Zig zag a crochet, more commonly called a ripple or chevron stitch, creates a wave-like pattern of peaks and valleys by alternating increases and decreases at regular intervals across each row, a classic technique especially popular for striped blankets. I love how dramatically color striping transforms this exact stitch pattern, turning a simple textured wave into a bold graphic design. This guide gives the full pattern and striping tips.
How the Zigzag Structure Works
A chevron row alternates between increase points, where extra stitches are worked into a single stitch to create a peak, and decrease points, where multiple stitches are combined to create a valley, with straight stitches in between. This repeating increase-straight-decrease-straight sequence is what produces the visible wave shape across the row.
Basic Pattern (Multiple of 12 stitches, plus 3)
- Chain a multiple of 12 stitches, plus 3 extra (for example, chain 27 for a small swatch).
- Row 1: skip the first 2 chains, sc in the third chain from the hook, sc in each of the next 4 chains, work 3 sc into the next chain (the peak), sc in each of the next 4 chains, skip 2 chains, sc in each of the next 2 chains (the valley, worked as a decrease by skipping), repeat this 12-stitch sequence across.
- Row 2: chain 1, turn, repeat the same increase-straight-decrease-straight pattern from row 1, working into the tops of the previous row’s stitches.
- Continue repeating row 2 for the desired length.
Striping the Zigzag for Maximum Visual Impact
Change color every 2 rows for a classic, evenly balanced stripe effect that clearly shows off the wave shape. Changing color every single row instead creates a busier, more intense zigzag look, while changing every 3 or 4 rows creates a calmer, more subtle wave with wider color bands.
Switch colors at the start of a row, right after turning, for the cleanest possible color transition, since this is the same principle used in any standard crochet color change.
Common Mistakes
Miscounting the peak or valley stitches is the most frequent error, since losing track of exactly how many stitches belong in each increase or decrease section throws off the entire wave shape for the rest of that row and potentially subsequent rows. Use stitch markers at each peak and valley point until the 12-stitch repeat becomes automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Is zigzag the same as ripple or chevron stitch?
Yes, these are different common names for the same underlying technique, alternating increases and decreases to create a wave-like pattern across each row.
How many stripe colors work best for a zigzag blanket?
Three to five coordinating colors typically give the most visually interesting result, though even two contrasting colors show off the wave shape clearly and dramatically.
Want to see other crochet stitch pattern types?
See an overview of the major crochet styles and techniques.
See different types of crochet
