The chevron stitch—also known as the ripple or zigzag stitch—is a timeless crochet technique that creates an eye-catching wave-like design. Perfect for blankets, scarves, and even home décor, the chevron stitch adds texture and movement to your work without requiring advanced skills.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to crochet our variation of the chevron pattern, including helpful tips, variations, and troubleshooting advice. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement piece or a subtle, elegant design, mastering the chevron pattern is a fantastic skill to add to your crochet repertoire.
A chevron pattern is created by increasing and decreasing stitches in a rhythmic sequence. The increases form the peaks of the zigzags, while the decreases create the valleys. Depending on your color choices and stitch height, you can craft anything from dramatic, sharp peaks to soft, flowing waves.
I use this chevron pattern in my Chevron Cat Sweater Pattern. The photos in this tutorial come from that pattern.
To get started, you’ll need the following:
Chevron patterns use a specific multiple of stitches, which depends on how long the sides are leading up to the peaks and valleys. This allows the pattern to repeat evenly across your row. Our version uses a multiple of 15+3.
We will be creating the chevron pattern using the single crochet stitch. Depending on your pattern or project, you may use another stitch such as half double crochet or double crochet.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc2tog. If you need assistance on doing decreases, view this tutorial.
Single crochet in the next 6 chains
work 3 single crochet into the next chain
Single crochet in the next 6 chains, skip 2 chains (don’t miss this step!!)
Repeat steps two through four until you have 2 stitches left. sc2tog, chain 1 and turn.
from now on you will insert your hook into back loop only of each stitch.
Aside from working in the back loops only, this row is identical to row one, though you are working into stitches and not chains.
*Make sure your 3sc peaks are always worked into the middle stitch of the 3sc peak from the previous row.
Continue repeating Row 2 until your project reaches the desired length.
For my pattern, I’ll have a total of 6 rows in this color before changing to the next color.
Once you’ve completed the desired number of rows in your first color, follow this optional additional tutorial for working color changes into the project.
begin to sc2tog like you normally would at the end of a row, but do not pull yarn through all 3 loops
drop your old working yarn and yarn over with your next color
pull the new color through all 3 loops, then ch1 and turn, continuing on with the chevron pattern like normal
It’s as simple as that! View this tutorial on color changes for more specifics about the technique. Here is a peek at how multiple sections of the chevron pattern with color changes looks:
For the full Chevron Cat Sweater Pattern, visit my etsy!
The chevron crochet pattern is a beautiful and rhythmic stitch that can be as bold or as subtle as you want it to be. Once you get the hang of the increase and decrease pattern, you’ll find yourself flying through rows and dreaming up color combinations and projects galore.
Take your time, count your stitches, and don’t be afraid to frog a row if something looks off—it’s all part of the process.
Happy zigzagging!
Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other intermediate stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch
How to Crochet a Cluster Stitch
