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QP Crocodile Stitch Pillow Cover

Crocodile Stitch Pillow Cover

March 2020 QuickProjects

Designed by Lauren Samar for Yarn Bits Shop

Feel free to email for pattern help or questions: help@yarnbitsshop.com

The Mandala yarn took the yarn world by surprise and became very popular quickly. Tweed Stripes is one of the latest variation and it is appealing to the eye as well as really fun to use. The look is created by two strands of different Mandala yarns twisted together and between multiple skeins, the color changes are not exactly the same. With this yarn, the crocodile stitch is a great way to feature the pretty color changes and create a throw pillow that adds a pop of color wherever it’s placed without being overwhelming. This stitch also can be used to create different fun projects with the 3D scales!

Crocodile Stitch Pillow Cover Pattern

Supplies: 1 skein of Lion Brand Mandala Tweed Stripes, complementary yarn of choice (amount as needed dependent on size of pillow) OR fabric for back of cover (see sizing notes and finishing notes), size G Hook, yarn needle,

Skill:  Intermediate

Gauge:  14 ch to start by first 5 rows of pattern = 3×3 inches

Dimensions: See sizing notes

Sizing Notes

With only one skein (Note: to be fully transparent- box subscribers only got one skein due to weight of yarn and shipping costs) of Mandala Tweed Stripes and working with the crocodile stitch (which eats up a lot of yarn), the sizing of the pillow is important to decide before proceeding. Find the pillow you want to cover and go from there.

With the gauge given and using the Curved Crocodile Stitch (which is two less DC stitches per scale compared to the Flat Crocodile Stitch), one skein with a little leftovers yeilds one side of a cover measuring at 14 by 14 inches (56 chains when starting). With the Flat Crocodile Stitch, one skein yeilds  one side measuring 12 by 12 inches (50 chains when starting).

If the pillow is rectangular, use square inches to determine if there is enough yarn. For example, if the pillow size is 12 by 16″ that is 192 square inches. The 14 by 14″ example from above is 196 square inches so there should be enough yarn using the Curved Crocodile Stitch for 12 by 16″ rectangular pillow.

Crocodile Stitch Overview:

This stitch is worked in two parts. The first part is a set-up row of 2-dc clusters and the second part is crocheting down one post and up the other post of every other 2-dc clusters, creating a “scale”. Skipping every other cluster is what creates the tension between scales and allows them to lay flat. After the foundation rows, the pattern is repeated over 2 rows containing 4 parts to create the scales offsets (points between the row below’s scales). The cover is turned side to side as working down then up the posts.

Special Stitches:

2-DC Cluster: 2 dc in same sp {Note: cluster in this patter refers to this stitch}

Curved Crocodile Stitch: Working over two dc stitches next to each other, (4 dc then 1 tr down first post (first dc of cluster)), ch 1, (1 tr then 4 dc up next post (second dc of cluster))

Flat Crocodile Stitch: Working over two dc stitches next to each other, (5 dc then 1 tr down first post (first dc of cluster)), ch 1, (1 tr then 5 dc up next post (second dc of cluster))

Rows Pattern:

Cluster Row: starting in sp between posts of previous row clusters, ch 3, dc in same sp, *ch 2, 2 dc in sp between posts in next cluster**, repeat from * to ** across to end. {Note: when working skipped clusters from previous scale row, feel free to pick up the “corner” between the scales in the new cluster row to secure the corners. However, this is NOT necessary.}

Edge Scales Row: sl st around outermost post, ch 3, {3 dc (or 4 dc for flat crocodile stitch) and 1 tr around post- working downwards towards top of previous row, ch 1, 1 tr then 4 dc (or 5 for flat crocodile stitch) around second post of cluster- working upwards towards top of current row} , *sk next dc cluster, crocodile stitch around next cluster**, repeat from * to ** across to second last cluster, sk second last cluster, {4 dc (or 5 for flat crocodile stitch) then 1 tr down first post, ch 1, 1 tr then 3 dc (or 4 for flat crocodile stitch) up next post, ch 3 and sl st around top of post}

Inside Edge Scales Row: sk first dc cluster, *crocodile stitch around next cluster, sk next dc cluster**, repeat from * to ** across to second last cluster, crocodile stitch around cluster, sl st to center of last cluster

To start:

Ch multiple of 6 + 2. {56 ch for a 14″ long side, 50 ch for a 12″ long side)

Foundation:

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each sp across, turn. [multiple of 6 + 1 sc]

Row 2: ch 3, dc in same sp, *sk 2 sp, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2**, repeat from * to ** to last sp, 2 dc in last sp, turn. [odd number of 2-dc sets]

Pattern:

Row 2, part 2: work Edge Scales Row

Row 3, part 1: work Cluster Row

Row 3, part 2: work Inside Edge Scales Row

Row 4, part 1: work Cluster Row

Row 4, part 2: work Edge Scales Row

Repeat rows 3-4 until desired height is achieved (ending on either Scales row).

Finishing row: ch 1, *sc in sp between posts of cluster, 2 sc in ch 2 sp between clusters**, repeat from * to **, sc in between posts of last cluster. [Same number of sc as row 1] {Note: This row is to help crochet or sew edges together more easily}

Finishing Pillow Cover

Dependent on size of the cover, one skein most likely will cover only one side of the pillow. From here you have a few options to finish:

If Crocodile Stitch in same color is desired on the other side, obtain another skein of the same yarn and create another cover of the same size.  Email Happy Hook if you want to inquire about buying more of the yarn through us.

If solid crochet backing is desired on the other side, use yarn of choice and crochet a cover of the same size. sc or hdc stitches are recommanded to create a tighter fabric for the backing.

If fabric is available and desired (and know how to sew fabric by hand nicely), cut a cover of slightly larger than front cover.

Once both sides are finished, crochet or sew edges together working along the outer post of the clusters on the sides. (instead of the scales edges). If crocheting edges are desired, it is recommended to crochet the top and bottom edges together and sew the side edges due to the edge scales. Stuff pillow insert in before sewing 4th edge. 

Pattern Declaimer

This is a paid pattern originally designed for a Yarn Bits Shop subscription box. 

You have permission to sell any item made from this pattern. However, you are not allowed to resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern or downloads in any printed or digital form (in full), or to claim the pattern as your own original design. If you want to sell or share a picture of your work from this pattern, please clearly credit the design to me: Lauren Samar of Yarn Bits Shop (with link to the website when applicable). 

Occasionally a mistake or typo falls through, please report them via email (help@yarnbitsshop.com) and the pattern will be updated accordingly.