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Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own.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.
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Sizes: One size: 70” x 14” at widest triangle points
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Supplies:
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• 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.
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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
Sarah says
Please post a chart. I am having major trouble with the second section where you decrease. I have read the post and still cannot figure it out. I have took it apart 3 times and am ready to give up. Thank you.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sarah,
I’m sorry you’re having trouble. I will draw up a chart and add it to the pattern post as soon as I’m able!
Karen says
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I’m working it with Caron cakes Rainbow sprinkles and it looks great!! Pattern is so easy to follow. Started this morning and am about 1/2 way thru decreases. Very pleased !
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Woohoo! I love those projects that you can get almost immediate satisfaction from!
Jennifer says
Uggghhh, having trouble with this pattern…and I refuse to give up, I love it, and everyone comments on how easy it is. May I send you a photo to see if you could correct my problem? How do I send you one?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Sure! When you do, try to give me some details about where you’re running into issues. You can email me at Jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com 🙂
Janice Jamieson says
I am finishing my fifth shawl with your yarn, Christmas gifts! I am sure my family will love them. I love working with your yarn!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Wow, you’re a machine, Janice! These will make awesome gifts! Isn’t it fun to choose a Caron Cakes color combo that is perfect for each person you know? It’s like a personality typing system or something! 😉
Kelly Schmidt says
I’m having so much trouble with the decreasing if you could please help.
Kelly
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Have you counted to make sure you’re decreasing by one space on each decrease? Like you have 32 spaces, then you have 31 spaces. I need a little more info about what exactly you’re struggling with in regards to the decreases to be able to help, but I’ll def try if I can!
Shauna says
I have started this and only did 30 chain spaces before my decrease and can’t finish because I am out of yarn. Not sure what I did wrong. Please help.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. That’s surprising because I had a substantial amount left of my skein. Perhaps your stitches are quite a bit looser than mine? I’m assuming you used the correct sized hook, so I think one explanation is just simply that the skeins are created by weight so I’ve def had different skeins of yarn that have varying yardage based. (Like 100 grams of yarn = 100 yards one time and then 110 yards another time.)
Are you at least close to the end of the pattern? You might be able to do extra decreases to taper your triangle quicker and get to the end with enough yarn to finish. I don’t think it would be very noticeable once the scarf is wrapped around your neck.
I’m sorry though, I know that must be annoying. I’m sorry I can’t offer more explanation.
Lisa Broyles says
Thank you for your help..I think I was getting it figured out as you were responding
..so the decrease is happening on either side of the last dc post.
Sometimes you.look at something so much it just starts running together and becomes so confusing….after I enlarged the picture bigger I was able to see the stitch
Lisa Broyles says
After reading all the comments I’m still having a difficult time with the decreases…
I don’t seem to be decreasing any…..I am staying at 32…
I’ve been trying over and over for the past 2 nights and am now in a pickle I only have Friday to finish this
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lisa,
This is the part of the decrease to really pay attention to (at the end of Row 1 of decreases in the pattern):
dc2tog over next ch-sp and tch
That dc2tog is where you should be starting a dc in one space, then finishing it in the next space (the turning chain), thereby decreasing one stitch overall. If you’re not familiar with dc2tog, you might want to watch a quick video because I think seeing it in action might clear things up!
Let me know if you have more questions. 🙂
Jess
Toni says
Am I mistaken or are rows 2 and 3 the same?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
They are the same, but they’re written out separately because in row 2 you’re working into chains and in row 3 you’re working into spaces. 🙂
Toni says
Thanks. So, row 2 I do the D.C.’s in the actual chain and row 3 works the D.C. In the ch 1 space?
Allison says
I’ve been doing all stitches in the chain spaces…should I be doing roe 2 in the actual chain? I’m so confused ?
Ally says
Loving the pattern!
Like some of the others though I’m having an issue and now after reading the comments I’m not sure if my issue lies in the increase side or the decrease side.
The increase side has a sharper slant (if that make sense) and the decrease side has a much wider slant, so when I fold the scarf in half it is not matching up.
Any thoughts on what’s going on?
Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
The slant should be pretty slight with both sides, so I’m guessing the issue is on the increase side.
Have you checked the chart to see if you’re increasing in exactly the way it specifies? You should be increasing by one space each time you increase and decreasing by one space each time you decrease. If you count as you go, you might figure out what’s going wrong.
Lots of people have posted their successful projects on Ravelry, so you might check out the photos there in case seeing more versions in addition to my photos is helpful.
Jess
Ali says
Thanks for the great pattern! I made it with Boston Cream and put tassels on the ends. So cute!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I bet that is adorable! I love the idea of adding tassels!
Helen says
I have read and re-read the pattern. I am too wide with 32 spaces and not long enough. I am increasing every other row. Please help.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Helen,
Would you like to send me a pic so I can help diagnose what might be happening? I think what I’m understanding is that maybe your scarf is increasing too quickly? One thing that might be useful is to count your spaces each row for a little while to make sure that you’re only ending up with one increase each time you do an increase row.