The Crocodile Stitch, aka the Scale Stitch, is the most requested video tutorial on the Moogly Facebook page – and you all know how I love to take requests! But I decided to take it one step further, and include not only a video and written instructions, but a photo tutorial as well!
There are a variety of ways to make the Crocodile Stitch, and I’ve attempted several of them myself. What I show here is the method that I believe is easiest. Even so, this is definitely an advanced stitch. You should be comfortable with both double crochet and post stitches before you start with the Crocodile Stitch. You might also want to grab a glass of wine! But be patient, go through the video a couple times, pausing as necessary, and give it a try – it just might be easier than you think!
Video Tutorial: How to Crochet the Crocodile Stitch
Written Instructions and Photo Tutorial for the Crocodile Stitch
This pattern for the Crocodile Stitch is worked best in a multiple of 10 plus 1. If you wish to work it in a multiple of 5 plus 1 that works as well, but you’ll need to play with the number of stitches a little – you might have to skip only one chain at the end, or you might have a chain or two left over. It’s okay to fudge it, because it’s all background work – it won’t show in the scales! In the video and in the photo tutorial below I chained 21.
Row 1: Ch to desired length (see note above). Work 2 dc in the 6th ch from the hook. *Ch 1, skip 2 chains, and dc in the next st. Ch 1, skip 2 chains, and work 2 dc in the next st. Repeat from * to end, ending with either 2 dc or 1 dc in the last st. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, and start working into the first pair of dc sts, skipping the single dc if that was the last st of the previous row. Going around the post of the first dc of the pair as if to work a back post stitch, make 5 dc sts around the post of the st, working down the length of the post towards the foundation chain.
Then make 5 dc around the post of the next dc st, working from the foundation chain end towards the top. (First scale made.)
*Sl st in the next single dc. Make the next scale in the next pair of dc sts. Repeat from * to end, working a sl st in the top of every single dc and a scale in each pair of dc sts. Turn. NOTE: If you ended this row with a sl st in the top of a single dc st, then continue with Row 3 instructions. If you ended with a scale, go to the Row 5 instructions.
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in the same st. *Ch 1, dc in the middle of the next scale. Ch 1, work 2 dc in the top of the next sl st. Repeat from * to end, working 2 dc sts in the top of each sl st, and 1 dc in the top of each scale. If the previous row ended with a scale, work 1 dc in the left corner of the last scale, as shown. Turn.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2, working scales in the dc pairs and sl sts in the single dc sts. NOTE: If you ended this row with a sl st in the top of the dc st, then repeat the Row 3 instructions for the next row. If you ended with a scale, continue to Row 5.
Row 5: Ch 1 and sl st in the center of the last scale made. Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch1), then work 2 dc in the next sl st. *Ch 1, dc in the center of the next scale. Ch 1, work 2 dc in the next sl st. Repeat from * to end, working sts as appropriate. If the previous row ended with a scale, work 1 dc in the left corner of the last scale, as shown. Turn.
From here you should be able to see the pattern. Work the scaffolding and then work the scales in the dc pairs. Continue as long as desired!
Did you give it a try? If this method just isn’t working for you, I recommend trying some other videos on youtube. There are several different ways to make Crocodile Stitches, and everyone has the method they prefer – and that’s okay! There’s rarely a right or wrong in crochet – just whatever works for the project you’re working on. Good luck and let me know if this method worked for you!
Be sure to check out and like the moogly Facebook page to get the latest updates, links, and sneak peeks. Moogly is also on Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, and Google+ – come join the fun! You can contact me via the Facebook page or at [email protected]
Shauna Mearkle says
I am loving this blog!
Beth says
Great tutorial and the best one yet. I actually did a few rows during my lunch break today. I really like how the stitches are anchored in with that slip stitch.
Clarita Nelson says
i’ll have to watch this several times. kinda too fast for me!
Aerobuyck says
Love, Love, Love this!!!! I would have never gotten working around the post without watching it. Great video. Thank you!
Monay says
The pic tutorial made it look so easy. Going to practice a bit then attempt one of the crocodile projects.
Lisa says
This tutorial is outstanding! I tried this a couple of times but the instructions were so jacked up! Thank you, as always, Tamara!
Lisa says
I meant the “other” instructions were jacked up. Can’t wait to try again now!
Tamara Kelly says
Marsha Erickson says
I have watch many video’s on this crocodile stitch and by far this is the best one I have found! You explain it so clearly! I tried it and I found myself doing great! I love new things! Thank you!!
