Crocodile stitch creates a dramatic 3D finish to this simple triangular shawl, which is worked from the bottom upwards, making use of simple increases on each row to create the shape. Work with two contrasting shades of yarn for a bold stripe effect.
MATERIALS
• Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool; 200m/220yds per 100g/3½oz skein) aran-weight yarn
3 x 100g (3½oz) skeins in shade 7801 Rouge Red (A)
3 x 100g (3½oz) skeins in shade 9473 Gris (B)
• 5mm (US H/8) crochet hook
• Locking stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
69cm (27in) deep x 127cm (50in) wide
TENSION
1 crocodile stitch to measure approx. 3cm (1¼in) wide
ABBREVIATIONS
See page 9.
Tip
The crocodile stitch is created over two rows; the first is the foundation and the second creates the stitch. The “scales” of the crocodile stitch are off-set on each row, and after increasing on each of the foundation rows each row of crocodile stitches will have one more “scale” than the previous row.
FOR THE SHAWL
Row 1: Using yarn A and 5mm (US H/8) hook, make 7ch (first 4ch count as 1tr and 1ch), 2tr in fifth ch from hook, 1ch, miss 1ch, 1tr in last ch, turn. Note: The 2tr will now be referred to as “V-shaped tr” throughout.
Row 2: Crocodile stitch will be made by working the stitch down the first part of the “V-shaped tr” and then up the second part of the V-shaped tr as follows: 1ch, 4tr around first part of V-shaped tr working top to bottom. Rotate work and work 4tr around second part of V-shaped tr working bottom to top, 1ch, sl st with yarn B in third ch of skipped 4ch of previous row, turn. (1 crocodile st)
Row 3: 3ch (counts as 1tr throughout), 1tr into ch-sp created by last 1ch of previous row (V-shaped tr made), 1ch, 1tr in centre of crocodile st in row below, 1ch, 2tr in last ch-sp (V-shaped tr made), turn.
Row 4: 1ch, 4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, sl st into tr, 4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, 1ch, sl st with yarn A in third ch of 3ch of previous row, turn. (2 crocodile sts)
Make it yours
For a more subtle finish work in one shade of yarn, or make a statement by introducing more shades or variegated yarns for added contrast.
Row 5: 3ch, 1tr into ch-sp created by last 1ch of previous row (V-shaped tr made), 1ch, 1tr in centre of crocodile st in row below, 1ch, 2tr in next tr (this will be the tr from Row 3; work around the sl st from Row 4 – V-shaped tr made), 1ch, 1tr in centre of crocodile st in row below, 1ch, 2tr in last ch-sp (V-shaped tr made), turn.
Row 6: 1ch, *4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, sl st into tr; rep from * once more, 4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, 1ch, sl st with yarn B in third ch of 3ch of previous row, turn. (3 crocodile sts)
Row 7: 3ch, 1tr into ch-sp created by last 1ch of previous row (V-shaped tr made), *1ch, 1tr in centre of crocodile st in row below, 1ch, 2tr in next tr (this will be the tr from Row 5; work around the sl st from Row 6 – V-shaped tr made); rep from * twice more working into each consecutive crocodile st in row below and working final 2tr into last ch-sp (V-shaped tr made), turn.
Row 8: 1ch, *4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, sl st into tr; rep from * twice more, 4tr around first part of V-shaped tr, rotate work, 4tr around next part of V-shaped tr, 1ch, sl st with yarn A in third ch of 3ch of previous row, turn. (4 crocodile sts)
Continue in pattern as set for a further 70 rows, alternating yarns, and increasing 1 crocodile stitch every 2 rows to make a total of 39 rows of crocodile sts ending with a yarn A stripe and changing to yarn B in final pull-through of last row.
FOR THE TOP EDGE
Next row: *1ch, 1dc in centre of first st, 1ch, 1dc in sp between sts; rep from * to end of row. Fasten off.
MAKING UP AND FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends and block to measurements.
Tip
This shawl can be increased in size by simply continuing in pattern as set until you have reached the desired size. Remember to increase the yarn amount accordingly.
