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Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own.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
Chandra Walton says
I must crochet very tight! I’m at 36 spaces and I’m only measuring 30″. My point is right at 14″ though. I double checked and I only increased 1 every other row. I hope it will be long enough!
Michelle says
I’ve made two of these now and I’ll probably make tons more! I crochet tightly, so I added a few rows to reach 33″ before I started decreasing. I still had yarn left over, and the scarf looked great. I didn’t have problems with the pattern, but I added another double crochet in the turning chain after the DC2TOG, which made mine look more symmetrical. I usually have to tweak something in patterns like this to accommodate how tight my stitches are!
Thank you so much for sharing this! It’s my new favorite scarf pattern.
Sandy says
Michelle I believe you fixed this patterns problem!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I’m so glad you found a tweak to make it work for you. Thank you for sharing your idea with everyone! 🙂
Jess
Juli (Once Upon a Cheerio) says
Such a beautiful design! The neutral colours will go well with everything!
Sandy says
Very deceiving, not surprised to hear others had problems w/decreasing directions. The decrease side of scarf does not look symetrical to the increase side. There was not enough yarn to finish off w/tassels. Also disappointed that I had a problem downloading the pattern when I purchased, asked for help & rec’d none! Good luck!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sandy,
I’m sorry you had trouble with the pattern. The increase and decrease sides are indeed identical. I can fold the scarf in half and they mirror each other.
I love the idea of tassels as well, but the pattern wasn’t written to necessarily written to leave enough yarn leftover to accommodate them.
I’m also sorry to hear you didn’t receive the help you needed when purchasing the pattern. That’s never my intent.
Jess
Olga says
Thank you so much for the lovely and easy pattern!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You’re welcome, Olga! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jess
Shari says
Thanks for this. Looking forward to starting this weekend. Quick question: I bought a 383 yd skein of Caron Cakes (Berries & Cream). How long do you suggest I increase before I start to decrease. For the 315yd skein, you suggest ’til its about 33″ across. I’m okay with it being bigger. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Shari,
Since your skein is not significantly bigger than what I used, I’d maybe just add one additional row in each direction before you start the decrease (so two total extra increase rows). Then you’ll do two extra decrease rows. You might be able to push it more, but I’d hate for you to run out of yarn at the very end!
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Barbara says
I am on the last few rows of my scarf in the Buttercream colorway and I totally LOVE it. Unfortunately, it is a birthday gift so I have to let it go to my sister in law. She will love the colors and pattern too. My first increase/ decrease project. Worked up perfectly. Thanks for this modern looking pattern. I truly feel that the right yarn/colors make the project and since I’m new at crochet (Thank you YouTube!) I am a better copycat than creator.. Thanks for being here.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Barbara,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I feel honored that you spent time with my pattern and made something you’re happy with! I’m sure your sister-in-law will love it too!
Sounds like it’s time to make another one now. 😉
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Toni Brightman says
Has something changed with this pattern. I made several last year and I found it quite easy. I’m looking at this pattern now and something seems “off” with row 2. What am I missing?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Toni,
Welcome back! Hmm…no, nothing has changed except for I’ve added some additional photos and charts to try to make it easier for visual learners. Is it working better now for you?
Jess
natalie says
I love this pattern and am crocheting it in the Cake Pop color. I know that Bernat and Premier have similar yarns now, so it’s tough to choose colors!
Thanks for the charts you did, as those helped me figure out the increases and decreases without once having to frog!
Lovely pattern!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Natalie,
I’m so happy to hear that the charts helped! They weren’t originally included, but then I realized that they could be useful to visual learners (like me!), so I’m really glad they prevented you from having to frog. 🙂
There are SO many good colors on the market now, aren’t there? I love it!
Jess
Thao P. says
Hey there! Thanks for all these awesome patterns! I am having trouble decreasing on the desert winds scarf. I’ve tried it 4 times and it just doesn’t look right! You wouldn’t happen to have a video tutorial on how do achieve this, would you?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I don’t yet, unfortunately. I hope to make one this spring, but I’m guessing you don’t want to wait that long! 😉
Have you taken a close look at the decrease chart? I know that comparing that with the written instructions has helped some others who hit some speed bumps.
Thao P says
I’ve stared at the pattern and notes for so long, I’m dizzy. But I’m no quitter! 8th times a charm! 😉 I’ll figure it out. Sometimes, I just need to walk away for a bit lol Thanks, Jess!
Cindy says
Love the scarf and color. Unfortunately that color is no longer available. I found something similar in Bernat Pop! Having trouble with increase. I’m already at 24 spaces – 13″ deep and 25″ wide. Do I need to drop down a hook size? Also I noticed you indicated row 2 end was worked into the chains and row 3 in the space. However the instructions for row 3 say work 1 addl dc in tch. I’ve enlarged the sample next to the increase chart. It looks to me as if both rows are worked into the space at the end. Please advise. Thank you!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Cindy,
It sounds like you might be about on track for the gauge size width-wise, but a little looser than the gauge for the height of the scarf. I think the sizing will work out in a pretty wearable way, but I can’t speak to if you’ll end up having enough yarn. Sizing down would probably ensure enough yarn (assuming Bernat Pop! is similar to Caron Cakes in yardage), but I’d hate for you to have to frog all your work unnecessarily.
I’m not sure I understand your question regarding row 2 and 3. They end in slightly different ways because one ends on the angled side of the scarf and one ends on the top, straight side. The chart is a good place to see how the two rows differ. If you’d like to help me understand what you need more clarification on, I’d be happy to try to answer! 🙂
Jess
Cindy says
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve worked with both yarns now. I think Bernat Pop! may be a bit thicker. I’ll probably frog! Guess it’s just a matter of terminology as far as working into chain. To me that means working stitches into the actual chain, not the chain space. My piece looks exactly like the sample pic so I’m good. Now to get the gauge right. Patience is a virtue, right!
Brigitte says
I am enjoying this pattern so! I wish my local Michael’s carried a larger color palette. However, JoAnn’s carries a similar product called Sweet Roll. I’ve made 2 scarves in 2 days from both products.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Wow, you’re a scarf-making machine! I love those fast projects. Instant crochet gratification is def my thing. 🙂