Alligator Neck Scarf (Crocodile Stitch) - Crochet Pattern

Fun, textured neck scarf that wraps snugly and features layered "scale" texture with a playful alligator head and tail. Worked flat in crocodile (alligator) stitch panels, folded and seamed to form a cozy neck tube with a detachable head/tail option. Difficulty: Intermediate (comfortable with double crochet, single crochet, and post/working around posts). Approx time: 8–12 hours.

Finished Measurements

• Length (including head & tail): 36" (91 cm)
• Width (body): 6" (15 cm)
• Neck circumference when wrapped once: ~28" (71 cm)

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight (Category 4). Suggested: 300–350 yards (274–320 m) total for adult scarf with head & tail. Example skein size: 200 yd / 183 m per 100 g skein (Imperial: 200 yd; Metric: 183 m). Use 1–2 skeins depending on brand.
• Hook: US I/9; UK (old): labelled conversions vary—check labels; Metric: 5.5 mm
• Additional notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker, small amount of stuffing or fiberfill for head (optional), 1 button or snap if you want a closure, scissors, sewing needle & thread if attaching button.

Gauge

12 sc x 8 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet with 5.5 mm hook. Gauge in crocodile stitch will be different; check scale size by making a 6-scale swatch and adjust hook if necessary to get desired scale size and fabric drape.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sk = skip
• sp = space
• sl st = slip stitch

Notes

• This pattern uses a base row of double crochets and alternating rows of crocodile scales layered on every other pair of base dcs. The crocodile scale technique is described below; practice a small sample if new to it.
• Foundation chain is a multiple of 6 + 2. The sample uses a 32-chain foundation (6*5 + 2 = 32) to make a 6" wide scarf. Adjust width by changing multiples of 6.
• Turn chains: ch 3 at beginning of dc rows counts as first dc.

Pattern Overview

1. Make foundation chain (multiple of 6 + 2).
2. Row 1: base dc row.
3. Row 2: setup row of sc and chain spaces to mark pairs for scales.
4. Row 3: work crocodile scales on half the pairs; row 4: base dc; row 5: work crocodile scales offset to cover alternate pairs. Repeat for length needed for the body piece.
5. Create two identical panels for front and back (or one wide panel folded if you prefer), seam, add head and tail pieces and finish.

Step-by-step

Body Panel (make 2) - Adult

1. Ch 32 (multiple of 6 + 2).
2. Row 1 (Base dc row): Turn into the chain: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. You should have 30 dc across (including ch-3).
3. Row 2 (Setup row): ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, *ch 2, sk next dc, sc in next dc* — repeat across until end; sc in last dc. This creates a ch-2 loop over every pair of base dcs. (There will be 15 ch-2 spaces across.)
4. Row 3 (Scales row - work on alternating pairs): ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. For each ch-2 space across, you will make scales on every other space. Work as follows: starting at the first ch-2 space (closest to the beginning): in that ch-2 space work 5 dc into the chain space or around the post(s) of the pair of dcs beneath (depending on tension and preference). After the 5 dc, slip stitch into the top of the next ch-2 space to move along without adding height (or chain 1 and sc into the next sc row if that is easier to line up). Skip the next space (do not work a scale on it). Repeat: scale, skip, scale, skip across the row. End with sl st to finish. Note: each worked scale stacks so the pointed edge faces away from the base row.
5. Row 4 (Base dc row): ch 3, turn. Dc in each dc across. You will now have another row of dc to anchor the next set of scales.
6. Row 5 (Setup row for next scale row): ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, *ch 2, sk next dc, sc in next dc* across.
7. Row 6 (Scales row - offset): ch 3, turn. This row you work scales into the spaces you skipped in Row 3. In each ch-2 space that was skipped previously, work a full scale: 5 dc into the space (or around the pair of dc posts below) for the side closest to you, then turn your work around that pair and work 5 dc on the opposite side of the same pair so the scale layers over the previous row's scales. This creates the layered crocodile effect. Repeat across so that scales fill the alternate pairs.
8. Repeat Rows 4–6 (Base dc, setup row, scales offset) until panel reaches desired length for half the scarf body. For an adult scarf body, make each panel about 14" (36 cm) long before shaping for head and tail. You will make 2 panels to seam into a tube. Alternatively, continue single panel to full length and fold later.

