How to Crochet the Chevron Stitch

The crochet chevron stitch makes those zigzag stripes you see on baby blankets, throws and scarves. It looks complicated, but it only uses two ideas: add stitches in one spot to make a peak, and take stitches away in another spot to make a valley. Repeat that across the row and the fabric starts to zigzag on its own.

If you can chain, double crochet and count to twelve, you can make chevrons. This guide uses double crochet and US terms. You’ll learn how to figure out your starting chain, work the first row, keep the edges straight, and change colors for stripes.

What You’ll Need

Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 2 or 3 colors
5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
Stitch markers
Yarn needle
Scissors
Row counter (optional but handy)

How the Chevron Works

Every chevron row has the same three parts that repeat across:

Peak: 3 double crochets in one stitch. You add 2 stitches here, which pushes the fabric up into a point.
Valley: a double crochet three together (dc3tog) over three stitches. You take away 2 stitches here, which pulls the fabric down.
Slopes: 4 plain double crochets on each side of every peak.

Because each peak adds 2 stitches and each valley removes 2, your stitch count stays the same every row. That is what keeps the fabric from getting wider or narrower.

The edges get a smaller decrease (dc2tog) so the sides finish on a half-valley and stay straight.

Two decreases you’ll use

dc2tog: Yarn over, insert hook in the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat once more in the next stitch. You have 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3.

dc3tog: Same idea, but repeat the part between the asterisks 3 times over 3 stitches. You end with 4 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4.

Figuring Out Your Starting Chain

This chevron uses a repeat of 12 stitches per peak, plus a few extra for the edges.

Chain = 12 × (number of peaks) + 3

Peaks	Starting chain	Approx. width in worsted
2 (practice swatch)	27	6 inches
4	51	11–12 inches
8 (scarf or small baby blanket)	99	22–24 inches
12 (baby blanket)	147	33–36 inches
16 (throw)	195	44–48 inches

Widths are rough and depend on your tension. Make a 2-peak swatch first to see how your yarn behaves.

Row 1: The Foundation Row

Here is the full row for any width. Use 27 chains to practice.

Step 1: Chain your number (27 for practice).

Step 2: Make a dc2tog using the 3rd and 4th chains from the hook. The 2 chains you skipped don’t count as a stitch. This is your edge half-valley.

Step 3: Double crochet in each of the next 4 chains.

Step 4: Make 3 double crochets in the next chain. That is your first peak. Put a stitch marker in the middle one of the three.

Step 5: Double crochet in each of the next 4 chains.

Step 6: Make a dc3tog over the next 3 chains. That is a valley.

Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 6 across. When you reach the last peak, stop after its 4 slope stitches and make a dc2tog over the last 2 chains instead of a dc3tog.

For 2 peaks you should have 25 stitches. For any width, the count is 12 × peaks + 1.

Row 2 and Every Row After

Step 1: Chain 2 and turn. The chain 2 does not count as a stitch.

Step 2: Dc2tog over the first 2 stitches.

Step 3: Double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches.

Step 4: Make 3 double crochets in the next stitch. This should be the middle stitch of the peak below. If you used markers, move the marker up to this new middle stitch.

Step 5: Double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches.

Step 6: Dc3tog over the next 3 stitches. The middle of those three should sit right on top of the valley below.

Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 6 across, ending with 4 double crochets and a dc2tog over the last 2 stitches.

Step 8: Count your stitches. It should match row 1 every time.

After 4 or 5 rows, the zigzag will be easy to see and you won’t need the markers anymore. Your peaks will always land on peaks and valleys on valleys.

Adding Color Stripes

Chevrons look best in stripes. Change colors on the last stitch of a row.

Step 1: Work the last dc2tog of the row until you have 3 loops left on your hook.

Step 2: Drop the old color. Yarn over with the new color and pull through all 3 loops.

Step 3: Chain 2 with the new color and turn. Keep going as usual.

Two rows per color is a good starting point. If you are only switching between two colors, you can carry the unused one up the side instead of cutting it, which means far fewer ends to weave in.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Peaks drifting sideways. Your 3-dc peak isn’t landing in the middle stitch of the old peak. Count 4 slope stitches every time, and use markers until it feels natural.
Fabric getting wider or narrower. You skipped a peak, forgot a valley, or used dc2tog in the middle. Count at the end of each row; it should always be 12 × peaks + 1.
Wobbly, slanted edges. The edge dc2tog was missed or the turning chain was counted as a stitch. Remember: chain 2, turn, then dc2tog right away in the first 2 stitches.
Valleys with holes. The dc3tog was worked loosely. Pull each partial loop up evenly and snug the final yarn over a little.
Foundation chain too tight. Row 1 will pucker and the bottom edge won’t zigzag nicely. Use a hook one size up just for the chain.
Bottom edge looks lumpy at the peaks. That’s normal for the first row in chains. It evens out after a few rows and blocking smooths it more.

Tips

Make a small 2-peak swatch first. It takes 20 minutes and shows you everything before you commit to a full blanket.
Choose smooth, solid or heathered yarn. Busy variegated yarn fights with the zigzag.
Light and dark colors side by side make the chevron look sharper. Similar shades give a softer ripple look.
If you want a bolder zigzag, use 5 or 6 slope stitches instead of 4. Then your repeat changes to 2 × slopes + 4 per peak, so redo your chain math.
Gentle blocking (pin it out, spray with water, let it dry) sharpens the points nicely.
Want a single crochet version to compare? Nicki’s Homemade Crafts has a free tutorial with a video: How to Crochet the Chevron, aka Ripple Stitch in Single Crochet (Nicki’s Homemade Crafts).

FAQ

What is the difference between chevron and ripple crochet?
They are close cousins. Chevron usually has sharp, pointed peaks and valleys, while ripple has softer, rounded waves. Both use the same idea of increasing in one place and decreasing in another. Many patterns use the two names for the same stitch, so look at the photo to see which style it makes.

How many chains do I need for a chevron blanket?
For this version, chain 12 times the number of peaks you want, plus 3. A baby blanket with 12 peaks needs 147 chains. Make a small swatch, measure how wide one peak is, then divide your target width by that number to find how many peaks to use.

Is the chevron stitch good for beginners?
Yes, if you are comfortable with double crochet. The repeat is short and easy to memorize, and the only new skill is decreasing. Expect to count a lot for the first few rows. After that, the zigzag acts like a guide and the rows start to go quickly.

Grab two colors you love and make a practice swatch tonight; by the third row you’ll have the rhythm.