Today’s article is all about chevron stitch! In design, you can find motifs so obvious, that we don’t even think about them. Simple geometric shapes, such as squares, triangles or circles can become invisible to us, observers, because they are employed to create bigger structures. These structures, organized in intricate patterns and color stories, create something much bigger than themselves.
One of such structures is chevron pattern, known widely as zig-zag or V-shaped motif. The word chevron is used also in reference to military insignia – badges with V-shape indicating rank or length of service. In crochet, knitting, surface and interior design, we use it to name everything that is zig-zaggy!
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This basic idea is very popular and you will find it in many designs, and some of them you can see in the picture below. Actually, how to make chevron patterns is one of the first things you should learn, if you are an aspiring crocheter, so let’s start!
- click for photo sources: top, top left, bottom left, bottom right.
simple idea – endless possibilities!
Basic premise of chevron is to increase and decrease stitches regularly throughout one row. This way we create top points and valleys, which direct the stitches up and down. Depending on your repetition, you can make your chevron bigger or smaller. It’s a very simple idea, and you can employ it with all basic stitches and most crochet techniques.
How do I start?
PSST! Learn more about Yarn Ball Types or Yarn Weights and Ply!
- stills from YouTube video by Claudetta Crochet – source
Learn more here…
talking about stitches…
Our growing website and library of free crochet patterns have some projects that might interest you, too. If you want to know more about crochet, read my articles on different topics, for example – what are Yarn Weights and Ply?
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or…
Learn all about Spectacular Larksfoot Stitch Ideas!
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crochet roundup!
To see exactly how versatile crochet chevron can be, I chose for you many examples from talented crocheters. You will see how color changes can affect your pattern, and how you can tweak this incredibly simple technique, so that it looks rich and unique.
Read carefully for free crochet patterns and tutorials.
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Color Statement
Color can be a statement. The way it flows, the emotions it evokes – you are the one who writes the story. The examples below have a lot to say!
Bold & Bright Chevron Baby Blankets by Hanan Hannaway
Below you can see three fantastic versions of a popular pattern by Stephanie Jessica Lau, which were created by Hanan – very well known to my readers 😉 I love her color choices, and this one is no exception. Shades of green, grey and white create a palette soft and dramatic at the same time.
- photos by Hanan Hannaway on Ravelry
This blanket was based on free crochet pattern for Bold & Bright Chevron Baby Blanket
by Stephanie Jessica Lau. Try it out if you want to make similar project!
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Another beautiful crochet creation by Hanan employs four different shades of blue. They start with black and gradually turn into white, just to come back to black again. The juxtaposition of black and white is, once again, a dramatic accent that makes it look like roaring sea waves.
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- photos by Hanan Hannaway on Ravelry
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This is a version of crochet pattern for Bold & Bright Chevron Baby Blanket
by Stephanie Jessica Lau, which is available for free.
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Uniqueness of handmade gift can be enchanted in favorite colors of the receiver or special dedication. If you want to create a present that will be cherished for life, try adding embroidered name or initials to it, just like the one you can see in Hanan’s version below.
You may also notice, that the chevron is nicely squared on the edges – it’s a great idea for a cleaner look!
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- photos by Jessica McLean on Ravelry
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Once again, this blanket was based on free crochet pattern for Bold & Bright Chevron Baby Blanket by Stephanie Jessica Lau. It’s an easy pattern, perfect for beginners.
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Clean and Simple
The projects you will see below use single crochet stitches and crisp chevron to create very clean look.
Chevron Blankets by Kerryandtheboys
When going for stripy chevron, it’s good to find out what color story you are going to tell, first. Kerry chose two main colors – vibrant mustardy yellow and deep minty green, and divided them with neutrals – two shades of grey and white.
- photos by @kerryandtheboys on Instagram: top, bottom
If you want to make your own version of this crisp blanket, try this free crochet tutorial by Sarah Jayne Fragola here.
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Another fantastic blanket by Kerry is, as she called it, a “speedy one”. That’s true, because once you grasp the basic premise of your chevron pattern, you can go on with your eyes closed 🙂 This version you can see below uses interesting mix of pinks and grey.
