the instructions provided here, so check the original pattern before purchasing yarn. If you substitute another yarn, choose a comparable yarn weight and check your gauge. A yarn with a different thickness or fiber can change the throw’s size, drape, warmth, and the amount of yarn needed.

A small pair of scissors is useful for cutting yarn ends, though it is an optional tool rather than a listed material. Keep your yarn labels until the project is finished; they include care details and can help you identify the yarn later.

Step-by-step instructions

Make a starting chain for each strip. Chain 47 for every panel. You need three Strip #1 panels and two Strip #2 panels, for five strips in total. Count each starting chain carefully before moving on.
Crochet the Strip #1 panels. Follow the detailed row instructions for Strip #1 to complete one panel. Make two more panels in the same way, checking the row directions and any color changes as you go.
Crochet the Strip #2 panels. Follow the detailed row instructions for Strip #2 to complete one panel. Make a second matching Strip #2 panel. The two strip types have their own row instructions, so don’t assume the panels are interchangeable.
Check the strips before assembly. Lay all five panels out on a flat surface. Confirm that you have three Strip #1 panels and two Strip #2 panels, and review their orientation. Match the bottom edges as directed so the panels will line up when joined. If the original pattern includes a row count, dimensions, or specific color placement, compare your work with those directions now.
Arrange the strips in an alternating order. Place the Strip #1 and Strip #2 panels in an alternating sequence across the throw. The stated quantities allow the arrangement to begin and end with Strip #1: Strip #1, Strip #2, Strip #1, Strip #2, Strip #1. Check the layout before sewing so you do not have to undo a seam to correct the order.
Whip stitch the panels together. Thread the yarn needle and use a whip stitch to join the strips along their adjoining edges. Keep the matched bottom edges aligned as you sew. Take consistent stitches through corresponding edges of both panels; uneven spacing or pulling the yarn too tightly can make a seam pucker. Join the remaining strips in the same way to form the throw.
Work the bottom edge of the border. Follow the pattern’s border directions along the bottom edge, adding single crochet stitches as specified. Keep your stitches evenly spaced and follow the original instructions for how many stitches to place or where to work them. The exact border stitch count is not provided here, so do not guess a count from this summary.
Continue around the throw. Work the border across the top edge and along the other side edges as specified in the full pattern. Follow its directions for corners, stitch placement, and any changes in the border sequence. These details affect how flat the finished edge lies, so use the pattern rather than improvising the corner treatment.
Finish the project. Fasten off after completing the border. Thread the yarn needle and weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side of the work, taking care not to pull the fabric out of shape. Check the seams and border, then gently arrange the throw flat.

Ways to use your finished project

This crocheted throw works well as a warm layer over a sofa, armchair, or the foot of a bed. Its strip construction and alternating color panels make it a useful accent piece, particularly when the shades coordinate with other colors in a room. Fold it over the back of a chair or keep it within reach for reading, movie nights, or cool evenings.

It can also make a thoughtful handmade gift for a housewarming, wedding, birthday, or winter holiday. If you’re making it as a gift, confirm the recipient’s preferred colors and check the finished size against the original pattern before wrapping it. The time involved in making five panels and joining them makes this a meaningful present to plan ahead rather than a last-minute project.

How to care for your crochet project

Check the care instructions on the RED HEART® Soft® yarn label and follow them for washing and drying. Care directions can vary by yarn, so use the label for the yarn actually used, especially if you choose a substitute. When you’re unsure, handle the throw gently and test your washing approach on a small, inconspicuous area.

Wash the throw according to the label, using a gentle cycle or hand washing if recommended. Avoid hot water unless the yarn label specifically allows it. Support the blanket as you move it when wet; lifting a heavy, wet throw by one edge can stretch the panels or seams.

After washing, reshape the throw and lay it flat to dry if the label recommends flat drying. Smooth the strip joins and border into their natural shape without tugging. Blocking may help even out the edges if the yarn and pattern directions allow it, but avoid stretching the panels to force them into a larger size.

For storage, make sure the throw is completely dry, then fold it loosely and store it in a clean, dry place. Avoid hanging it for long periods, since the weight of the fabric may stretch the crochet. If you notice pilling with use, remove pills gently rather than pulling them, which can damage the yarn.