Head (Make 1)

The head is a tapered triangular piece seamed and stuffed slightly. Make it at one end of one panel.

1. With right side facing, join yarn at scarf end.
2. Row 1: ch 3, dc across 18 dc (or however wide the panel is for the head base) — this forms a shorter base for the head.
3. Row 2: ch 1, sc across.
4. Row 3: decrease rows to taper: ch 3, dc across, stop 2 dc early; next row sc across; next row ch 3, dc across stopping 2 dc earlier; repeat until you have a pointed shape (~6 dc wide). Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
5. Shape mouth: fold point into a muzzle shape, seam sides leaving a mouth slit. Add a line of black embroidery for mouth and small safety eyes or felt eyes stitched on. Add a little stuffing for a soft head if desired; keep it flat and lightweight so scarf lies flat around neck.

Tail (Make 1)

1. At the opposite end of the panel, join yarn and work tapered rows to form triangular tail mirroring the head but longer and flatter: decrease every other row until tapered. Optionally work a row of picots along the tail edge to mimic spikes: *ch 3, sl st into same st* spaced evenly.

Assembly

1. Block panels lightly to even stitches (steam/block as recommended by yarn label).
2. Place two body panels with right sides together and seam one long edge using whipstitch or mattress stitch, leaving one short end open for attaching head and the other short end open for tail (or attach head/tail before seaming if preferred).
3. Attach head to one end by sewing the base of head to the open panel end, then finish seam. Attach tail to opposite end similarly.
4. Weave in ends. If you want a closure, sew a button near the head base and create a loop on the tail to button closed around the neck.

Crocodile (Alligator) Scale How-to (Detailed)

1. The scale is worked around a pair of base dc stitches from the row below. The typical scale uses two layers of 5 dc each: one row of 5 dc on one side of the pair, then 5 dc on the opposite side to overlap.
2. Make first half: Insert hook around the post(s) of the first base dc of the pair (or into the ch-2 space just above the pair) and work 5 dc into that space/post so they fan outward. Do not fasten off.
3. Make second half: Rotate your wrist or turn the work so you can work on the opposite side of the same pair and work 5 dc directly behind the first 5 dc, stacking them. Slip stitch into the next base stitch or into the sc that sits between chain spaces to anchor and move on.
4. Spacing: Work scales on alternating pairs in one scale row, then offset to fill the skipped pairs on the next scale row so scales interlock and create a layered reptile look.

Sizing Adjustments

• Wider scarf: increase foundation chain by 6 for each extra 1" (approx) width. Keep multiple of 6 + 2 rule.
• Longer scarf: keep repeating the base+scale pattern until desired length. Add more yarn as needed.
• Child sizes: use smaller hook (4.0–5.0 mm) and fewer foundation multiples. Reduce yardage proportionally (~150–200 yd / 137–183 m).

Finishing Tips

• Weave ends through the base dc row so they are hidden beneath scales.
• If scales look too tight, block the scarf gently with steam to relax fibers and shape.
• For a neater mouth/eye detail, use felt pieces and sew on for safety—avoid small parts for garments intended for young children.

Troubleshooting

• Scales too stiff: use slightly larger hook for scale rows or choose softer yarn.
• Scales collapse: ensure you work both halves of the scale (front and back) around the pair and anchor with sl st or sc between scales.
• Edge uneven: keep even tension and count pairs while placing scales; use stitch markers to mark every 4th pair for counting help.

Variations

• Make a single long panel, roll into a tube, and seam for a seamless look.
• Create color stripes by changing yarn every 2–4 rows of scales for banded alligator skin.
• Add spikes along the tail by working small dc clusters or picots spaced evenly.

Care

Follow yarn manufacturer's care instructions. Typically: hand wash cold, reshape and lay flat to dry to preserve scale texture.

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