Crocodile Stitch has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated croc), so you can follow either without converting.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by naztazia on YouTube.
How to crochet the Crocodile Stitch — step by step
Base row: work a row of V-stitches (dc, ch 1, dc) in every other stitch — these are the 'posts' the scales hang on.
Scale, first half: rotate the work so the first dc post is vertical; work 5 dc down around that post, chain 1.
Scale, second half: rotate again and work 5 dc up around the second dc post of the same V. Slip stitch into the next V to move on.
Skip every other V on each row and offset on the next row so the scales overlap like roof tiles.
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
Motifs are self-contained shapes — flowers, hexagons, stars — that you join into blankets, bags and garments.
Common mistakes with the Crocodile Stitch
Inconsistent tension between motifs makes them different sizes — same hook, same yarn, same mood.
Joining without blocking first; block every motif to the same size before you join.
Forgetting to plan the join — decide 'join as you go' vs 'sew at the end' before making 50 of them.
Planning a project with the Crocodile Stitch? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
The Crocodile Stitch has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated croc.
Is the Crocodile Stitch good for beginners?
It is an advanced stitch — worth it, but practise on a swatch first. Overlapping scales — instant drama.
Can I crochet the Crocodile Stitch left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Crocodile Stitch, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Crocodile Stitch used for?
Motifs are self-contained shapes — flowers, hexagons, stars — that you join into blankets, bags and garments.
Learn the Crocodile Stitch in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.