Tips for success

Count the starting chain for every panel. Each strip begins with a chain of 47. Counting before you start the first row can help prevent a panel from coming out narrower than intended.
Keep the strip types separate. Label or stack the completed panels by type so you can easily confirm that you have three Strip #1 pieces and two Strip #2 pieces. This is especially helpful if their colors or textures are similar.
Use the detailed row directions. The strip steps depend on the original instructions for stitch sequence, color changes, and row-by-row shaping. Keep those directions beside your work instead of relying on memory.
Mark the beginning or end of a row if useful. A removable stitch marker can help you identify the edge you are working from, particularly when you pause and return to a panel later. Move it as needed so it stays beside the current row.
Check panel edges as you go. Lay a strip flat occasionally. If it begins to widen, narrow, or curl unexpectedly, compare your stitches and row ends with the pattern before continuing. A small correction is usually easier than trying to compensate during assembly.
Let the fabric rest before judging it. Crochet fabric can look uneven while it is bunched on a hook or in your lap. Lay the completed panel on a flat surface to assess its shape without stretching it.
Plan the layout before seaming. Arrange all five panels in the alternating order first and make sure their bottom edges match. Taking a moment to check orientation can prevent joining a strip upside down or out of sequence.
Keep whip stitches consistent. Work through corresponding edges and avoid pulling the joining yarn too tightly. A firm but relaxed seam helps the joined fabric lie flat.
Follow the specified border placement. When working single crochet around the edges, use the original pattern’s directions for spacing and corners. Guessing can create a wavy edge if too many stitches are added or a tight, puckered edge if too few are used.
Secure the ends with care. Weave yarn tails into the fabric without drawing the stitches together. A neat finish should hold through normal use while allowing the panels to keep their shape.

Creative variations

You can change the color palette while keeping the same strip construction. For a softer look, choose shades that are close in value; for stronger contrast, combine a light neutral with darker colors. Keep track of which shade belongs to each strip if the original pattern assigns colors to particular rows. Changing colors may affect the amount of each shade required, so check the pattern’s yarn quantities and plan for extra yarn when necessary.

A different yarn can also personalize the throw, but it may change more than the color. A heavier yarn can create a larger, thicker, or stiffer blanket; a lighter yarn may produce a smaller, more flexible fabric. Using another fiber can affect warmth, drape, washing needs, and yardage. If you change yarn, make a gauge swatch when the pattern provides a gauge, and expect to adjust your yarn supply to suit the replacement.

For a coordinating home set, use the same color palette in other small crochet projects. You could also add a decorative edging only if it fits the design and does not conflict with the original border. A different border may alter the throw’s finished dimensions and yarn requirement, so finish the main panels and assess their shape before deciding to modify the edging.

Frequently asked questions

Is this crochet throw beginner-friendly?

It can suit a newer crocheter who knows basic stitches and is comfortable following written row instructions. You’ll also need to join panels with a whip stitch and work a single crochet border. If you’re new to those techniques, practice them on a small swatch first. Follow the detailed Strip #1 and Strip #2 instructions, since the row stitch sequence is not included in this summary.

How many strips do I need to make?

Make three Strip #1 panels and two Strip #2 panels. Each of the five strips begins with a chain of 47. Arrange them in an alternating order, matching the bottom edges as directed, before joining.

What yarn and hook should I use?

The listed materials are RED HEART® Soft® yarn in Grey Heather, Guacamole, Black, and Off White, with a Susan Bates® 5.5 mm [US I-9] crochet hook. Use the yarn quantities and color placements specified in the full pattern.

Can I use a different yarn or hook size?

You can substitute materials, but the result may differ from the pattern. A different yarn weight or hook size can change the gauge, finished dimensions, drape, and fabric density. If you substitute, make a gauge swatch when the pattern provides a target gauge, and check that the fabric feels suitable for a throw.

How long does the project take?

The exact completion time depends on your speed, the row instructions, and how often you crochet. You’ll work five panels, join them, and add a border, so plan for a multi-session project rather than relying on a precise time estimate. Working on one strip at a time makes it easier to fit the project into shorter crochet sessions.

How can I make the throw larger or smaller?

The pattern instructions given here do not provide finished measurements or a resizing method. Changing the starting chain or adding rows may change the proportions and could affect how the strips fit together. For a reliable result, consult the full pattern for finished dimensions and gauge before adjusting the size.

Why is my border curling or ruffling?

An edge that waves or ruffles may have too many stitches; a tight, puckered edge may have too few. Check that you are placing the single crochet stitches as the border instructions specify, especially along the strip edges and around corners. Avoid pulling the yarn tightly, and lay the throw flat to assess it before continuing around the remaining sides.

How should I wash the finished throw?

Follow the care instructions on the yarn label for the yarn used. Use gentle handling, avoid water that is hotter than the label permits, and reshape the throw after washing. If the label recommends flat drying, support the wet fabric and dry it flat to help prevent stretching.

Can I sell throws made using this pattern?

The instructions provided here do not state whether finished items may be sold. Check the original designer’s usage terms before selling a throw made from the pattern, and follow any restrictions or credit requirements that apply.