Crochet Crocodile Stitch Tutorial with 21 Patterns to Try

This crochet crocodile stitch will teach you how to use this unique and amazingly versatile stitch. The best part? We have rounded up over 20 of the best crocodile stitch patterns and projects for you to practice with.

The Crocodile Crochet Stitch Tutorial

From how it looks, you can probably understand why this stitch is called the Crocodile Crochet Stitch. It creates a layered look of scale-like texture that creates a bulky fabric. The scales this stitch creates look a little intimidating because of how intricate it looks, but guess what? The texture in this stitch is achieved using basic crochet stitches only! Two sets of rows are worked alternately to create the repeating scales pattern. Because of this repeating pattern, a dense fabric perfect for almost any project is made. To add a little more fun to your work, you can also use alternating colors for each row. It will not only add more colors to your project, but it will also help make the scales more visible. Although this stitch uses basic crochet stitches only, it can be quite hard to understand where to put the stitches. But, hey, we got you covered! We prepared written instructions that you can easily follow.

Crocodile Crochet Stitch Instructions

Are you ready for the fun part? Prepare your yarns and hook and get ready to crochet! To create the rows of scales, you will have to learn how to make the two alternating rows that will create the fabric. First, you’ll work on a row of single double crochet, and two double crochets in a stitch worked in an alternating pattern which will hold the scales. Second, you’ll work on the row that makes the scale-like texture pattern. To begin the pattern, make a foundation row in multiples of five plus one. For this tutorial, we’ll be using 20 + 1 chain stitches.

Row 1

Now that you have your chain stitches, make two double crochet in the 6th chain from your hook. *Chain 1, skip 2 chain stitches, and make a single double crochet in the next stitch. Chain 1, skip 2 chain stitches, and make 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Continue in this pattern until the end of the row. Turn.

Row 2

Chain 1. Skip the single double crochet from the previous row. You’ll start working on the first pair of double crochet stitches (2 double crochet in a single stitch from the previous row). Please note that you’ll be making double crochet stitches around the post, just like working back post stitches. So work on the first double crochet stitch by making 5 double crochet stitches around the post, working towards the foundation chain. After that, you’ll be working on the second double crochet stitch. Make another 5 double crochet stitches around the post, this time working away from the foundation chain. Slip stitch in next single double crochet (to hold the scales in place), then repeat the pattern until the end of the row. Turn. If you ended Row 2 with a slip stitch, proceed to Row 3. Otherwise, proceed to Row 5.

Row 3

Chain 3, and make a double crochet in the same stitch. * Chain 1, and make a double crochet in the middle of the scale from the previous row. Chain 1, and make 2 double crochets in the top of the slip stitch from the previous row. * Continue working on this pattern until the end of the row. If the previous row you worked on ended with a scale, make a double crochet in the left corner of the scale. Turn.

Row 4

Repeat Row 2

Row 5

Chain 1, and slip stitch in the center of the scale. Make another chain 4 (will considered as double crochet and chain 1), then make 2 double crochets in the next slip stitch. * Chain 1, make a single double crochet in the center of the next scale. Chain 1, make 2 double crochets in the next slip stitch. * Continue this pattern until the end of the row. If you ended the previous row with a scale, make a double crochet in the left corner of the scale. Turn. Want to have smaller scales? Instead of using double crochet stitch, you can opt to use half double crochet to make the scales smaller.

Crochet The Crocodile Stitch Video Tutorial

21 Crochet Crocodile Stitch Patterns To Try

Crocodile stitch crochet patterns is bringing a change to crochet. Crochet has been around for a very long time.  With any hobby and craft, it’s popularity ebbs and flows over time as fashions change. We’ve been enjoying the resurgence of interest in crochet these last few years. It has brought to the fore some very popular new designers and stitches.  Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve probably seen how popular the Crocodile Stitch has become. We’ve had a couple of readers email us and ask us to put together a round up of our favorite crochet patterns. So here is the Crocodile Stitch and we are happy to oblige.

Click the image to open the link in a new window to the pattern or tutorial.

Capuche Hood Crocodile Stitch Hat

This crocodile stitch hat stands out from the other gazillion hat and beanie patterns out there. It is really hard to stand out. But if you want a statement piece, then this hood is it!  Featuring the ever popular crocodile stitch, along with tassels, a pom-pom and great style, we think this hat is worth your crochet time. Even better, it’s a free downloadable pattern with great step by step instructions including photos.

Materials needed:

• 3 balls of worsted weight yarn– approximately 250 yards.
• US size I (5.50 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Download the free Crocodile Stitch Hat Pattern here

Crochet Crocodile Stitch Queen – Lianka Azulay of Bonita Patterns

The undoubted queen of the Crocodile Stitch is Lianka Azulay of Bonita Patterns.  Many of our favorites from her store have found their way into the round up above, but you can find ALL of her brilliant patterns, many of which feature the Crocodile Stitch in her Etsy store – Bonita Patterns HERE. She is also the author of the book ‘Crocodile Stitch Fashions‘ which is available on Amazon.

Fashionable and simple to create, the crocodile stitch is popular among crocheters. This instructional book assists crafters in mastering the stitch. Made with a simple chain stitch and a double crochet. The eight patterns in this book are supported by step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions. There is one shawl, a hood, two pairs of wrist warmers, three hats and a neck warmer. As usual for an Annie’s Attic publication the step by step photos are very clear and the instructions are completely accessible to the beginner crocheter.

The pattern is perfect for creating some fun brightly colored pieces your loved ones can show off and look sassy in. I am all in for projects that scream personality, style, and comfort which is exactly what the crochet crocodile stitch offers. So go grab some yarn and a hook and see what exciting pieces you can create using this pattern.

What Crochet Crocodile Stitch Pattern will you dive into first?

Don’t forget to also check out our roundups of Mermaid Tail Crochet Patterns. Many of which also feature the Crochet Crocodile Stitch to make the scales.