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Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own.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
Susan says
I am quite liking this pattern! I would like to use most of this cake for this scarf. Just wondering if I could go to 35 or 36 spaces instead of 32? I tried making it before using lion brand ice cream but didn’t have enough to make the 32 space scarf. I would hate to be short wool.
Thanks for this pattern.?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Susan!
Are you thinking you’ll use a Caron Cake this go around? I did find that I had some yarn leftover, so I think you might be able to add a couple of rows and still be able to finish the scarf. I have also seen some people run out of yarn though, so I think it has a lot to do with how tightly/loosely you crochet and if your cake is on the longer or shorter side. (Yardage can vary since it’s based on weight.)
Hope that’s helpful!
Jess
Angela says
Thank you this fantastic pattern!!! I have made a few, all in different colors. I love each new owne better than the last!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I love hearing that Angela! Thank you for saying hello! The colors can get sort of addicting can’t they? I just want to try every single one!
Julie says
I have made three items using this patter, all of different yarns and weight. Everyone of them turned out incredible. Absolutely love this pattern.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I’m so happy to hear that Julie! I haven’t seen a lot of these scarves in different weights. What a cool idea to try! Thanks so much for saying hello. 🙂
Deborah says
Hi Jess,
Is there a chart for the decrease? Like so many others, I am totally confused about the decreasing. I have read and reread all tbese comments, and I am stumped. Maybe if I saw a diagram, it would click for me. I can’t make sense of the photo either.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Deborah,
I don’t have a chart right now, but I will try to get one added to the pattern this week!
Linda says
please do add a chart asap
Pam says
Jess,
First, thanks so much for this wonderful pattern. I bought my first ball Caron cakes without a plan of what to do with it. That’s when I found your blog. Also, I’m a “new” crocheter, having just started last year. I’ve knitted for years but wanted to learn crocheting.
I’m needing a little help. I’m literally coming up short on my scarf. I’ve read all the previous comments and replies. I’ve just finished counting my rows, hoping that I had increased too fast but all I found was that I only had a couple of rows that were just a repeat of the previous row (count wise). My scarf measures 49″ x 13 1/2″ I used an “H” hook. Any advice? I’m determined to get this down. I’ve already decided to rip the whole thing out and start over, once I find a solution.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Maria says
I am trying to figure out the difference between row 2 and 3. You said that one was in the space and the other in the chain. Is this in the actual chain? I have reached 32 spaces and I’m only about 15″.long ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
The difference is that row 2 is worked into the beginning chain. Row 3 is worked into row 2. It wouldn’t be accurate to say “repeat row 2” because you won’t be working into the original chain after that first instance in row 2.
It sounds like perhaps your increase happened too quickly. You could count your number of chain spaces in each row to try to determine how many spaces you were increasing by each row. (It should be 1 ch-1 sp every other row.)
Hope that’s helpful!
Jess
Chelsea says
Hi Jess. It’s me again… And I’ve somehow seemed to run out of yarn… The increase half looks amazing! Then the decrease half just gradually, ‘takes it’s time’ to get to the last 2 ch spaces… But I only made it to 4 ch spaces until I ran out of the yarn. Something is off for sure, I assume on the decrease side. (I will fully admit I may be crocheting quite loose, but I didn’t think it was THAT loose to run out of yarn.) I hope I don’t have to frog it too much, but we all can’t deny it wouldn’t be the first time frogging a project. HELP PLEASE!
P.S. I did see a comment earlier if you’ve blocked, and you’ve answered my previous question. Please ignore my last comment 😛
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. That does seem strange as I had quite a bit of leftover yarn when I finished mine. Perhaps yours is is on the looser side? I think you have two options:
-More frogging: tear it out to the last few rows of the increase section so that you start decreasing when you have like 30 ch-1 spaces instead of 32. That would save you a little extra yarn for the end.
-Less frogging: I don’t think it will be hugely noticeable when you where the scarf if you just work two decreases per row a couple of the rows as you approach the end of the decrease section. You could play around with hiding them a few rows before you get the to very tip of the triangle. (Honestly, I’d choose this second option as I hate to frog and rework anything, but it’s totally your call! :))
Chelsea says
Hi there! I just wanted to thank you so much for this pattern, I started my scarf yesterday and am hoping to finish today. I can’t wait to start wearing it, it’s so pretty! (I have Faerie Cake) Now onto the question, I am wondering if you blocked this project or just started wearing it right away? My apologies if you’ve already answered this question in the comments, I didn’t check… But if you did block it, how did you go about it? If so, this would be my first blocking so I want to do it right! Thanks a bunch!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Chelsea!
I’m excited for you to start wearing it too! I didn’t actually block mine. If you wanted to though, I’d use T-pins to pin it to a blocking board, a piece of cardboard or even a towel on your carpet (that’s what I do, but I’m not sure it’s the best idea for the carpet 🙂 and then use an iron on the steam setting to shoot some steam onto the scarf. Keep in mind you DON’T want to actually touch the iron to the yarn. And shooting the steam too directly to the yarn can “kill” the acrylic yarn. Sometimes people do this intentionally because it can make the yarn really soft and drapey, but it also looses some of it’s substance and ability to hold a shape. I just want you to know about what can happen so there are no surprises. 🙂 You can google “How to block acrylic yarn” for lots more details if you’re interested!
Cynthia says
Well, the first half of this scarf went fine, but the second half (decreasing) took me four tries to finally accomplish. I think it came out well in the end. I ran into the same troubles expressed by others and had trouble understanding the instructions. So glad I read the comments section because there I found the answer to my problem. Now I have it figures out and will surely make more as gifts. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I’m so glad it worked out, Cynthia! I hope to make a video tutorial of this pattern in the next few months.
cynthia wilson says
It would be wonderful if you can find the time to do the tutorial Jess. With that, I feel pretty sure a LOT more people will be making this lovely scarf! Again, thank you for sharing your patterns.
Christina says
Hi! It would be so helpful if you made a YouTube video to go along with this pattern! I see I’m not the only one having troubles!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
It’s on my list! 🙂
Linda says
I am a new crochet-er. Can I do this or is it too difficult? I am worried since I see so many questions about the size, shape, and instructions. What do you advise?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Linda,
If I were you I’d take a look through the pattern and charts and see if it generally makes sense. If so, I’d def give it a go! Keep in mind that the comments you see here are from the people who have had questions along the way. There are hundreds of people who have made the scarf with no issues and therefore didn’t leave a comment. 🙂 If you’d like to see some people’s finished scarves, you could check out the pattern on Ravelry.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Jess
Sarah McDowell-Smith says
Hi Jess: I am not sure where I went wrong!! I ended up with 4 points. The middle section being 22 inches wide. Length is abut 52 inches.
I could live with that but then it is not long enough to wrap around my neck like your picture which I so wanted it to do.
After reading all the post, I am not sure if the problem lies in the increase or the decrease. Could you maybe post a chart for the decreases? Thank you.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sarah,
I’m wondering if you ended up with four points because you increased (and decreased) on both sides of the scarf, as in both sides of each increase row? The pattern calls for you to do all your increases on one side (the bottom) of the scarf and then you do all your decreases also on the bottom. Does that make sense? I feel like I’m having trouble explaining what I mean. 🙂
Eli says
Hello! Is it ok, if i am at first 18-20 rows and my scarf is scrolling a bit? Or maybe i am not doing something right?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Eli,
What do you mean my scrolling? I’m not sure I understand.