Today we are going to learn how to crochet Crocodile stitch. It is very likely that you have noticed this stitch before because og hoy eye-catching it is.
The crocodile stitch is also known as scale stitch because of its most apparent characteristic; its texture, which is similar to the skin of a crocodile, with overlapping “scales”.
There are a lot of knitters who don’t dare to try out this stitch because it looks very complicated. However, by watching the following video , you will be able to crochet it without any problem!
The number of stitches has to be a multiple of 3.
Row 1: crochet 1 double crochet in the third chain, counting from the crochet hook, then crochet 2 chains. Skip 2 chains and crochet 2 double crochets in the following chain, *crochet 2 chains, Skip 2 chains and crochet 2 double crochets in the following chain*.
Repeat from * to * until you have completed the row.
Row 2: turn the project around as seen in the video and crochet 1 chain, *crochet 5 double crochets in the position of the first double crochet of the previous row, crochet 1 chain, turn the project around as seen in the video and crochet 5 double crochets in the position of the second double crochet of the previous row. Skip the next pair of double crochets*.
Repeat from * to * until you have completed the row. Crochet 1 chain and later one single crochet in the center of the scale, crochet 3 chains.
Each group of 5 double crochets, 1 chain and another 5 double crochets forms a scale.
Row 3: crochet 1 double crochet in the same place where you crocheted the single crochet in the previous row, *crochet 2 chains, crochet 2 double crochets in the space that is left between the two scales*.
Repeat from * to * until you have completed the row.
When you insert the crochet hook in the space between two scales, make sure to do it through the space formed by two double crochets of the inferior row (watch the video to see exactly where it is). This will secure the form of the scales.
Row 4: crochet 1 chain and start to work on the scales in the second group of double crochets of the row. Work each scale as you did in row number 2.
When you finish the row you will have two double crochets (formed by 1 double crochets and 3 chains at the start of the row), crochet a slip stitch in the space between the two double crochets. crochet 3 chains.
To continue with the instructions, repeat rows 3 and 4, so that you alternate rows in double crochet with rows forming scales. Continue in this manneruntil you have reached the desired length.
Take into account that this stitch wastes a lot of wool so that when you think about knitting a larger piece you may have to buy additional wool.
For the same reason, the piece will also weigh more than others, so we recommend you to use this stitch to knit cushions or rims for your projects. If you want to knit a blanket, you are probably better off selecting a different stitch.
What do you think about the crocodile stitch?
In our example we have used salmon colored cotton, but you, of course can use any color you like along with 5MM crochet hooks.
Share your results with the hashtag #weareknitters! 🙂
