Crochet Crocodile Stitch Pattern

Instructions

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1. 1Stitch multiple and foundationCrocodile stitch starts on a multiple of 6 dc + 2; each 6 dc hold one scale and one in-between pair. The chain is 2 more than the dc count; for a swatch 4 scales wide, ch 28. Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across; the 3 skipped ch count as a dc. (26 dc)
2. 2Row 2 (pair row)Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, skip 1 st, pair in next st, *skip 2 sts, pair in next st; rep from * 7 times, skip 1 st, dc in last st (top of turning chain). (8 pairs plus two edge dc)
3. 3Learn the scaleRotate the work a quarter turn so the first dc of the pair lies horizontally in front of you. Work 5 dc around its post, starting at the top and moving down to the base; the stitches fan out around the post. Ch 1, rotate the work and work 5 dc around the post of the second dc of the pair, this time from the base up to the top. The result is a half-moon scale hanging downwards.
4. 4Scale rows (rows 3 and 5)Row 3 (RS): ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *scale on next pair, sc between the two dc of next pair; rep from * 4 times, sc in top of turning chain. (4 scales) Row 5 (RS): ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *sc between the two dc of next pair, scale on next pair; rep from * 4 times, sc in top of turning chain. (4 scales) The scales on row 5 sit exactly between those on row 3, creating the fish-scale look.
5. 5Pair rows (rows 4 and 6)Rows 4 and 6 (WS): ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, work a new pair above every pair of the previous pair row: 1 pair into each sc, and 1 pair between the tops of the two dc of each scaled pair (in the gap behind the scale); 8 pairs in all across the row, dc in last sc. On the WS the scales face away from you, so the tops of the pairs are easy to see. Rows 3-6 form the repeat.
6. 6Crochet the swatchAfter rows 1 and 2, repeat rows 3-6 twice, then work Row 3 once more, for 11 rows and 5 rows of scales in total. Count 4 scales on every scale row and 8 pairs on every pair row. Because the scales cover the rows below, only the dc rows show on the WS.
7. 7What to make with itCrocodile stitch is a showstopper on bag flaps, cowls, boot cuffs, dragon or mermaid tail costumes and baby photo props. For a cowl, start with 98 dc (a multiple of 6 + 2; ch 100, 16 scales, about 61 cm), work to 20 cm tall and join the short ends; the scales use a lot of yarn, so allow about 300 g.
8. 8FinishingAfter the last scale row, cut and pull the yarn through. Weave in the ends on the WS through the dc rows. Dampen the swatch, smooth the scales downwards with your fingers, lay it flat and let it dry.