Crocodile stitch crochet was in the trend since early last year. Ever since I discovered the beauty of the shell/scale look pattern, I have been wanted to try it out. Glad that I finally design and crochet the crocodile stitch into a small drawstring purse, great for a weekend out and tea time with friends.
Crocodile stitch has an easily distinguishable 3D reptile scale look which is formed by 2 row-repeat patterns. Due to it’s thick and warm design, crocodile stitch is great to be crochet into scarf, shawl, booties, purse, and decoration, click here for more inspiration.
It may seem a little complicated but intermediate crocheter or dedicated beginner should have it master at no time, it is sure a must-do for all crocheters.
As for this crocodile stitch drawstring purse, I crochet 2 versions; a pink cross-body sling-strap and a grey short-strap beaded crocodile stitch drawstring purse.
The pink one is for my ex-schoolmate which we have lost contact with since 25 years ago, glad that we found each other back via Facebook 2 years ago. The pink yarn looks familiar? Yes, I used the leftover yarn to crochet the Layered Ruffles Flower Hair-ties where the pattern was published recently.
The grey one was for by my daughter, she never has enough purses to “show-off”.
Crocodile stitch is sure a great stitch to try out, to get the hang on crochet it, please try out the tutorial and pattern of this crocodile stitch drawstring purse as a start. Hope you like it!
Crocodile Stitch Drawstring Purse
Crochet Pattern
Dimension: (varies according to crochet tension and yarn weight)
Purse: 7 1/2″ (W) x 6″ (H) (exclude strap / handle)
Strap / Handle: approx. 15″ (short), 40″ (long for cross-body sling)
Gauge / Tension: not very important as long as you are using similar yarn weight and hook stated below. You will need to measure the completed purse to sew the purse lining.
Material & Tool:
1. Yarn, medium weight, approx. 100 gram.
2. Crochet hook, G, 4mm
3. Beads (wooden): 84
3. Fabric for lining, approx. 9″ x 7 1/2″ (allowed more to suit your actual purse size)
4. Cord Lock (double cord-hole) for drawstring stopper. Buy the plastic version here
5. Shoelace cord, or cotton cord of similar diameter, or crochet yours (scroll down to look for a pink purse picture); 20″. [Update: you may buy this PU leather cord which comes with cord lock and end cap]
6. Cord end caps, 2 pcs (optional), you can substitute them with beads
7. Strap clips, it is optional, you may sew the strap directly on the purse without using the clips
8. Tapestry needle
Abbreviations:
sl knot = slip knot
st = stitch
slst = slip stitch (to fasten)
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
fo = fasten off
Rnd = round
CROCHET PATTERN
Purse Body
The pattern goes up in the round, the beginning of each round will be shifted backward a little and will be somewhere at the middle of the back of the purse upon finishing.
Note: For crochet chat of basic crocodile stitch, refer here.
Insert all beads into the yarn.
Base chain – sl knot, ch 38,
Rnd 1 – dc on the 4th chain from the hook, dc in each ch for the next 34 sts (a ch before the last), 3dc in the last ch. Turn sideways and continue along with another side of the foundation ch, dc the remaining ch loop for the next 34 sts. slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round. [Check: Treat the first 3 ch as a dc st, you will have a total of 72 dc sts.]
Rnd 2 – ch3, dc in first st, *ch1, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, ch1, skip 2 sts, 2dc in next st. Repeat * 11 times, ch1, skip 2 st, dc in next st, ch1, skip 2 sts, slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round. [Check: you should have 12 sets of a repeated pattern.]
Rnd 3 – ch2, slst backward to the last dc of the previous round, *5dc on the post of next dc worked from top to base, ch1 with a bead, 5 dc on the post of next dc worked from base to top, slst in the next dc stitch. Repeat * 12 times. [Check: you should have 12 crocodile stitch in a round.]
