This free ripple scarf crochet pattern is a one-skein wonder that’s easy enough for beginners! The simple pattern uses double crochet stitches with a few increases and decreases to create the pretty wavy ripple design.
Using a self-striping yarn, like Lion Brand’s Mandala, makes this crochet scarf even easier because you don’t need to fuss with changing colors. Just one ball of yarn creates all those beautiful color changes for you!
I love the warm autumn colors of this scarf, but you can easily choose a different colorway to make it your own. The classic ripple design works well for men and women alike, making this an easy crochet scarf to add to your fall wardrobe or handmade gifting list.
Prefer a different color combination? Try my 3 Color Crochet Scarf Pattern for another way to use the ripple stitch.
Find more of my free crochet scarf patterns here.
About This Ripple Scarf Crochet Pattern
This easy crochet scarf is worked in rows using a repeating ripple stitch pattern that creates three ripples across the width of the scarf. Simple increases form the peaks while decreases create the valleys, giving the scarf its classic wavy design.
The pattern uses DK weight self-striping yarn, so the color changes happen naturally as you crochet. The finished scarf measures approximately 9 inches wide by 72 inches long, but you can easily adjust the length by working more or fewer rows.
Ripple Scarf Materials
- Approximately 568 yds of self-striping DK-weight yarn (such as Lion Brand’s Mandala yarn)
- US G-6 / 4 mm crochet hook
- Scissors and yarn needle
Gauge: Approximately 18–19 stitches per 4 in. (10 cm)
Finished size: Approximately 9 in. × 72 in. (23 cm × 183 cm)
This free crochet pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms and abbreviations. Stitch counts are provided throughout the pattern to help you keep on track.
Helpful Crochet Resources: Refer to my Crochet Abbreviations and U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart as you work through the pattern.
You can also purchase a convenient, ad-free PDF download from my blog store here.
Crochet Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- 3dctog – double crochet 3 stitches together
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Pattern notes: This pattern is written in U.S. crochet terms. The beginning chain 3 counts as a stitch where indicated.
Ripple Scarf Crochet Pattern Instructions
To adjust the width: Start with a multiple of 14 plus 3 chains.
Chain 45.
Row 1: Work 2 dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chains count as st), *1 dc in each of the next 3 ch, [3dctog over next 3 chains] twice, 1 dc in each of the next 3 ch**, 3 dc in each of the next 2 ch, rep from * across, ending last repeat at **, work 3 dc in last ch, turn – 42 sts. (Makes 3 ripples)
Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as st), work 2 dc in first st (the st at base of chain 3), *1 dc in each of the next 3 sts, [3dctog over next 3 sts] twice, 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts**, 3 dc in each of the next 2 sts, rep from * across, ending last repeat at **, work 3 dc in last st (the turning ch from previous row), turn – 42 sts.
Rows 3 through 110: Repeat Row 2 for all rows or until desired length is reached.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Crochet Ripple Stitch Chart
Click here to reference Crochet Stitch Chart Symbols.
More Free Crochet Scarf Patterns
If you enjoyed making this scarf, here are a few more free crochet scarf and wrap patterns you might like:
- Quick and Comfy Scarf
- 3 Color Crochet Scarf Pattern
- How to Crochet a Basic Scarf for Beginners {Step-by-Step Tutorial}
- Transitions Wrap Pattern
- Crochet Ruffle Scarf Pattern
Find Community
I would love to see your finished projects; share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, or the Petals to Picots Community.
Every time I try this stitch, I feel like I’m doing it wrong because it seems to increase every row and I end up with a pie shaped piece, instead of straight edges. What the heck could I be doing wrong? I’m following the pattern exactly. So exasperated.
For patterns like this, the mistakes are usually made at the beginning or end of the row. Make sure you are decreasing properly and have the right stitch counts. Hope that helps!
I’m making this in Lion Brand’s Mandala yarn in Poseidon. Thanks so much for the pattern — it’s gorgeous! It’s my first time trying a ripple pattern, and I love how easy it is and how nice it looks!
What color Serdar Colourwheel yarn did you use for the Autumn Ripple Crochet Scarf?
Thank you
I used Natures Palette #205
May I sell the ones I make with reference to your webpage of course
Absolutely! You may sell any finished items made from my patterns. And a link back or credit to the original pattern is always appreciated. Happy sales!
Hi Is there a video tutorial for this Autumn ripple scarf? Thanks!
will l ball of lion brand mandala make a scarf 72 long? I have already used 50 grams and have just short of 20 inches with only l00 grams left that would make the scarf around 60 inches long.
is this the updated pattern now
I’m not sure what you mean by updated … the post contains the full pattern.
I’m wondering why the first picture in the FACEBOOK feed shows a much narrower scarf? I would like to do the narrower one.
Hi Brenda 🙂 I’m not sure which scarf you are referring to on Facebook. I just see the one pictured in the post here.
Your diagram and the written instructions don’t agree. At the end of row 1 you state 54 stitches… yet when I count the stitches (in the diagram), I see 42. Add this to the chain 3 at the beginning and you get the original 45. Am I correct?
Hi Christine 🙂 you are correct! Row 1 should end with a total of 42 sts. I mistakenly counted the 3dctog as 3 instead of 1. I have corrected it now. Thanks for pointing this out!
Been looking for this exact pattern
Thank you so much!