Welcome! This is a fantastic crochet project that results in a beanie with a stunning, unique texture. The “dragon scale” or “crocodile stitch” is an eye-catching stitch that creates a dense, warm, and highly-textured fabric. This pattern is designed for an intermediate to advanced crocheter who is ready to learn a new, dimensional stitch. The finished hat is perfect for cold weather and makes an impressive handmade gift.
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn in your chosen color (about 200 yards). The image shows a beautiful white yarn, which really makes the texture pop.
- Hook: A crochet hook, size H/8 (5.0 mm) or a size appropriate for your chosen yarn. A larger hook will result in a more flexible fabric.
- Basic crochet supplies: Scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- Fpdc: front post double crochet
- Bpdc: back post double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- rep: repeat
- Crocodile St: Crocodile Stitch (see special instructions below)
Key Concepts: The Crocodile Stitch
The crocodile stitch is a dimensional stitch that creates a “scale.” It is worked in two steps over a foundation of dc stitches.
- Step A: The foundation row consists of pairs of double crochet stitches separated by spaces.
- Step B: The crocodile stitch is worked around the posts of those paired dc stitches.
- To work a crocodile stitch, you will work 5 dc stitches around the post of the first dc, then turn your work and work 5 dc stitches around the post of the second dc. The two sets of stitches form one scale.
Pattern Instructions
This pattern creates a beanie for an average adult size. You can adjust the size by changing your hook size or yarn weight.
Step 1: The Ribbed Brim
- Foundation: Ch 8.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
- Row 2: Sc in the back loop only of each st across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
- Repeat Row 2 until the brim measures approximately 20 inches, or enough to fit snugly around your head.
- Join the short ends of the brim with a sl st to form a circle. Ch 1, turn.
Step 2: Foundation for the Main Body
- Work a row of Bpdc (Back Post Double Crochet) stitches along the top edge of the brim. This creates a clean, defined edge for the hat body to sit on. Work one Bpdc for every sc row. Sl st to the first Bpdc to join.
- Foundation Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in the next st. *Ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in the next 2 sts.* Rep from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. The number of dc pairs should be an even number. (e.g., if you have 80 sts, you’ll have 40 pairs of dc stitches).
Step 3: Working the Crocodile Stitch Scales
- Scale Round 1: Ch 1. (This round creates the scales)
- Work a Crocodile St into the posts of the first pair of dc stitches.
- To do this, work 5 dc stitches around the first dc post.
- Turn your work and work 5 dc stitches around the second dc post.
- Sl st in the ch-1 sp between the next set of dc pairs.
- Rep the Crocodile St and sl st into the ch-1 sp around the hat. You will be working a Crocodile St into every other dc pair.
- After your final sl st, sl st to the beginning ch-1 to join.
- Foundation Round 2: Ch 3. Work a dc into the center of the first scale you made (between the two sets of 5 dc). Ch 1. Dc in the sl st of the previous round. Ch 1. Dc in the center of the next scale. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to the beginning ch-3 to join.
- Scale Round 2: Ch 1. Work a Crocodile St into the first set of dc posts you just made. Rep the Crocodile St around. Sl st to the beginning ch-1 to join.
- Rep Foundation Round 2 and Scale Round 2 until you have about 4 inches left to your desired height.
Step 4: Decreasing the Hat
- Continue working the Foundation Round and Scale Round, but begin decreasing by skipping more stitches.
- Foundation Round 3: Ch 3. Work a dc into the center of the first scale. Sk the next ch-1 sp and dc into the sl st of the previous round. Ch 1. Rep around. This will decrease the number of scales.
- Scale Round 3: Work the Crocodile St as before, but into the reduced number of dc pairs.
- Continue decreasing every other row until you have just a few scales left.
Step 5: Finishing the Crown
- Work one final Foundation Round of dc stitches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
- Using a tapestry needle, weave the tail through the top stitches of the hat and pull tight to close the opening. Weave in all remaining ends.
Your dragon scale beanie is now complete!
