3 Color Crochet Ripple Scarf Pattern

This free 3 color crochet scarf pattern uses a simple ripple stitch to create a gorgeous wavy design. Alternating three coordinating yarn colors highlights the ripples beautifully, while working in the back loops adds even more texture.

And there’s no need to fasten off with every color change! The yarn is carried up the side of the scarf as you work, which means fewer ends to weave in when you’re finished.

I designed this scarf using three coordinating colors from Zen Yarn Garden’s gorgeous gradient sets. Although the set I received came as a Quartet, I only used three of the colors, so this pattern would be perfect for the Trio options as well.

If you’re looking for another variation on this stitch pattern, you may also like my Ripple Scarf Crochet Pattern, worked in warm autumn colors.

Three color crochet scarf with a wavy ripple design

About This Three Color Crochet Scarf

This easy crochet scarf combines three colors of fingering-weight yarn with a simple ripple stitch pattern. The three colors alternate from row to row, creating colorful stripes that follow the peaks and valleys of the ripple design.

The scarf is worked in back loops only from Row 2 on, adding texture and definition to the stitches. Instead of fastening off after each row, the three yarn colors are carried up the side of the scarf as you work, saving time and leaving fewer ends to weave in.

The finished scarf measures approximately 5½ inches wide by 76 inches long, but you can easily adjust the length by working more or fewer rows.

3 color crochet scarf worked in a textured ripple stitch

Three Color Scarf Materials

3 colors of fingering-weight yarn, approximately 200 yd of each color (shown in three colors from Zen Yarn Garden Gradient Quartet, Color: String)
E-4 / 3.5 mm crochet hook
Needle and scissors for finishing

This free crochet pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms and abbreviations. Stitch counts are provided at the end of each row to help you keep on track.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful for following this pattern include: Crochet Abbreviations and U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart.

Available as a convenient, ad-free PDF download here.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry library.

3 Color Crochet Scarf Pattern Instructions

Pattern notes:

Carry colors up the side of the work, changing colors after each row.
Work in back loops only from Row 2 on.

With CA, ch 48.

Row 1: Work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and each of the next 5 ch, 3 sc in next ch, *1 sc in next 7 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next 7 ch, 3 sc in next ch, repeat from * until 6 ch remain, 1 sc in each of the last 6 ch — 47 sts.

Row 2: With CB, ch 1 (does not count as a stitch here and throughout), working in back loops only for the rest of the scarf, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 7 sts, skip 2 sts, 1 sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, repeat from * until 7 sts remain, sc2tog — 47 sts.

Row 3: With CC, ch 1, continuing in back loops only, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 7 sts, skip 2 sts, 1 sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, repeat from * until 7 sts remain, sc2tog — 47 sts.

Row 4: With CA, ch 1, continuing in back loops only, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 5 sts, 3 sc in next st, *1 sc in next 7 sts, skip 2 sts, 1 sc in next 7 sts, 3 sc in next st, repeat from * until 7 sts remain, sc2tog — 47 sts.

Rows 5 through 298: Repeat Rows 2 through 4 ending with Row 298 or until your desired length is reached.

Fasten off, weave in ends.