Welcome to Soofha! Today, we’re making a beautiful zigzag crochet pattern featuring a classic combination of navy blue, light blue, and white. The finished design has an elegant wave effect that works beautifully for blankets and can easily be adapted for other crochet projects.
This pattern may look intricate at first, but once you understand the repeating sections, the stitch pattern becomes simple and enjoyable to work. It’s a lovely project for both confident beginners and experienced crocheters.
Materials
- Three colors of yarn: navy blue, light blue, and white
- 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
For this pattern, we’ll refer to the colors as:
- Yarn A: Navy blue
- Yarn B: Light blue
- Yarn C: White
Crochet Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- yo = yarn over
Pattern Notes
The stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 20 stitches plus 5.
For the sample instructions below, begin with 345 chains using Yarn A.
The zigzag effect is created with strategically placed decreases and increases. Keep your stitch tension as even as possible throughout the project so the peaks and valleys remain consistent.
Special Decrease
The decrease used throughout the pattern counts as one double crochet.
Work as follows:
Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook. Yarn over, skip the next 3 stitches, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops remaining on the hook.
This creates the decrease that helps form the distinctive zigzag shape.
Starting Chain
With Yarn A, chain 345.
Row 1
Work a double crochet into the 5th chain from the hook. The four skipped chains count as the first double crochet plus one chain.
Chain 1, skip the next chain, then work:
(dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 3 times.
Work the special decrease.
Then repeat the following section:
*ch 1, skip next ch, (dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 3 times, (dc, ch 3, dc) in the next ch, ch 1, skip next ch, (dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 3 times, special decrease*
Repeat from * to * 16 times.
Finish the row with:
ch 1, skip next ch, (dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 3 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the final chain.
Row 2
Chain 3, which counts as the first double crochet, and turn.
Work 2 dc in the first dc.
Then work a dc in the next chain-1 space.
Continue with:
(dc in next dc and dc in next ch-1 space) 3 times.
Work the special decrease.
Then repeat:
*(dc in next ch-1 space and in next dc) 3 times, (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in the next ch-3 space, (dc in next dc and in next ch-1 space) 3 times, special decrease*
Repeat from * to * 16 times.
To finish the row, work:
dc in the next ch-1 space, (dc in next dc and in next ch-1 space) 3 times, 3 dc in the final dc.
The final chain-1 space and last dc correspond to the chain-4 area created at the beginning of the previous row.
Row 3
Chain 4, which counts as the first double crochet plus chain 1, and turn.
Work dc in the first dc, then ch 1 and skip the next dc.
Continue:
(dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc) 3 times.
Work the special decrease.
Then:
ch 1, (skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1) 3 times.
Repeat the following section:
*(dc, ch 3, dc) in the next ch-3 space, ch 1, (dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc) 3 times, special decrease, ch 1, (skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1) 3 times*
Repeat from * to * 16 times.
To complete the row, skip the next dc and work:
(dc, ch 1, dc) in the final dc.
The last dc is formed from the chain-3 at the beginning of the previous row.
Color Sequence
The beauty of this blanket comes from repeating the rows in blocks of color.
Follow this sequence:
- Rows 2–7: Yarn A – Navy Blue
- Rows 8–13: Yarn B – Light Blue
- Rows 14–19: Yarn C – White
After completing Rows 14–19, return to Yarn A and repeat the color sequence.
Continue repeating Rows 2–19 six times.
Once those repeats are complete, work Rows 2–7 one final time using Yarn A.
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.
Tips for a Beautiful Zigzag Finish
Keep your tension consistent.
Even tension is especially important with ripple and zigzag patterns. If your stitches become noticeably tighter or looser, the peaks and valleys may become uneven.
Count your stitches regularly.
The decrease sections can make it easy to lose your place. Checking your work at the end of each row can help catch mistakes early.
Use stitch markers if needed.
Markers can be placed at the beginning of repeating sections to make the pattern easier to follow, especially when working on a large blanket.
Don’t be afraid to unravel.
If you notice an error a few rows back, it’s usually much easier to correct it immediately than to continue and try to hide the mistake later.
Block the finished blanket if desired.
A gentle blocking can help straighten the edges and emphasize the beautiful zigzag design.
Video Tutorial:
Customize Your Zigzag Crochet Blanket
Although this pattern uses navy blue, light blue, and white, you can easily create a completely different look by changing the color palette.
Try soft pastels for a baby blanket, warm earth tones for a cozy autumn throw, or bright contrasting colors for a cheerful modern design.
You can also make the project larger or smaller by adjusting the starting chain while maintaining the required multiple of 20 plus 5.
The same stitch pattern can be adapted into:
- Baby blankets
- Full-size throws
- Lap blankets
- Scarves
- Cushion covers
- Table runners
- Decorative crochet panels
Final Thoughts
This beautiful zigzag crochet pattern combines simple double crochet stitches with carefully placed decreases and increases to create an eye-catching wave design. The repeating color blocks of navy blue, light blue, and white give the finished piece a clean and elegant appearance.
Once you become familiar with the repeating sections, the pattern flows naturally and makes a relaxing crochet project. Have fun experimenting with different yarn colors and sizes to create a zigzag blanket that perfectly matches your style.
Happy crocheting from Soofha!
