Toss on this modern crochet triangle scarf to head out to the desert, the mountains…or just the grocery store. This free Caron Cakes crochet pattern takes all the stress out of choosing colors because the skein does it for you! Get the free pattern below or download the inexpensive, ad-free PDF here.
Fellow crocheters are ALL ABOUT this yarn. Are you one of them? For a few weeks, Caron Cakes was all I heard about on Instagram and in Facebook crochet groups.
I watched on, intrigued, but slightly less enthusiastically because I thought all the color options were vivid and bright, and you know, I’m kind of a neutral Nancy when it comes to most colors. Then I found the color way called Buttercream.
Oh, sweet Buttercream. I like to eat you, so of course, I’d love to crochet with you!
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Caron Cakes hullabaloo, it’s a yarn that’s available exclusively at Michael’s and it has unusually long color runs so you can get nice chunks of color in your project without creating a variegated look.
Honestly, the thing I like most about Caron Cakes is that I’m not responsible for choosing the colors. There is no stress like that I feel standing in the middle of a yarn aisle, trying to decide on which colors are going to join the polygamous arranged marriage I’m coordinating for them.
I find it so overwhelming! But this Caron Cakes pattern takes all the anxiety out of crocheting a scarf –just pick one skein and get moving!
Because this is a one skein crochet project, it makes a really affordable and customizable DIY gift idea. Each time I hold a skien of Caron Cakes in a different color, I think, “Oh, these colors look just like so and so!” It’s so fun to think about which color way most embodies each of my closest friends.
Of course, you can make this triangle scarf pattern in any yarn you choose though!
The actual construction of this scarf is quite simple. You just increase for a bunch of rows and then you decrease for a bunch of rows. I know some of you appreciate a chart, so I’ve drawn one below in case it helps you visualize the increases.
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this post. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos. Now let’s make something awesome!
More Free Crochet Scarves + Shawls Patterns
Whether you adore c2c crochet scarves, Tunisian crochet shawls or gorgeous lace scarves, we’ve got you covered. Many of these patterns make quick gifts to crochet and great gift ideas for Mother’s Day.
See more free crochet scarves + shawls patterns →
Desert Winds Triangle Scarf – Free Caron Cakes Crochet Pattern
Download the printable, ad-free pattern here.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue.
Sizes: One size: 70” x 14” at widest triangle points
Supplies:
So you can spend more time crocheting and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Caron Cakes – 1 skein “Buttercream” or approx. 315 yards worsted weight yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch marker
• Size H [5 mm] crochet hook (I really like this affordable set!)
Gauge:
Not critical for this pattern.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sp – space
sl st – slip stich
dc – double crochet
tch – turning chain
addl – additional
dc2tog – double crochet two together (double crochet decrease)
Pattern Notes:
- This scarf is worked from one side to the other by first increasing on every other row and then eventually decreasing on every other row. The increases/decreases always take place on the same side. It’s helpful to put a stitch marker on that side somewhere so that you can easily recognize if it’s an increase/decrease row.
- Take a look at the order of the colors in your Caron Cakes skein to decide if you want to pull your yarn from the center of the cake or the outside. The yarn color that is at the opposite end from where you begin may not get used. You can use this leftover yarn to make fringe or tassels if you desire.
- Each row ends with two double crochets that aren’t separated by a chain. (Reference photo below for a visual.)
Foundation Row: ch 9.
INCREASING – reference the photo above for additional help
Round 1: 1 dc into sixth ch from hook, 1 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 dc into next ch, 1 dc into last ch; turn.
Row 2 (increase row): ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch), skip first 2 dc, 1dc into first ch-sp, *1 ch, sk 1 dc, 1 dc into next sp; repeat from * to end of row, work addl (1 ch, 2 dc) in tch; turn. (tch should have dc, 1 ch, 2 dc in total)
Row 3: ch 4, 1 dc in first ch-sp, *1 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next sp; repeat from * to end of row, work 1 addl dc in tch; turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until work has 32 ch-sp and measures about 33”. End with a row 3.
DECREASING – reference photos below for additional help.
Row 1 (decrease row): ch 4, 1 dc in first ch-sp, * 1 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next sp; repeat from * until 1 ch-sp and tch remain, ch 1, dc2tog over next ch-sp and tch; turn.