Rnd 4 – ch3, dc in first st, *ch1, dc in the center of the crocodile stitch, ch1, 2dc in the st between 2 crocodile stitches. Repeat * 11 times, ch1, dc in the center of the crocodile stitch, ch1, slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round.
Rnd 5 to 15 – Repeat rnd 3 and rnd 4 alternatively and end with rnd 3. [Check: you should have 7 layers of crocodile stitch.]
Rnd 16 – *ch3, 2dc in the first dc post of the crocodile st, dc in the center, 2dc in the last dc post of the crocodile st. Repeat * to all 12 crocodile sts (replace ch3 to dc for the 2nd to 12th crocodile st), slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round. [Check: Treat the first 3 ch as a dc st, you will have a total of 72 dc sts.]
Rnd 17 – ch3, dc in next st around, slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round.
Rnd 18 – ch3, dc in next st, ch, skip 1 st, *dc in next 2 sts, ch, skip 1 st. Repeat * 23 times, slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round. [Check: you should have 24 holes for the drawstring to loop through in and out.]
Fo and hide yarn end.
Strap (Short / Long)
Short strap: sl knot, ch3, do tunisian stitch until you reach about 20″ in length, bind off tunisian stitch, fo.
or
Cross Body Sling Strap: sl knot, ch3, do tunisian stitch until you reach about 48″ in length, bind off tunisian stitch, fo.
Remark: measure your preferred length to crochet.
Fold the end and sew it to the handle chain with the yarn end. If you are not using handle clips, sew it directly to Rnd 15 on the purse (last round of crocodile stitch)
Drawstring Cord Crochet Pattern [Optional]
sl knot, ch until you have 20″ in length, turn and slst all the way to the beginning ch. Fo and hide yarn end.
Please refer the following tutorial for the detail (with photos) on the whole project.
Prepare all the tools and materials as stated above.
Insert beads into the yarn.
if you find that it is difficult to insert the beads, use a small amount of quick-dry adhesive (but not super glue) or mod podge to shape the yarn tip, let it dry before insert through the beads.
Follow the above-written crochet pattern to crochet the base round (rnd 1) of the purse.
1. Crochet the fundamental chain follow by the dc stitch.
2. Turn sideways and continue along another side of the foundation ch with dc stitch.
3. slst to the beginning round
Treat the first 3 ch as a dc st, you will have a total of 72 dc sts.
Crocodile stitch is formed by a 2-row / 2-round repeat pattern.
Refer to rnd 2 at the crochet pattern to crochet the base round of the crocodile stitch.
To make the first crocodile stitch at the beginning of a new round, you will need to perform a 2 backward ch sts, aka, ch 2 and slst back to the last dc of the previous round.
Refer Rnd 3 in the crochet pattern: ch2, slst backward to the last dc of the previous round,
This is the second part of the crocodile stitch, crochet the crocodile “scale”. Refer Rnd 3 in the crochet pattern: *dc5 in the post of next dc of the previous round, ch1 with a bead, dc5 in the post of next dc of previous round, slst in the next dc stitch.
1. Crochet into the post of the first dc of the dc pair
2. After making 5 dc into the post.
3. Chain with a bead
4. Crochet another 5 dc in the next dc and slst to the next dc to complete 1 crocodile stitch.
Repeat the above for 12 times to complete a round.
[Check: you should have 12 crocodile stitch in a round.]
Next, you are going to do the base for another round of crocodile stitch and repeat it until you have 7 layers of the crocodile stitch.
1. Refer to Rnd 4 in the crochet pattern to do the base for the crocodile stitch. It is the same as rnd 2 but this time you are crocheting it on top of the crocodile stitch.
2. Repeat rnd 3 and rnd 4 alternatively and end with rnd 3 pattern to complete the 7 layers of crocodile stitch.
3. Working up 2 rounds of plain dc stitch by doing rnd 16 and rnd 17, and finished off the purse body by crocheting 24 holes for the drawstring (rnd 18).
