How to Crochet Crocodile Stitch (Easy Scale Stitch Tutorial)

The crochet crocodile stitch creates dramatic overlapping scale-like texture using rows of double crochet posts and layered shell stitches. Also known as dragon scale stitch or scale stitch, this highly textured crochet stitch is popular for bags, scarves, blankets, mermaid tails, and fantasy-inspired crochet projects because the raised scales create bold dimensional texture. This tutorial will show you how to crochet crocodile stitch step-by-step.

What is Crocodile Stitch?

The crochet crocodile stitch is a layered crochet stitch pattern made by working groups of double crochet stitches around post stitches to create overlapping scales. Because the scales overlap in rows, the stitch creates thick, textured fabric with dramatic dimension and warmth.

Discover more textured patterns in the complete crochet stitches guide.

The crocodile crochet switch obviously lends itself to making stuffed toys such as crocodiles and dinosaurs! But, of course, it can be used for anything, such as blankets, bags, scarves, and hats. Because of its overlapping layers, it would make an extremely warm baby blanket

How to Crochet Crocodile Crochet Stitch (Step by Step)

To create this stitch, you need to make a ‘skeleton of double crochet stitches, onto which you will work your crocodile scales.

Best yarn for crocodile stitch: Medium-weight and bulky yarns work especially well because they help define the raised scales clearly. Solid colors usually show the scale texture.

Step 1 – Crocodile Stitch Skeleton

• Crochet a foundation chain that is a multiple of 6 +3.
• Work 1 double crochet into the 4^th chain from the hook.
• *Chain 1, Skip 2, Double crochet in the next stitch. Chain 1, Skip 2, 2 double crochet in the next stitch.
• Repeat from * across the row. You should end with 2 double crochet in the last stitch of the foundation chain. This gives the ‘skeleton’ on which you will be working your scales.

Step 2 – First Crocodile Scale

• Chain 3 (counts as first dc), and turn so the skeleton is upright with the foundation row on the left.
• Crochet 4 dc into the end of the last dc or the previous row.
• I have changed the color so you can see what is going on!
• Work from the right to left and crochet 4dc into the end stitch, ch1. This is the first half of your crocodile scale.

Turn the piece around so the foundation row is on the right but still upright. This is the second half of the crocodile scale. It should be an exact mirror image of the first half.

• 5dc around the next double crochet bar. You need to insert your hook from right to left.

• Slip stitch into the next double crochet. This anchors the scale to the skeleton.

Step 3 – First Row of Crocodile Stitch Scales

• Repeat, making crochet crocodile stitch scales all the way across the row. Your scales must be pointing downwards!
• 5dc with foundation chain on left, ch1, turn so foundation chain is on right, 5dc, sl st into next dc.
• Work the final anchor slip stitch into the top of your turning chain.

Step 4 – Second Row of Skeletons

Now it is time to make the second skeleton row.

•  Chain 4, 2 double crochet into the anchor stitch. 1 double crochet into the center of 1^st scale.
• *2 double crochet into the next slip stitch. Chain 1, double crochet into the center of the scale.
• Repeat from* across the row.
• End with 1 double crochet.

Step 5 – Second Row of Scales

• Turn and work the next row of scales as before. Your scales should be staggered.

Step 6 – Continue

Continue for more skeleton and crochet crocodile stitch scale rows.

Crocodile Crochet Stitch Variations

Crocodile stitch is usually worked in double crochet, but it can be worked in half double crochet or in treble stitch just as easily. You just need to work those stitches up and down your skeleton posts. Your choice of stitch will make a difference in the size of the scales.

Best Projects for Crocodile Stitch

The crochet crocodile stitch works especially well for:

• bags
• scarves
• hats
• blankets
• mermaid tails
• dragon-themed projects
• tea cozies
• textured accessories

Because the scales overlap heavily, the fabric becomes thick, warm, and highly textured.

Crocodile Stitch FAQs

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In Conclusion

The crochet crocodile stitch creates bold textured crochet fabric using layered scales worked around double crochet post stitches. Although the stitch may feel complicated initially, the repeating structure becomes easier once you understand the skeleton rows and scale placement. Because the stitch creates dramatic overlapping texture, crocodile stitch is perfect for fantasy-inspired crochet projects, cozy accessories, bags, blankets, and statement crochet pieces.

It is also ideal for making bags, from clutches to totes. If you alternate colors with each row of scales you have a whole different effect. It actually looks great using rainbow stripe patterns too! This stitch definitely takes a bit of practice, but once you understand how it is constructed, it becomes easier. Be warned that it is another ‘yarn gobbler’; that is, it uses a lot of yarn, so be sure you will have enough to complete your project. This is one of the reasons why it is such a warm stitch.