Crocodile Stitch (abbreviated crocodile st)

The crocodile stitch is a decorative stitch. It creates a fabric that mimics the scales of a crocodile. This is achieved by working a 3-D scale shape repeatedly over several rows or rounds to create layers resembling crocodile scales. Crocodile stitches can be worked using any number of stitches.

The crocodile stitch demonstrated in the video below is from the Flapper Hat design in the Crocodile Stitch Fashions crochet pattern book. You can find this and other crocodile stitch patterns here at Annie's Attic. The crocodile stitch may vary slightly from pattern to pattern, so make sure to follow the individual pattern instructions.

Note: Crochet does not have standardized naming conventions for special stitches. Designers may call stitches by whatever name they prefer. For this reason, it is difficult to search online for how a particular special stitch is created. Another reason it is hard to find the “correct” way to work a particular special stitch is because each designer might work a special stitch in their own unique way.

This pattern uses a V-stitch pattern formation to start forming the scales. No matter what version of the crocodile stitch you use, you will be forming a two-row repeat of whatever stitch is stated in the instructions.

Rnd 1: Chain 6, slip stitch in the first stitch to form a ring, chain 3, 4 double crochet in the ring, chain 1, 5 double crochet in the ring. Do not join or turn.

This first open round counts as the first scale.

Row 2: Chain 4, double crochet in the same stitch as the beginning chain by stitching into the top of the last double crochet made (beginning V-stitch), V-stitch (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) in ring, V-stitch (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) in the top of the last chain (the beginning chain-3), turn. (3 V-stitches have been made)

Row 3: Chain 3, 4 front post double crochet (work a front post double crochet by going around the stitch from front to back to front again, yarn over, pull a loop up and complete the double crcohet) around the first leg of the first V-stitch, chain 1, turn. 5 front post double crochet around the 2nd leg of the first V-stitch (the first scale has been completed). Skip the middle V-stitch. 5 front post double crochet around the first leg of the next V-stitch, chain 1, turn, 5 front post double crochet around the second leg of the V-stitch (a scale has been completed), turn your work and fold down the scales. Turn your work back to work the next row.

Row 4: Chain 4, double crochet in the same stitch as the beginning chain (beginning V-stitch), V-stitch in the next chain-1 space, V-stitch in the chain-1 space of the skipped V-stitch of row 3 and the stitch directly behind it, V-stitch in the next chain-1 space, V-stitch in the top of the beginning chain-3, turn. (5 V-stitches have been made)

Continue as your pattern instructs. Again, these instructions are just to give you an idea of how this stitch can be worked. Be sure to follow the instructions in your pattern as they are written.