The Diamondback Mesa Scarf: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Southwestern-Inspired C2C Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Desert Warmth: The Diamondback Mesa Scarf

Wrap yourself in the warmth of the desert with this stunning corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet scarf, featuring a bold diamond tree motif that evokes the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. This free pattern uses a unique color-blocking technique to create a modern, geometric accessory that's both cozy and chic. Whether you're a confident beginner or an intermediate crocheter, this project is a rewarding journey into textured, graphic design.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample uses Lion Brand Heartland, but any worsted weight (#4) yarn will work beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Terracotta) – 250 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Grand Canyon')
  • Color B (Sand) – 200 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Yosemite')
  • Color C (Sage Green) – 150 yards (e.g., Lion Brand Heartland in 'Olympic')
• Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Gauge: 4 C2C blocks = 2 inches in width and height. Gauge is not critical but affects final size.
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes: This scarf is worked diagonally from corner to corner (C2C) using the traditional increase, maintain, decrease method. Each 'block' is a ch-3, 3 dc cluster. The chart is read diagonally from the bottom right corner. The scarf is worked flat, not in the round.

Abbreviations: ch = chain, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, C2C = corner to corner.

Special Technique - C2C Block: To make one block: ch 3, work 3 dc into the 4th ch from hook (the ch-3 counts as the first dc). This creates a small square.

Increase Section (Rows 1-20)

Row 1 (Increase): With Color A, ch 6. Work 1 C2C block into the 4th ch from hook. (1 block)

Row 2 (Increase): Ch 6, turn. Work 1 C2C block into the 4th ch from hook. Sl st into the ch-3 space of the previous row's first block. Ch 3, work 3 dc into that same ch-3 space. (2 blocks)

Row 3 (Increase): Ch 6, turn. Work 1 C2C block into the 4th ch from hook. *Sl st into the next ch-3 space, ch 3, work 3 dc into that space.* Repeat from * across. (3 blocks)

Continue increasing in this manner until you have 20 blocks across the diagonal. This is the widest point of the scarf.

Diamond Tree Motif (Rows 20-40)

Follow the chart below. For each row, work the number of blocks indicated, changing colors as needed. To change color: work the last dc of the block with the new color. Carry the unused color loosely along the back.

Chart (Read from bottom right to top left):

• Row 20: 20 blocks (all Color A)
• Row 21: 19 blocks (Color A) + 1 block (Color B) at the far left
• Row 22: 18 blocks (Color A) + 2 blocks (Color B)
• Row 23: 17 blocks (Color A) + 3 blocks (Color B)
• Row 24: 16 blocks (Color A) + 4 blocks (Color B)
• Row 25: 15 blocks (Color A) + 5 blocks (Color B)
• Row 26: 14 blocks (Color A) + 6 blocks (Color B)
• Row 27: 13 blocks (Color A) + 7 blocks (Color B)
• Row 28: 12 blocks (Color A) + 8 blocks (Color B)
• Row 29: 11 blocks (Color A) + 9 blocks (Color B)
• Row 30: 10 blocks (Color A) + 10 blocks (Color B)
• Row 31: 9 blocks (Color A) + 11 blocks (Color B)
• Row 32: 8 blocks (Color A) + 12 blocks (Color B)
• Row 33: 7 blocks (Color A) + 13 blocks (Color B)
• Row 34: 6 blocks (Color A) + 14 blocks (Color B)
• Row 35: 5 blocks (Color A) + 15 blocks (Color B)
• Row 36: 4 blocks (Color A) + 16 blocks (Color B)
• Row 37: 3 blocks (Color A) + 17 blocks (Color B)
• Row 38: 2 blocks (Color A) + 18 blocks (Color B)
• Row 39: 1 block (Color A) + 19 blocks (Color B)
• Row 40: 20 blocks (all Color B)

Note: The 'diamond tree' is formed by the Color B blocks creating a large diamond shape in the center. You can adjust the size by adding more rows of Color A before and after.

Decrease Section (Rows 41-60)

Row 41 (Decrease): Sl st across the first block to the ch-3 space of the second block. Ch 3, work 3 dc into that space. *Sl st into next ch-3 space, ch 3, work 3 dc.* Repeat across. (19 blocks)

Row 42 (Decrease): Sl st across first block, ch 3, work 3 dc into next space. Continue across. (18 blocks)

Continue decreasing in this manner until you have 1 block remaining. Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block the scarf gently to open up the stitches and even out the shape. Trim any loose yarn tails.