4. Place the purse body flat on a surface, measure the external width W and length L (only until the last round of crocodile stitch).
Crochet the handle or cross-body sling strap with Tunisian stitch. Since it is a narrow strap, you can use an ordinary crochet hook to crochet.
Watch this video on how to crochet a simple Tunisian stitch.
Get the rest of the accessories ready for the purse assembly.
Insert the drawstring cord through the holes, in and out as you go, the ends have outside and at the centerline of the purse.
Insert the cord through the cord lock.
Install the cord ends according to the type of end you are using.
If you prefer to crochet your own cord, you can do it with the simple chain a row then slip stitch the chain (refer pattern above).
If you have handle clips or any strap rings, fold the strap over and sew it with a tapestry needle. Set aside.
Due to the structure of the crocodile stitch, the purse is going to have big gaps all over, you need to line the purse. You may add pockets if you wish. {tutorial on zipper pocket and slip pocket}
1. measure the purse as shown in the previous photo. Cut out a piece of fabric according to the size shown in the picture. You do not need to add seam allowance because the lining was to be a little smaller than a crochet purse. Neaten the raw edges with an overlock stitch or zigzag stitch.
2. Fold 1/4″ on the edge of the short side, sew a straight line (red).
3. Fold the long side into halve, sew the sides with 1/4″ seam allowance respectively.
4. Insert the lining
1. Align the top edge of the lining along with the last round of crocodile stitch.
2. To make sure that the lining is evenly sewn to the crochet purse, pin the sides of the lining to the side of the purse, pin centerline of the purse to the centerline of the purse.
Slip stitch the lining on the crochet stitch. Adjust your sewing tension so that the lining is nicely attached to the crochet purse and not too tight.
Install the strap / handle to the sides of the purse just above the crocodile stitch. I used clip handle, so I just need to press the clip to attach on the purse.
This is the side view of the completed purse.
Dear Joanne
I know I’ve asked more questions than all of your visitors here and you’ve answered all, thank you so much!
My purse is almost done ^^ I can’t wait to finish it off with a lining and give it to the friend of mine, who has no clue I’m making it for her! 😀 Would she be surprised!!
Can you tell me, for future projects of this purse, how do I increase the width? I mean how many stitches would I have to increase for one extra crocodile stitch?
This is a mystery I can never solve in any crochet pattern. Can you please help me?
I know, that to increase the length I’ll have to increase the number of rows, but width is a mystery. Please help, thanks.
Oh no! I’m stuck again! 🙁
Round 16, you say, “(replace ch3 to dc for the 2nd to 12th crocodile st)” what do you mean replace to dc? To what stitch should I be dc-ing??
Or do you mean that for counting??
Hi Wajeeha,
The “replace ch3 to dc for the 2nd to 12th crocodile st” simply means that you change the ch3 on the first set of pattern to a dc stitch for the 2nd to 12th crocodile stitch.
first set of pattern :ch3, 2dc on the first dc post of the crocodile st, dc on the center, 2dc on the last dc post of the crocodile st.
2nd to 12th set of patterns : dc, 2dc on the first dc post of the crocodile st, dc on the center, 2dc on the last dc post of the crocodile st.
Hope this explained.
Ah, yes, I got that much, but I have to dc into some stitch. You haven’t mentioned the stitch I have to dc to. Is it the middle of the two crocodile stitches??
Hi Wajeeha,
Every crocodile stitch is made up from 6 sts, so all you need to do is to increase in the multiple of 6 sts for the base.
Hope this helps.
Great! Thanks.
This is great tutoriall. ☺
its really wonderful. now my next project will be crocodile stitch purse. thanks for the tutorial.
When I print it does not print tutorial, how can I get it to print?
Tough question, Y. I am not sure why yours won’t print but I can print without much problem. Perhaps check your printer setting will help.
Could you please let me know where you picked up the strap clip s??