Row 2: ch 4, 1 dc in first ch-sp, *1 ch, skip 1 dc, 1 dc into next sp; repeat from * to end of row, work 1 addl dc in tch; turn.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until 2 ch-sp remain (including tch-sp). End with a row 2.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Throw your scarf around your neck, grab your canteen and head to the land of cacti and red rocks!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting Desert winds triangle scarf patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
More Free Scarves + Shawls Crochet Patterns
- Brushland Tunisian Crochet Scarf Pattern
- Crochet Triangle Scarf Pattern
- Tunisian Crochet Blanket Scarf
- Children’s Hooded Scarf Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Shawl With Pockets Pattern
- Tunisian Crochet Shawl Pattern
- Asymmetrical Tunisian Crochet Scarf Pattern
- Brick Stitch Tunisian Crochet Cowl Pattern
If you’re looking for other other one-skein crochet projects, you might enjoy these free patterns:
Crochet Moccasins with Flip Flop Soles
Crochet Lavender Dryer Sachets
Brenda Towsley says
I am having the same problem as others that the scarf is not as long as it should be when ready for the decrease. I am only increasing on the one side and the other is straight as an arrow. I love how your scarf looks but I am just not getting as long of ends as it show on the picture being worn. I stopped at 32 chain spaces before the decrease am I understanding correctly? Should I just carry on until it looks long enough before decrease? Afraid I will end up with too much bulk in the front. It looks like you answered this question above but I am still unclear because I am not increasing on both ends.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Brenda,
It might be helpful to count your chain spaces in each row to see if you’re maybe ending up with an extra one in each row? (Like maybe somehow increasing by two of them instead of one each row.) That could explain why you’re ending up with 32 before your scarf is long enough. Also, have you looked at the chart above at all? Sometimes a chart helps me visualize where the increases go a lot more easily than reading the written pattern, so it might help to have a look at that.
Feel free to write back with any more info and I’ll be happy to help you trouble shoot further. (You can email me a pic too if you want!)
Jess
Sarah says
I love this pattern and yarn!! I just started working this pattern with the “Buttercream” but my spaces aren’t very well defined. Did you block your scarf to get the large spaces? Or maybe I’m doing my double crochets wrong (I am new to crochet)? My stitches are very tight with my dc not very vertical, they look more like “Y’s”. Your advice would be greatly appreciated, I love the look of your completed scarf.
Gail Smith says
Beautiful scarf. Thank you so much. I am hooked on Caron Cakes & have made a few things with it. For this scarf, I am using “Faerie Cake”. Looking quite pretty so far.
I have completed the increases & working on the decreases now.
Like some of the others, I have run into a problem getting it to work properly. I understand the dc2tog & that works fine. Where I get confused is on the start of the next row where you state to do dc in the ch1 spaces. On the decrease row, there is no ch1 mentioned before you do the dc2tog. Do I add a ch1? Or go between the dcs or skip over to next? I hope you understand what I mean.
Thanks again for sharing this lovely pattern.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Gail,
I think I do understand what you mean and I think I made a mistake by leaving out that ch 1 before the dc2tog. Thanks so much for bringing it to my attention. It’s been added now.
Does that clarify all your questions? Let me know if not!
Jess
Gail says
Thanks Jess, this clarifies it. 🙂
Actually I ended up adding the ch1 & have now completed 2 of these.
I made one in Faerie Cake & the other in Red Velvet. Both look great.
Now have I have started a third one – also in Red Velvet.
I love this pattern!
Thank you so much.
Gail
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Awesome! I’m glad you were such a savvy pattern reader and troubleshooter. I’m so happy you’re enjoying this pattern!
Jennifer Bremner says
Hi, when doing the decrease row, do you still chain 1 before the dc2tog?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes–I’m sorry I made a mistake and left that out! It has since been corrected. Thanks so much for asking a great question! I really appreciate people like you that are such astute pattern readers.
Jess
Robin H says
I don’t know if my other post came through. I will try to remember it.
First of all thanks for this cool pattern. Second, I am not using Caron Cakes for this project. I am however using Red Heart Americana. I am loving it for this scarf.
I am at the end I think for my increases, but your instructions say that at the end of the increases the scarf should have 32 spaces, I have 33.
It also says it should be 33″, is this the length or width? Either way, I am only at about 15″ in length and width. :/
So wondering if I should be using a larger hook, I am using an H hook now.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Robin!
The dimensions of the finished scarf is about 14″ x 70″. (Those measurements are at the points of the triangle.) I’m not quite sure why you would only be at 15″ wide if you’ve already gotten to 33 spaces. Are you crocheting increases on both sides of the scarf? (They should only be happening on one side.)
Regardless, if you happen to have 33 spaces, just work an extra decrease row at the end. Essentially, you’ll know you’re finished when you have the same number of spaces in the last row as you did in the first row. You’re just aiming for a symmetrical triangle.
Hope that is helpful!
Jess
Robin H says
Love this scarf, I am not using Caron Cake though, I am using the Red Heart Americana. I love it so far.
My questions are, is the length suppose to be 33″ or the width? Also, I have ended my increases on 33 spaces, but still don’t have the 33″ length or width, whichever it’s suppose to be.
Should I just continue increasing to get the 33″ or should I frog and go to a larger hook size? I’m using an H hook.
Thanks.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Robin,
I just answered your previous message, but I don’t think the hook size is the problem. I’m wondering if maybe you’re increasing too frequently? The scarf is one very long straight edge with a shallow triangle point below it.
Does that make sense?
Robin H says
Thank you, got it. I was doing to many increases.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yay! I’m so glad you got it straightened out, Robin!
