How to Crochet the Wavy Chevron Stitch Step by Step
Good day, Crafties!
Today, I want to reintroduce you all to a beginner-friendly crochet stitch that's a 1 row repeat!
A pointed Chevron can look bold, but the Wavy Chevron Crochet Stitch gives you a softer shape; Its peaks and valleys curve across the fabric instead of forming sharp angles.
This stitch uses a one row repeat after the setup row.
It has useful horizontal stretch, good vertical stretch, and enough structure for blankets, scarves, throws, and sweater panels. The pattern works in solid colors or stripes, so you can keep the look subtle or make each wave stand out.
The traditional Chevron stich usually creates clear points at each peak and valley. This version rounds those points with a smoother rise and fall. The result feels softer and more relaxed while still showing the classic zigzag shape. The stitch stays fairly easy to follow once you learn where the increases and decreases go, the fabric grows in a steady pattern.
Choose Projects That Benefit From Stretch and Repetition
The wavy chevron stitch features a horizontal stretch that can benefit wearables, while the vertical stretch gives blankets a soft drape. The stitch also tends to keep its shape when you maintain even tension.I recommend that if you are using this stitch for something that will be high traffic, use a yarn that is machine washable, not too stretchy, and maybe use a slightly smaller hook if you usually have loose tension.
Make a swatch before starting a fitted garment or sweater panel. Measure its width and length, then gently stretch it to see how the fabric behaves. This check helps you choose the right hook size and avoid a finished piece that turns out too wide or too short.
Solid Chevrons or Multiple Colors?
A solid color lets the shaping create the main visual effect. Several colors can make each wave easier to see. Neither is better than the other, it totally depends on the effect you're going for! Try out each look with your swatches before diving into a large project.
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Materials
You'll need:
yarn
crochet hook
scissors
a yarn needle for weaving in ends
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
Ch - chain
Dc - double crochet
Dc2TOG - Double crochet two (2) together
St/sts - Stitch(es)
Set Up the Wavy Chevron Crochet Stitch Pattern
The foundation chain controls the width of your project. A correct starting count keeps the waves aligned and makes the later rows much easier to follow.
Begin with a chain that uses a multiple of eight (8), then add an additional three (3) chains at the end. For this sample, I chained 27 (8 x any number + 3).
Setup: Skip the three chains closest to your hook, then work one double crochet into the fourth chain.
[Count from the hook, but do not count the loop sitting on your hook. Work one more double crochet into the next chain.]
Double crochet into the next chain.
Work Two Consecutive DC2TOG Decreases
Work the first DC2TOG across the next two chains. Yarn over, insert the hook into the next chain, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat those steps in the following chain, then yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
Make a second DC2TOG across the next two chains. Together, these two decreases cover four chains and form the valley of the wave. Keep the final pull-through relaxed.
Build the Wave With Double Crochet Increases
After the two decreases, work one double crochet in the next chain. Then place two double crochets into the following chain. Those two stitches in one chain create the increase that raises the next part of the wave.
The main sequence is:
2 DC in one chain, 1 DC in the next, 2 DC2TOG across four chains, 1 DC in the next, 2 DC in the next.
Repeat this sequence across the row. Count each group as one full repeat. You can use stitch markers to keep count of your repeats.
Repeat Row Two to Grow the Wavy Chevron Crochet Stitch
Row two becomes the repeating row for the rest of the project. Work it until your scarf, blanket, throw, or panel reaches the length you want.
Row 2: Chain three and turn your work. Place one (1) double crochet into the first double crochet stitch at its base.
The first stitch can hide beside the turning chain, so check the top of the stitch before inserting your hook. Missing it may cause the project to narrow over several rows.
After the first double crochet, work one double crochet in the next stitch. Then make two (2) DC2TOG decreases across the next four stitches, followed by one double crochet in the next stitch and two double crochets in the next stitch.
Continue the repeat: 2 double crochets in one stitch, 1 double crochet in the next, 2 DC2TOG decreases, 1 double crochet, and 2 double crochets in the next stitch. Pause after each decrease pair to make sure the wave still looks even.
Near the end of the row, work one double crochet into the next stitch. Then place two double crochets into the top of the previous row’s turning chain.
These final stitches mirror the increase at the other edge.
Tips to Keep the Waves Even and Correct Common Crochet Errors
The stitch is repetitive, but it still depends on careful counting. Small mistakes can change the width or make the waves drift out of line.
Use Stitch Counts to Prevent Uneven Waves
Track every increase and pair of decreases as you work. If you lose count, compare the current section with the wave below it before moving on. For large blankets or long scarves, place removable stitch markers at the start and end of each repeat. This breaks the row into smaller sections and makes counting less tiring.
Fix Missed Increases and Decreases
A missed increase creates a narrow section. A missed decrease can make the valley too shallow or push the next wave out of place. Check the fabric as soon as you finish a repeat instead of waiting several rows. If you spot an error in the current row, rip it back to the mistake.
Maintain Consistent Tension and Fabric Shape
Tight tension can make ripples in your work, loose or uneven tension can produce waves with different heights and widths. Keep the same hand movement for standard double crochets, increases, and decreases. Block a finished swatch or project if the edges need straightening or the waves need a little evening out.
Turn the Stitch Into Wearable and Home Decor Projects
The one-row repeat makes this pattern a good choice for quick & simple projects.
Measure the width of a blocked swatch before calculating the final chain count for a set project size.
I've most commonly seen this stitch used in blankets and scarves! These can be great for gifts and maybe even markets if you do those.
The stretch makes the fabric useful for sweater panels, especially loose summer patterns made with a non-stretchy yarn.
A gauge swatch matters even more for clothing because width, length, and drape affect the fit.
Measure the swatch before and after gently stretching it. This gives you a clearer idea of how the fabric may behave when worn. When it comes to garment experiments, a hand streamer is great to use while the test piece is hanging or pinned to a mannequin.
I hope this article was helpful to you! While I no longer produce stitch tutorials, I'm enjoying this process of breathing new life into my older instructions. If you'd like to support my content and this blog, consider purchasing a pattern from the handmade shop or checking out my pattern club, Hey Craftepreneur!
Until next time,
Happy Making!
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