- photos by @kerryandtheboys on Instagram: top, bottom
This blanket was based on free crochet tutorial by Sarah Jayne Fragola – you can find it here.
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Let’s Spice it up!
Chevron in itself is a very regular pattern, so it’s a great idea to spice it up a little when it comes to color choices. You don’t have to go for bold and vibrant, but alternate the colors in an unexpected way!
Chevron Blanket by Made By Madeline
This beautiful and elegant blanket by Madeline can find itself in the most sophisticated nursery! As you can see in the picture below, she decided to introduce white only in some places, creating eye-catching pattern. Addition of white tassels is a great idea, too!
- photos by @_made.by.madeline on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar project, take a look at this project by Daisy Farm Crafts, which is available as free pattern.
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Drops of Heaven Blanket by Made By Madeline
As I’ve mentioned before, you can add anything to your chevron and it will work! You must know what you are doing, of course, but the project by Madeline you can see below proves that chevron and bobbles go very well together.
- photos by @_made.by.madeline on Instagram and Ravelry: top, bottom
To make your own version, try this free crochet pattern for Drops of Heaven Chevron
by Madeline Kemmis.
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In these versions of Drops of Heaven Blanket you can see below, Madeline explores different color choices. Row of bobbles is nicely accompanied by rows of the third color. Both pink-grey and blue versions look fantastic on plain white background.
- photos by @_made.by.madeline on Instagram: top, bottom
You can find this free crochet pattern here.
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Gentle Zig-Zag
Depending on the style of increase and decrease, you can control how dramatic your chevron will be. Take a look at examples below, where I explored versions that use much more delicate wave.
Serape-Style Chevron Blanket by Dear To My Art Creations
What strikes me in the photos below is not only bold color choice, but also delicate flow in which the zig-zag is creating the pattern. Subtle ‘eyelets’ in the ‘valleys’ are created on purpose by talented designer and each color is in its place.
- photos by @deartomyartcreations on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar project, take a look at this project by Vicki Roberts, which is available as free pattern.
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Chunky Zig Zag by Made By Madeline
This delicate pastel proposition by Madeline is a great idea for a baby shower gift. Color choices are subtle enough to be gender-neutral, and pom-poms add playfulness to the project. Take a look and get inspired!
- photos by @_made.by.madeline on Instagram: top, bottom
You can find this crochet pattern by Sophie Minoughan here.
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Somewhere Over The Rainbow
When in doubt, go for rainbow – that’s an old crocheters’ proverb. The examples below explore possibilities in this vast category.
Ripple Rainbow Blanket by Stephanie van der Linden
Stephanie is a master of color, and I prove it every time, by presenting her creations. Each row of this stunning blanket is made with different color of yarn, straight from mini-skeins! If you want to make similar project, go for a color pack – many yarn producers sell them.
- photos by @stephanie_linden on Instagram: top, bottom
To make a similar project, take a look at this project by Sarah Jayne Fragola, which is available as free pattern.
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Stitched Up Chevron by Kerryandtheboys
Rainbow doesn’t have to go color by color, so take a look at this amazing blanket made by Kerry. She alternates colors in such a way, that neighboring hues are mixed up. Isn’t it cool?
- photos by @kerryandtheboys on Instagram: top, bottom
You can find this crochet pattern by Kylie Moleta here.
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Rainbow Baby Wrap by Hobbii Design
This sweet rainbow blanket you see below is actually on the border with being a wavy design. Chevron pattern is so delicate here, that you can argue if it’s not a ripple. In the end, it doesn’t matter, because this lovely rainbow couldn’t be more cute!
- photos by Hobbii Design on Ravelry
You can find this free crochet pattern here.
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Striped Chevron Baby Blanket by Jocelyn (jocieknits)
If you are not a fan of bold designs, but want to use up leftover yarn ends, try this combination – choose one color that is the background, and introduce colorful stripes in between. Take a look at this lovely version below, which was made by Jocelyn.
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- photos by jocieknits on Ravelry
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You can find this free crochet pattern by RachelC. Creations here.
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That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with much more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!
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