Anna Roppel says
Hi Jess
OMG i love your Scarf and the colours…i bought your Pattern, however i do not get it at all. i have increased in every other row (row 2) and am now with 32 Spaces, but if i start to decrease now, this scarf will be super small. I don’t know what am doing wrong! Please help!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Anna,
One thing that might be helpful is to count your stitches and see how many spaces you’re increasing by each time you increase. You’re right that the increases happen every other row and they should just add one space per inc row. So if you’re increasing more than one sp per inc row, you might be getting to 32 spaces faster than you should be.
Jess
Tammy says
First off… thank you for sharing your beautiful pattern. I’m really in love with this look and am excited to finish my first (of many?)!
I’m having trouble though with my decreases and I’ve read and reread the instructions and the previous comment about this but I’m still coming up with something that looks very different and have frogged these rows so many times. I think it’s a problem if not understanding where I’m doing the dc2tog. I understand which rows to do them on but not where I’m inserting my hook to do the stitch. (I do know how to do a dc2tog… haha). I just can’t figure out where I’m going wrong. Help! <3 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Tammy!
Thanks for your note. Let me see if I can help! So you’re going to work the entire decrease row as stated in the pattern until you have two spaces remaining (one “square” from the ch gap and then the space created by the turning chain). Insert your hook in the first of those spaces to begin the dc2tog and then finish it by inserting your hook in the turning ch space. What you’re doing is basically eliminating one of the “squares” or spaces that exists in that row so that it tapers in in the way the other side of the scarf tapers out. The pattern should create a symmetrical scarf.
Hopefully I’ll get a chance to draw up a little chart this weekend, but looking at the photo below the decrease section that circles the decrease stitches specifically might be helpful.
I hope that helps!
Jess
Debra says
I have looked at the photos and for some reason I’m still not getting it. I do hope that you do a chart. For me it will be very helpful.. Thanks for you time…
Debra says
Got it !! Dang sorry to bother you I was drawing a complete blank.. You answered it just fine when you responded to Tammy… some times my chemo brain gets the best of me. …Thanks again … and have a great weekend.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Great! I’m glad it worked out!
Andrea says
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous pattern! I feel a little like you when it comes to the caron cakes. This color combo is perfect, though. Yum!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Andrea! I’m really glad they’re making some neutrals for the understated gals like us. 😉
Lena says
Hello! I love this pattern!! I went to Michaels and bought the same Buttercream yarn you have used! :o)
I have worked all of the increases and am now stuck on the decreases. Do you begin the decreases on the side with the point? Also the pattern ( if I’m reading it correctly on the decrease row 1) is telling you to make your turning chain 4, then 1dc in the first chain space and then another chain and skipping a double crochet? Should the decrease side mirror the increase side (if the scarf was folded in half)? I’ve tried zooming in on the pics on the tip of the triangle and I’m just stuck. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lena,
Yay for buttercream! Yes, it should be symmetrical. So, you’re decreasing on the same side of the scarf you were increasing on, but now you’re decreasing at the end of the row instead of the beginning of the row (like you did with the increases). This is because you work a row 3 at the end of the increasing, so you need to make your way back to the angled side of the scarf to do the decrease.
Does that answer your questions? Feel free to ask for more help if not!
Jess
Debra says
Im still having a trouble with the decrease, is it possible to show a graph for that?
thank-you Debra
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Debra,
I just answered a comment to Tammy about the decrease, which might be helpful for you to read too. I’m hoping to have time to draw up a chart this weekend!
Jess
Terri says
I too am completely stuck on decrease row. I’ve torn out and redone several times and I still have 32 chains spaces. I’ve been a crocheter for 20 years !!! Idk what I’m doing wrong !!
Mary Reed says
I absolutely love this scarf! Can’t wait to make it. I don’t normally wear scarves because I get too warm, and they are sometimes too stiff. But this one looks so soft and flexible, and lightweight too! I’m planning to do this exact color as well; it will go with anything!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Mary,
Yes, that’s why I loved this color too! I hope you enjoy this scarf. It lets in enough air, but still adds some visual interest to your neck.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Taylor says
I just finished my first project with caron cakes and now see what all the hype was about! Can’t wait to try this pattern, thank you for sharing!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, that’s how I felt after I used my Caron Cake! There’s something about coming upon the next color in the skein that is just so fun and addicting!
Darla says
I agree!! I”m on my 2nd Caron cake scarf! I love the anticipation of getting to the next color! Thanks so much for sharing this pattern! Quick and easy! Thanks also for the chart! Helps so much!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Darla,
It really is addictive isn’t it? I can stay up way too late just attempting to “get to the next color”! 🙂
Jessie Lampitt says
where can i get that Caro cake yarn please ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jessie,
It’s only sold at Michael’s stores, either in the actual store or online. 🙂
Kim says
Oh my goodness I love this! Scarves are usually too fluffy for me to wear unless it is COLD out side. I can see this one working with the looser lighter pattern. I’m gonna try this!