Crochet Crocodile Stitch Tutorial {part 2 of 2}
Here is part two of two of the crochet crocodile stitch tutorial. It's a tricky stitch, so it really requires more than one post because I took a massive amount of pictures! If you missed part one, you can return to it here.
So, we finished our second row, which is the row of crocodile stitches. Now, we will start to make the third row.
Step #6:
(Row 3 – a foundation stitch row) At the end of row 2, chain 1 and work 2 half double crochets in the space next to the chain 1. They are basically at the edge of the previous crocodile stitch.
Step #7:
Chain 1, work 1 half double crochet in the middle of the crocodile stitch.
Step #8:
Chain 1, work 2 half double crochets in the single half double crochet from row 2. When working with the half double crochet, I had to really push the hook into the top of the stitch. It almost made me want to switch to using double crochet and a bigger hook, but I wanted a nice, tight crocodile stitch so I wouldn't have to line the clutch! But, don't get hung up on how it looks because it will just be covered up by another crocodile stitch. The most important thing is that the pattern of 2, 1 stays consistent.
Step #9:
Continue working that pattern for the length of your work, ending with two half double crochets on the edge of the previous crocodile stitch from row 2.
Pattern – 1 half double crochet in the middle of the crocodile stitch, chain 1, and two half double crochets at the top of the single half double crochet, chain 1 (except at the end – no chain 1).
Step #10:
(Row 4 – a crocodile stitch row) Chain 1. Work a crocodile stitch on the first pair of half double crochet {4 half double crochet on the first post (top to bottom), and 4 half double crochet on the second post (bottom to top). See the previous post for that photo tutorial.}. Then, work a slip stitch on the single half double crochet.
Continue for the length of your work – working a crocodile stitch on the pair of half double crochet, and a slip stitch on the single half double crochet, ending with the crocodile stitch.
One thing to note before we continue,. Odd rows of the foundation stitches (2 hdc, chain 1, 1 hdc, ch 1) will be worked differently than the even rows of the foundation stitches.
For instance – row 3 will start with 2 hdc on the end, but row 5 will start with 1 hdc on the end. As you progress on the piece, you'll see how the rows are staggered. In this case, you'll have 6 crocodile stitches for one row, and 7 for the next, then 6 again, and so on (see the above picture).
Step #11:
(Row 5 – a foundation row) Chain 1 and turn. Work 1 half double crochet in the middle of the crocodile stitch. Chain 1. Work 2 half double crochet at the top of the single half double crochet, chain 1.
Continue for the length of your work (2 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc, ch 1). Here in the picture, I turned the work around to the front to show you what the foundation row will look like. End the row with 1 half double crochet worked in the middle of the crocodile stitch.
Step #12:
(Row 6 – a crocodile stitch row) Chain 1, turn. Work a slip stitch on the first single half double crochet. Then, work a crocodile stitch on the next pair of half double crochet. Work a slip stitch on the next single one, and so on until you complete the row!
See how the first row has 6 crocodile stitches, the second, 7, and the third, 6?
Continue alternating in that manner (repeating steps #6 to #12) to make the project as long as you like. For the purse clutch, I stopped at row 16.
Thank you so much. I don’t like working from videos either. The still photos are so much better.
I plan to share your link with other crocheting family members.
I’ve just taken up crochet in my “old age.” (I’m 67. ?). And I’m loving it.
Oh I’m so glad the photos helped you, Dottie!