Tamara Kelly says
frinder says
oh!..i seriosly HATE crocodile stitch!..but after having a look of your’s!..I M IT”S FAN
:P!♥
Tamara Kelly says
Frinder says
you are welcome so much!..best tutorials ever! ♥
happy star says
I hate crocodile stitch,…but after taking the look on your’s!..i am its fan!..i love your tutorials!..SERIOUSLY :P! love ‘em ♥
pie says
thank you so much for sharing.. you made it so easy.. made my first crocodile stitch sandals and it looks so good for my first try.. can’t wait to start “scaling” more! shared your link on pinterest with my work.
Tamara Kelly says
Clotilde/Craftybegonia says
Love to see it in video format as well as in writing. It will be much easier to understand for those who have never made the stitch.
Marrie says
Tamara?
in your old website, on its logo..i saw there was written ‘m’ now, it’s ‘g’?..what does this ‘G’ refers??
Tamara Kelly says
Ah the favicon! I don’t actually know for sure, I suspect it’s for “Genesis” – we switched to the Genesis blog framework. We’ll be changing it back soon, it’s just a little further down the to-do list than some of the other tweaks that need to be made.
sonu says
this is awosome ………. u r rely very nicly teach us……..thanks
Joanmojo says
I was looking for a thick stitch for an afghan for a boy. I think I will do some of these into squares. Your videos are so nice and your written instructions are great. Although my first row of scales were backwards, I figured it out! Thanks
Tamara Kelly says
Amy says
Do you have a tutorial for dragonscale fingerless gloves?!
Tamara Kelly says
I don’t, but I did find a crocodile st fingerless glove pattern that does have a video tutorial! http://www.meladorascreations.com/crocodilestgloves.htm
maryama says
thanks so much
Lea Sirm says
Paluks varrastel kootavate linikute õppematerjali ja ka linikute mustreid.
liz kaufman says
I love the crocodile stitch booties but I am having trouble trying to find out how you do the cuffs on the bootie. my problem is how do you start the cuff on the bootie. hope you can help me thank you so much
Tamara Kelly says
I haven’t made any crocodile stitch booties myself, but you might get an idea here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crocodile-stitch-baby-booties
Bali says
Hi. Loooooove your tutorials. Is there any chance you could do one on increasing in the round with crocodile stitch? I cant find any tutorials on this specifically and i’m going to make a ballgown in it.
Thanks so much!!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Bali! I’ll add it to the list!
Sherran says
I love the crocodile stitch but I don’t know how to use it as the edging for a project I have completed except the edging. Can you help me with this? I love the blog and all of the comments.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Sherran! I think this might help you: http://crochetuncut.com/files/CrocodileStitchEdging.pdf
Mortuum says
This crocodile stitche is awesome. I did a “flower” to start (http://mortuum.fr/crochet-appliques-1-crocodile-fleur-et-simple-coeur/), but i already have some idea about how to integrate it on some clothes ! Thank you for the pattern/tutorial!
Caty Miller says
I’ve been wanting to learn how to do this, I can’t wait to come back and check it out. The only thing I worry about is not understanding it correctly because I’m left handed and most right handed tutorials mess me up.
Dara says
Thanks for the clear instructions
Tracey Stewart says
Great tutorial as always.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you Tracey!
Natasha Hudgins says
Thanks for a great tutorial and a great blog!!!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much Natasha!
Linden Bird says
What a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing
Amber says
Easy to follow thank you
tanya Wallace says
Thank you so much!
lubna says
Wonder ful i m from karachi and i love to do crochet and honestly this will help me a lot thank you
JIll Marie says
Loved your video and photo instructions. I was glad I found photos and written instructions as I find them easier to follow than videos, but the video helped too.
A suggestion would be to leave notes for each row of the time mark where it can be found such as row 4 starts at minute 9 or whatever. Also in the video, your left thumb is in the way a lot of the time when inserting your hook, for beginners this may pose a problem, so sometimes perhaps move it out of the way a bit for them to see. BUT STILL A GREAT JOB! And I thank you MUCH!!!
Jill marie says
Is there a way to do this stitch but have the “front” of the double crochets showing, rather than the back?
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Jill! This method does have the front of the stitches showing.
Jill Marie says
Actually it doesnt. The double crochets in each scale have the back showing, When you do a regular double crochet, look at the front, and then the back. In the crocodile stitch, the back of each double crochet is what actually shows.
Tamara Kelly says
Ah, right you are. It had been so long since I’d done anything with crocodile stitches I’d forgotten about that little quirk! Perhaps working into the other side of the framework? I don’t know any other crocodile stitch methods myself, though I’m sure they’re out there.