Crocodile Stitch (crocodile)

The crocodile stitch creates overlapping scales by working double crochets down and then up around the posts of paired stitches, giving a dramatic three-dimensional, reptilian texture.

US abbreviation: crocodileUK abbreviation: crocodileDifficulty: intermediate

Worked from these basic stitches

  • Double crochetDouble crochet

In a chart, the crocodile stitch is drawn as a group of these symbols.

How to crochet the Crocodile Stitch

  1. 1Build a base row of V-stitches (pairs of double crochets) so each pair gives you two posts to work around.
  2. 2To make a scale, work 5 double crochets down around the post of the first dc of a pair, working from the top toward the bottom.
  3. 3Chain 1, then work 5 more double crochets up around the post of the second dc of the same pair, from the bottom toward the top.
  4. 4The two fans meet to form one scale that points downward.
  5. 5Slip stitch or single crochet across to the next pair, then make the next scale. Offset the scales row to row so they overlap like roof tiles.

Tips

  • This stitch eats yarn, plan for roughly double the usual amount.
  • A smooth, plied yarn shows the scales far better than a fuzzy one.
  • It is slow to work, so it suits small projects like cuffs, collars, and bags.

Used in

  • Scarves
  • Bags
  • Cuffs
  • Baby items
  • Decorative edgings

Related stitches

Find more stitches in the complete crochet stitches library. To visualize this stitch in a chart, try the free stitch chart maker.