I bought them from a local craft shop but I think Amazon should have it or may be you can try Etsy too.
Bonjour ,
je voudrais avoir les dimensions du sac fini je vous souhaite une bonne journée cordialement sandrine
Translate (by Google):
Hello,
I would like to have the dimensions of the finished bag I cordially wish you a good day sandrine
Hi Sandrine,
The finished dimension was stated in the pattern page, it is approx:
Purse: 7 1/2″ (W) x 6″ (H) (exclude strap / handle)
Strap / Handle: approx. 15″ (short), 40″ (long for cross body sling)
Stunning, beautiful pattern, really easy to understand.
Hi 🙂 thank for sharing this tutorial.. It’s beautiful purse. I’m on my way making mine for my little daughter, just add a little of finishing touch. Maybe I’ll add some beads and sequins on the top to make it more blingy..
I just let the purse open without a drawstring.
But I’m a little bit lost in lining thing… I’m not good at it..poor me :p
But most of all, I satisfy with this pattern 🙂 once again, thank you 🙂
Its really amazing that your only need approx 100gm of yarn.
I thought you would need a lot more!
Thanks so much for sharing this amazing pattern!!
fascinating and love the way you explain and show the how to. I am going to buy all materials and start doing my purse tonight. will stay on your post and check other crafts. THANKS.
Where do I find handle clips
I bought them from various Asian quilt and patchwork supplies shops. Try Etsy or any Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore patchwork shop.
I have just croched this bag and love it, where do I find all the fittings please
Hi Joanne, thank you for sharing this fabulous pattern. I crochet bags and I’m making this one now. Regards from Hurghada, Egypt
I was wondering what the name is of the Strap clips. I cannot find them by searching strap clips on line. Or if you can send me a link on where I can purchase them. I was using key rings (which is a really cute idea but), once something heavy is put in the purse it doesn’t seem like it’s going to support it for long. I’d really like to find those, thanks.
Your purses are adorable. It looks like the pink one has 10 rows of crocodile stitches or am I counting wrong? In any case, I can’t wait to make this.
Regards
Yes, it is 10 rounds for the pink bag and the stitches is more too. I crochet more rounds and stitches for the pink is because the yarn is lighter and thinner, so I need to make more stitches to make it about the size of the grey purse. You can basically adapt the pattern by increasing or decreasing the number of rounds and stitches to vary the size of the finished purse. 🙂
I got Crocodile stitch(shell). It is my first work so I sent it to show you
oh sorry I cannot do it I will try to sent you by e-mail
Please use the contact form to send the picture, thanks 🙂 Can’t wait to see!
Hi, I’m in the middle of crocheting your crocodile stitch bag and I have a question or two for you. Are the number of scales the same for each row? I’m getting 12 for each row however, mine do not lay as flat as yours and they seem kind of bunched up and I am not sure why.The scales are staggered like they are supposed to be but just seem a bit close together. If I wanted to make this bag twice the size how would I figure out how large to make the first two rounds? This pattern is really beautiful. Thank you for your help. 😀
The number of scales are the same for each row, 12 is correct. Perhaps your tension is a bit out, please check.
To double the width, double the stitches on the first row. Same apply to the height.
Hope this help 🙂
Just finished mine, love it, thank u for such a detailed tutorial. Wish everyone would do such a great tutorials, were there are no doubts or ending up with frogged project. Love from Honduras.
I am happy to know this, Emilia. I do hope you can share a photo of the finish purse. If you agree, you may send the picture through the contact form or send through a Facebook message directly to Craft Passion’s Page.
Also, I have trouble converting and was wondering about the yarn size. I was wanting to know what gauge it would be for a lace weight yarn using an f crochet hook?
The dimension of a crocodile scale is 1″ (w) x 1 1/2″ (h). Hope this help.
Thank you for sharing the pattern. I have not made it yet, but when I do I know friends will love it. I was just confused about the beading though… Do you string the beads before you start the initial pattern all at once? Is it a row at a time with a certain amount of beads?
