Basic Crocodile Stitch Tutorial

After scouring the web for how to do the Crocodile Stitch and coming up with lots of variations I found the way that works best for me.  Below is how it is done:

Step 1:  Chain 22 (or any multiple of 6 plus 4).

Step 2:  DC in 4th ch from hook.  (First ch 3 = DC here and throughout)

Step 3:  Ch 1, skip the next 2 ch and DC in 3rd ch.

Step 4:  Ch 1, skip next 2 ch and 2DC in 3rd ch. 

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to the end of your ch.  This first row is the foundation for your scales which will come on the next row of work.  The scales will be worked into the 2 DC sets and anchored to the single DC in between.

Step 5:  Ch 3 and turn.  Work 4 dc down the post of the first DC.

Step 6: Swing the work around and work 5 DC up the post of the second DC.

*Hint:  Always work toward the center of the V created by the 2DCs.  Also, I like to pinch my work so that the post I am working into is at the top and easily accessible. Slip stitch to next DC. Your first "scale" is done!

Step 7:  Work 5 DC down the post of the next DC.

Step 8:  Work 5 DC up the post of the next DC. Slip stitch to next DC.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 across.

Front

Back

When you reach the end of the row you will not have another single DC to slip stitch to.  Ch1  turn and slip stitch back to the center of the scale. 

On this second row of the foundation we will be placing one DC over the center of each scale, and two DC in each of the single DC from the previous rows so that the scales will be offset.

Step 9:  Ch 4 (first DC and ch 1), 2 DC in next stitch.

Step 10:  Ch 1, DC in the center of the next scale.

Step 11:  Ch 1, 2 DC in next stitch.

Repeat steps 10 and 11 across.  Your second row of the foundation is complete.

Step 12:  Turn and work 5 DC down the post of the next DC.

Step 13:  Swing the work around and work 5 DC up the post of the next DC.  Slip stitch to next DC.

Continue across and slip stitch into the last DC (3rd ch up from the previous row).

 **Hint:  For a pointier scale add a ch1 at the bottom of each scale before working the second 5 DC.  This is shown on the left and center scale of the top row in the picture above.  This is what I did for my beaded versions.  This is were the bead sits.

Then just continue in this manner making sure that each row is offset from the previous one.  If you have any questions or anything is unclear please post a comment below and I will respond and/or update the tutorial to eliminate the confusion.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy!