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Learn How to Crochet Crocodile Stitch: Pattern & Tutorial

Updated April 2, 2026

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Learn how to crochet the crocodile stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial.

The crocodile stitch is a layered crochet technique that creates a series of scale-like textures, often used in projects like shawls, scarves, bags and decorative accents. It’s typically worked in two rows: one to form the base posts, and one to build the “scales” around them.

Pattern Use Ideas

Embrace the beautiful scale, like texture, and create:

  • Dragon scale fingerless glove
  • Statement scarf
  • Tote Bag

Materials & Tools

Pattern Notes

Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below.

Skill Level: Advanced

Stitch Multiple: 6 +3

This pattern gives you the basic principles for the crocodile stitch, designed to help you create your own projects.

The video tutorial can be found at the base of the post.

Convert Pattern Terms

Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.

Terms & Abbreviations

Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.

Slip Stitch(s): ss(s):
Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Special Stitches

Scale Stitch: (ScSt): work 5 tr around post of the first tr of pair of trs in previous row, rotate piece to work up next tr, work 5 tr around post of second tr of pair of trs. One scale made.

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How to Crochet – A Handy Reference Guide eBook

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.

Pattern Support

The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.

Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.

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Free Crochet Pattern: Crocodile Stitch

You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.

Foundation: Ch in multiples of 6 + 3

Row 1 (WS): 2 tr into sixth ch from hook (skipped 5-ch counts as tr and skipped 2 ch), *1 ch, skip 2 ch, tr in next st, 1 ch, skip 2 ch, 2 tr in next st, rep from * until 3 ch rem, 1 ch, skip 2 ch, tr in last ch. Turn.

Row 2 (RS): 1 ch (counts as ss), *work ScSt around next 2 sts, ss in top of next tr, rep from * across, working final ss in top of 5-ch. Turn.

Row 3: 3 ch (counts as tr), tr in base of 3-ch, *1 ch, tr in centre of scale in previous row, 1 ch, work 2 tr in ss from previous row, rep from * across, working final 2 dc in 1-ch from previous row. Turn.

Row 4: 1 ch (does not count as st), ScSt around first 2 sts, ss in top of next tr, *work ScSt around next 2 sts, ss in top of next tr, rep from * across, working last part of last scale around 3-ch from previous row and omitting final ss after last scale. Turn.

Row 5: 1 ch, ss in centre of first scale, 4 ch (counts as tr and 1 ch), *work 2 tr in ss from previous row, 1 ch, tr in centre of next scale, 1 ch, rep from * across, omitting final 1-ch. Turn.

Rep Rows 2–5 until desired height.

Note: when rep Row 2, work final ss in third of 4-ch.

Fasten off and sew in ends.

Video Tutorials

Please note this is an assisting video tutorial and may not match the written pattern.

Right-handed

Or you can watch on YouTube

Left-handed

Or you can watch on YouTube

Crochet Stitches To Try Next

If you enjoy exploring texture, check out these stitches:

Click below to explore the FREE stitch library.

crochet stitch library

I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet

sarah-jayne
 
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