You need to string all the beads before begin to crochet.
Hi Joanne, Thanks for a beautiful idea, I am from Indonesia and I really like all your posting about craft.
Thank you, Wenda.
Hi Joanne – just found your site. Love the purse and amazed you have given your pattern free. Thanks so much.
I loved ur purse like any thing. I am from India
I have completed the purse portion and it looks great. Just as cute in real life as it looks online! However, I think the yarn quantity of 100 yards is off. I’m working from an approx 200 yard skein, haven’t made the strap yet, and less than half the skein to work with.
That’s great, Christa!
argh…. sorry, I think I made a mistake when typing the quantity, it should be 100g of yarn. I have corrected it.
Hola Craft Passion….soy de argentina…felicitaciones !!!!! sos una genia….por favor como se llama el video en you tube para hacer el punto cocodrilo….un abrazo desde argentina…Betty.
Translation (by Google):
Hello Craft Passion …. I’m from Argentina … congratulations!! ‘re a genius …. please as it is called video on you tube for croc point …. a hug from Argentina … Betty.
Thanks for your quick reply! After I posted, I went and had a cup of tea and a think and realised I was misunderstanding the instructions. I’ve now got as far as having finished round 4 only to discover I’ve now got 13 crocodile stitches! LOL!
I think I might be able to cover the problem up as I really don’t want to have to undo my work yet again! The crocodile stitch itself is a doddle, it’s just me having a different brain to everyone else, I think! I find it hard to follow written patterns because there’s always a tricky bit! I much prefer to watch a video tutorial where I can ‘see’ instructions. It’s a lovely bag and I’m determined to make a go of it!
Happy that you have moved on with the pattern. If you need to watch video on crocodile stitch, search it on youtube, you should be able to find it there.
I’m stuck already! The pattern isn’t clear how this is done in the round. After Round 2 I only have 6 crocodile stitches, not 12! Confused!
Hi Louise, sorry to know that you have difficulties in the pattern.
The pattern is clear and there is no mistake. Let me explain in the mathematics way, the bracket [] indicates the stitch number of the round 1 that you are crocheting at second round.
First you make a ch3, then you crochet a dc [stitch 1]. Then you do a repeat 11 times on “ch1, skip 2 sts [sticth 2,3], dc on next st [stitch 4], ch1, skip 2 sts [stitch 5, 6], 2dc on next st [stitch 7]”, this will take 6 stitches per repeat, 6 x 11 repeat = 66. You should be at stitch 67 by the time you finish the repeat (1+66). Continue to crochet “ch1, skip 2 st [stitch 68, 69], dc on next st [stitch 70], ch1, skip 2st [stitch 71, 72], slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round”. So, if your round 1 has 72 stitches, you should have 12 crocodile stitches on round 2.
Hope this help.
Hi there! Congrats on this purse! It´s amazing!
Might you help me here?
I don´t understand exactly what you mean by G hook and H hook (that I´ve been seen in others patterns). I´ve googled it, but found nothing.
Might you clear this for me pls?
Cheers
It is the hook sizes, size G is equivalent to 4mm and H is 5mm. Hope this help.
Oh, I see!
Tks a lot!!
I love this pattern I’ve been looking for a birthday gift to make for a friend and that would look perfect with the green tone yarn i have in my stash. I can’t seem to find the clips for the end of the handle though and I’ve checked several places online. the only place locally I have to check is Walmart so I do get most of my supplies online.
Michelle, you are right, the clips are not easily available in the market. I bought them from Taiwan few years ago. Try Etsy, probably you will find them there.
yeah I’ve been having a real trouble finding these clips even on Etsy the problem being that I’m just getting too many results getting purse snap frames, hair clips, lobster clamps and sometimes even wood working tools no matter what I try to call it. the close I’ve found is is a pacifier/mitten/suspender round clip but all of them are with shiny nickle finishes or bright enamel that just don’t go with the yarn I’ve already used.
