Waves Afghan Blanket

Wrap yourself in cozy, plush comfort with this fast-growing crochet blanket pattern featuring a beautiful wave stitch and playful pom-poms.

Have you ever bought a yarn so incredibly soft that you simply couldn't resist it, even if you had absolutely no plan for it? That was me when I first touched chenille yarn. I fell head over heels for its squishy texture, but I quickly realized it presents a unique set of challenges.

Chenille yarn is notoriously tricky because it lacks clear stitch definition. If you try to work intricate patterns, your hard work simply gets lost in the fluff.

The secret to mastering this plush yarn is keeping your stitches wonderfully simple. By pairing basic stitches of different heights, you can create a gorgeous, modern wave pattern that lets the yarn's cloud-like softness truly shine.

Enter the Waves Afghan.

This blanket is designed specifically to work with the unique characteristics of super bulky chenille yarn. It features a simple repeat of tall and short stitches that creates a subtle, contemporary ripple. Best of all, it works up incredibly fast, making it the ultimate project for a weekend or a last-minute gift.

I finished my blue-toned version in just under five hours. You can easily customize yours to match your own living room decor.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredibly Fast: Using super bulky yarn means you can complete this entire throw in just one weekend.
• Beginner Friendly: It uses only basic single and double crochet stitches to create its stunning wave effect.
• Luxuriously Soft: The chenille texture makes this blanket feel like a warm, squishy hug.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Bernat Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6; 100% Polyester; 220 yds / 201 m per skein). You will need 1 skein of Dark Teal, 1 skein of Almond, and 1/2 skein of White.
• Hook: Size N/P (10mm) crochet hook for the main blanket, and a Size J (6mm) hook for weaving in your ends.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and an optional 2-1/2 inch Clover Pom-pom maker.
• Yardage: Approximately 550 yards total of super bulky yarn.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 4 double crochet and 4 single crochet stitches = 5 inches.
• Sizes included: One size (easily adjustable).
• Finished measurements: 35 inches wide by 40-1/2 inches long (with waves running along the length of the blanket).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops. If you need a refresher on basic stitches, check out our guide on how to crochet blanket for beginners.
• dc: Double Crochet. Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] twice.
• FLO: Front Loop Only. Work your stitch only into the loop closest to you.
• RS: Right Side.
• sts: Stitches

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat in rows.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches relaxed. Chenille yarn can get tight and stiff if your tension is too firm.
• Customization Tip: To change the width of your blanket, simply adjust your starting chain. The stitch pattern requires a multiple of 8 + 5. If you struggle with getting your starting chain count perfect, you might want to learn how to adjust your foundation chain without unraveling your work.
• Color Changes: When introducing a new color, work the first row of that color in the front loops only (FLO). This leaves a visible ridge on the right side (RS), giving your waves a beautifully defined, crisp look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Foundation and First Rows

Using your larger 10mm hook and the Dark Teal yarn, chain 69.

Row 1 (RS): Work 1 sc in the 3rd chain from your hook (note that the skipped 2 chains count as your first single crochet). Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains. * Work 1 dc in each of the next 4 chains, then work 1 sc in each of the next 4 chains. Repeat from * all the way to the end of the row. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Row 2: Chain 1 (this counts as your first single crochet here and throughout the pattern). Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. * Work 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across the row, working your final stitch into the top of the starting chain-2 from the previous row. During the final pull-through of your last stitch, pull through with your Almond yarn to join the new color. Fasten off the Teal yarn. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Developing the Wave Pattern

Row 3: Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet here and throughout). Working into the front loops only (FLO) of this row, work 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches. * Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across the row, working your final stitch into the top of the starting chain-1. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet). Working through both loops as normal, work 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches. * Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across, working your final double crochet into the top of the starting chain-3. During the final pull-through of your last stitch, join your Teal yarn again and fasten off the Almond yarn. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Row 5: Chain 1 (counts as your first single crochet). Working into the front loops only (FLO), work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. * Work 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across, working your final stitch into the top of the starting chain-3. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Row 6: Chain 1 (counts as your first single crochet). Working through both loops as normal, work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches. * Work 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * across, working your final stitch into the top of the starting chain-1. During the final pull-through of your last stitch, join your White yarn and fasten off the Teal yarn. Turn your work. (68 stitches)

Continuing the Stripe Sequence

To grow your blanket, simply repeat Rows 3 through 6. Remember to change your yarn color every 2 rows. To achieve the exact look of my blanket, follow this color sequence: Teal, Almond, Teal, White, Almond, Teal, Almond, White.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Weaving in Ends: Grab your smaller 6mm hook. Use it to carefully weave in all your loose yarn tails securely through the thick chenille stitches.

Creating the Pom-Poms: Make 10 pom-poms using your 2-1/2 inch Clover Pom-pom maker and your remaining yarn. I used a mix of colors to tie the whole design together.

Attaching the Pom-Poms: Securely tie 5 pom-poms evenly along each of the shorter sides of your blanket. Knot them twice to ensure they stay put, then trim the excess yarn tails so they blend seamlessly with the rest of the pom-pom strands.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Size Adjustments: You can easily scale this up to a full-sized bed throw. Simply increase your starting chain using any multiple of 8 + 5. If you want a smaller baby blanket, try our quick crochet baby blanket pattern instead.
• Tassel Border: If pom-poms aren't your style, replace them with long, luxurious tassels on the corners for a more bohemian look.
• Solid Color Texture: Try making this blanket in a single solid color. The wave ridges created by the front-loop-only rows will create a beautiful, understated texture.
• Stash Buster: Use up your leftover super bulky yarn by making every two-row stripe a completely different color.
• Alternative Colorways: For a coastal vibe, try shades of seafoam green, cream, and sandy beige. For a cozy autumn feel, swap the colors for mustard yellow, rust, and charcoal.
• Yarn Substitutions: If you cannot find Bernat Blanket yarn, any super bulky weight #6 yarn will work. Look for plush chenille alternatives or even a chunky wool blend if you prefer a traditional yarn texture.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My blanket edges are looking wavy or uneven.
  Fix: This usually happens if you miss the starting chain-1 or chain-3 at the end of a row. Always count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure you still have exactly 68 stitches.
• Problem: The yarn is shedding or "worming" while I crochet.
  Fix: Chenille yarn can sometimes slip out of place. To prevent this, keep your tension even and avoid pulling too hard on the yarn. Using a slightly smaller hook can also help lock the stitches in place if your tension is very loose.
• Problem: I can't find the front loops to work Row 3 or Row 5.
  Fix: Tilt your work slightly toward you. The front loop is the half of the "V" stitch that is closest to your body. Working only into this loop creates the beautiful ridge on the opposite side.
• Problem: My color changes look messy.
  Fix: Always introduce your new color on the very last pull-through of the final stitch of the previous row. This ensures your new row starts with a clean, solid color. For a flawless transition, you can read about our seamless color change technique.

Care Instructions

To keep your blanket looking fresh and incredibly soft, machine wash it separately in cold water on a delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low heat or lay it flat to dry. Avoid using bleach or ironing the blanket, as high heat can damage the synthetic chenille fibers and ruin the plush texture.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of finishing a beautiful, functional project in just a few hours. This blanket is proof that you don't need complicated stitches to create something absolutely stunning. I hope you enjoy making this cozy throw as much as I did. Happy crocheting, and don't forget to share your beautiful finished blankets with me!