How do you crochet a zigzag stitch?

A zigzag, or chevron, is made by increasing at each peak and decreasing at each valley across the row. Working several stitches into one spot forms a sharp point, and working stitches together forms a sharp dip, creating a bold zigzag pattern.

What is a chevron stitch?

The chevron stitch is a zigzag pattern of sharp peaks and valleys, made by placing increases and decreases at regular points across each row. It creates a striking angular design, especially eye catching when worked in stripes of color.

What is the difference between chevron and ripple?

Chevron and ripple are made the same way, with increases at peaks and decreases at valleys. The chevron, or zigzag, has sharp, pointed peaks, while the ripple has soft, rounded waves. Chevron is bolder and more angular, ripple is gentler.

Why is my chevron not pointed?

If your chevron peaks look rounded rather than sharp, your increases and decreases may be too spread out, or you are working too loosely. Concentrating the increases and decreases at single points and keeping an even tension gives crisper zigzags.

What stitch is best for a zigzag pattern?

Single crochet gives a dense, defined zigzag, while double crochet gives a taller, quicker, more open one. The choice depends on the look and speed you want. Many chevron blankets use double crochet for a soft, fast result.

How do you keep a zigzag pattern even?

Keep your stitch count constant by matching every increase with a decrease, and keep the peaks and valleys stacked in the same spots each row. Counting stitches and using markers at the points keeps the zigzag crisp and even.

Crochet Stitches

How to Crochet a Zigzag Stitch (Chevron Pattern)

Published July 3, 2026

The zigzag stitch, also known as the chevron, is a bold, striking pattern of sharp peaks and valleys that looks especially dramatic in stripes of color. It is a favorite for blankets, scarves, and bags, giving a modern, geometric look that is surprisingly simple to make. Like its softer cousin the ripple, the zigzag is built from increases and decreases spaced across the row. This guide shows you how to crochet a zigzag stitch step by step, with color and troubleshooting tips. It is part of the crochet stitch library.

What Is the Zigzag Stitch?

The zigzag stitch, or chevron, is a pattern of sharp, repeating peaks and valleys created by placing increases at the high points and decreases at the low points of each row. Working several stitches into one spot at a peak forms a crisp point, and working stitches together at a valley forms a sharp dip. The result is a bold angular zigzag. It is closely related to the ripple pattern, with the key difference being that the zigzag has sharp points while the ripple has rounded waves.

When to Use the Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag is perfect for projects where you want a bold, geometric, modern look. It is a classic for blankets and afghans, especially striped ones, and it also makes striking scarves, cowls, bags, and cushion covers. Because the sharp points show off color changes so dramatically, the zigzag is a wonderful way to use bright, contrasting stripes. If the soft ripple feels too gentle and you want something with more graphic punch, the zigzag chevron delivers that crisp, angular energy.

How the Points Are Formed

The zigzag relies on concentrating increases and decreases at single points to create sharp angles. At each peak, you work multiple stitches into one stitch, fanning the fabric up into a point. At each valley, you decrease sharply by working stitches together or skipping, pulling the fabric down into a V. As long as every increase is matched by a decrease, your stitch count stays constant and the fabric keeps an even width while zigzagging. The tighter and more concentrated the increases and decreases, the sharper the points, which is what distinguishes the chevron from the gentle ripple. These are the same increase and decrease moves used throughout crochet.

Step by Step: A Simple Zigzag

A basic single or double crochet chevron follows a repeat across the row. Step one: chain a multiple that fits your chosen repeat, following your pattern. Step two: work across, and at each peak work three stitches into the same stitch to make a sharp point. Step three: at each valley, skip stitches or work stitches together to make a sharp dip. Step four: work evenly between the peaks and valleys. On every following row, keep the peaks and valleys stacked in the same places so the zigzags build up crisply. Keeping the increases and decreases concentrated at single points gives the sharpest chevron.

Adding Color Stripes

Zigzag patterns look fantastic in stripes, and the sharp points make bold color changes really stand out. Change color at the end of a row, on the last pull through of the final stitch, so the new color is ready to go, using the method in how to change color in crochet. Contrasting or bright colors give a graphic, modern effect, while a gradient of related shades looks soft and elegant. Carrying colors up the side of the work saves weaving in many ends, which is helpful on a striped chevron blanket.

Common Zigzag Mistakes

The most common mistakes are losing the balance between increases and decreases, which makes the fabric widen, narrow, or lose its shape, and letting the peaks and valleys drift out of alignment between rows. Match every increase with a decrease and keep them stacked in the same spots, using stitch markers at the points while you learn. Rounded rather than sharp peaks usually mean the increases are too spread out or the tension is too loose. Counting each row keeps everything crisp, as in how to count crochet stitches.

Best Projects for the Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag chevron is ideal for bold blankets and afghans, scarves, cowls, bags, and cushion covers, anywhere a graphic, geometric look suits the project. It is a brilliant stitch for bright, striped, modern designs. For a softer, more rounded take on the same idea, try the ripple pattern. Explore more stitches in the crochet stitch library, and find blanket and accessory projects in the beginner pattern hub.