While I usually reach for light, airy filet crochet projects in the summer, this time I wanted to learn something new. I chose the zigzag stitch. It turned out to be a bull’s-eye, because this stitch is perfect for crocheting with Cotton—the yarn we love to have on our laps during the summer. Plus, the zigzag stitch feels summery because you can really go wild with colors. Of course, you can play it safe and stick to just 2 or 3 different colors, but the zigzag stitch is also the perfect excuse to let your inner unicorn run wild and turn it into a riot of color.
What is the zigzag stitch?
In the world of crochet, the zigzag stitch is also known as the chevron stitch, which translates from French as “herringbone pattern.” For the zigzag or chevron stitch, you aren’t limited to a specific basic stitch. So you can decide for yourself whether to use single crochets, half double crochet, or double crochets for this pattern.
We all know what a zigzag looks like. But how do you transform a straight chain of chain stitches into a zigzag pattern? The secret lies in increasing and decreasing stitches. By decreasing stitches, the chain contracts and the zigzag pattern emerges. By increasing stitches, you create extra space, forming the “zag.” The zigzag stitch is a joy to crochet and makes for a relaxing (summer) time.
Crochet Projects Using the Zigzag Stitch
The zigzag stitch, also known as the chevron stitch, is mainly used for blankets. Even though you use the same stitches throughout, crocheting a blanket in the zigzag stitch remains interesting thanks to the color changes. Those different colors and the wavy pattern also make the zigzag stitch a great choice for a baby blanket.
At Yarnplaza, we have a number of ready-to-knit kits featuring this fun stitch on our shelves. The Zigzag Baby Blanket, made with our own Pink Label Organic Cotton, is a real eye-catcher for the nursery or in the stroller. If you think the three color combinations we chose are a bit too bold, or if you’d like to make a multicolored Blanket, you can also purchase the Crochet Pattern separately. Speaking of multicolored, our Zigzag Blanket made with the wonderful Yarn and Colors Must-have Crochet Cotton features no fewer than 100 colors! We have just one word for this: WOW!
In her book *Crocheting Scarves à la Sascha*, Sascha shows us that the zigzag stitch is suitable for more than just blankets. Of course, you can also purchase the Yarn Kit for this beautiful chevron scarf—with its wavy bands and asymmetrical tip—in our (online) store.
Free pattern and video tutorial for the zigzag stitch
Would you like to practice a bit before you get started on one of the projects above? We’re happy to help! Below you’ll find the pattern for a gauge swatch using the zigzag stitch or chevron stitch. To give you a little extra help, we’ve also created a video tutorial.
Tools & Supplies
- Yarn and Colors Must-have (2 rows in 1 color) colors 015 Mustard, 018 Bronze, 038 Peony Pink, 052 Orchid, 062 Larimar, and 081 Lettuce
- 3.5 mm Crochet Hook
Crochet a chain of 84 chain stitches. If necessary, adjust the width to a multiple of 40+1. Always work 2 rounds in the same color (a new color always starts on an open round).
Round 1 (open round): Chain 3 and work a double crochet in the 4th chain stitch from your Crochet Hook. **Chain 1, skip one stitch, 1 double crochet*. Repeat from ** to * 7 times. Chain 1, skip one stitch, start a joined double crochet, skip 3 stitches, and finish your joined double crochet. Repeat from ** to * 8 times. Chain 1, skip a stitch, (1 double crochet, 3 chain stitches, 1 double crochet) in the next stitch. Repeat from ** 9 more times. On the 9th repetition, finish with (1 double crochet, 1 chain stitch, 1 double crochet) in the last chain stitch. Turn your work.
2nd round (closed round): 2 chain stitches. 3 double crochets in the first double crochet. **1 double crochet in each of the next 17 stitches. Start a joined double crochet, skip 3 stitches, and finish your joined double crochet. 1 double crochet in the next 17 stitches. In the 3-chain arch from the previous round, crochet (1 double crochet, 3 chain stitches, 1 double crochet). Repeat from ** 8 more times. 1 double crochet in the next 17 stitches. Start a joined double crochet, skip 3 stitches, and finish the joined double crochet. Work 1 double crochet in each of the next 17 stitches and 3 double crochets in the last stitch.
Round 3 (open round – New color): 3 chain stitches. 1 double crochet in the first stitch. **1 chain stitch, skip one stitch, 1 double crochet*. Repeat from ** to * 7 times. 1 chain stitch, skip one stitch, start a joined double crochet, skip 3 stitches, and finish the joined double crochet.
Repeat from ** to * 8 times. Chain 1, skip a stitch, (1 double crochet, 3 chain stitches, 1 double crochet) in the next stitch. Repeat from ** 9 times. On the 9th repeat, finish with (1 double crochet, 1 chain stitch, 1 double crochet) in the last double crochet. Turn your work.
Repeat rows 2 and 3. Change colors after row 2.
chain stitch - double crochet - joined double crochet
Video Tutorial: Zigzag Stitch
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