Do you happen to remember the name of the company who made those clips or if they had a more specific name. Anything to point me in the right direction would be great. i don’t even mind ordering from Taiwan if I can the birthday I’m making this for isn’t until the middle of November so I do have time at least.
I can’t remember the name of the online shop I bought from, it has a chinese name and the clips is also in Chinese.
Try “Purse Handle Clip” to see if you can narrow down the search.
I have found something similar in Etsy, it is called 3 prong key fob. Perhaps you can try search this name and see what other design they have to offer.
great tute, and adorable cute purse.
I have seen already some good tutes of this stich, but this is a helpful extra one.
Thank you for all the effords and the sharing, well done;-D
You are most welcome, jet. Glad that you love this purse too out of so many of other patterns.
Do you have a pattern for the pink one too?
It is similar to the grey one, just without the beads, the strap is longer and the cord is crochet. You may find the info within the post.
Is Beautiful..and wonderful..like it very much.
Thank you, Pei Ni 🙂
OMG! This is so pretty. Thank you for the tutorial. I’ll definitely pin and this and hopefully one day we’ll be able to make this… =))
Thank you, Ana 🙂
They are so beautiful.
I really must learn how to do crochet.
Please do learn, you will have lots of fun to make things out from this craft 🙂
These handbags are so beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial, I will try to make one myself.
Thank you, Hetty, do feedback if you have any question. 🙂
Hello CraftPassion 🙂
You’ve got a lovely blog here full of even more lovely patterns, good work!
I’m making this bag for a colleague of mine, thanks to you, it looks very easy.
However, I’m having a problem in the very beginning rounds. :S
I’m quite at a loss.
Round one goes fine. 72 stitches, yes, good.
But while doing round 2, I realize that I’m not repeating the pattern 12 times, I’m getting only 11, and then the last pattern.
“ch1, skip 2 st, dc on next st, ch1, skip 2st, slst to the 3rd ch of the beginning round”
This is the 12th repitition…??
I also realized that, according to the reference of Croc Stitch you shared, (https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/5562371_f120.jpg) this diagram, says that the crocodile stitch is made on the 2dcs stitch, one to go downward, other to go upward. Or am I wrong?
According to your pattern, I’m making the 1st croc stitch downward on the SINGLE dc stitch. (Because we’re also doing an extra stitch in the previous SINGLE dc stitch).
I’m confused. Please help!!
Also, could you mention the measurements of the pink bag? In length as well as rows and number of croc stitches on each row is still 12??
Thanks.
P.S. I saw your name is Joanne, but Craft Passion suits you. 🙂
Hi Wajeeha,
Sorry that I can’t retrieve any info on the pink purse as I have given it to an adorable cute little daughter of my friend. I used different yarn weight on the purse, and I think I did 13 or 14 crocodile stitch in a round.
Yes, 3mm, I don’t know if it would be the right size, if I’m crocheting my own cords, won’t it be?
Try crochet your yarn and check if it is below 3mm. If it is more than 3mm than you might have difficulty to slide the cord in the lock.
Hi Wajeeha, there should be a total 12 pattern in a round, so you are doing it correctly, 11 patterns + the last pattern = 12 patterns, hence there will be 12 crocodile stitch in a round.
Hope this answered your question.
Happy crochet.
Hey Craft Passion aka Joanne 😉
Pink purse: Awww!! I’m doing a red one for a colleague who thinks I’m doing it for myself, but it’s gonna be a surprise.
Patterns: I got it finally! Unfortunately, I’ve reopened my crochet a number of times because I keep doing something that I shouldn’t.
I figured out the patterns, as well as the next crocodile stitch thing that I got confused about…It’d be impossible for me to explain here – no words – so I won’t try.
But thank you very much for the replies, and thank you even more for the pattern. It’s absolutely beautifully fantabulous 😀 I hope some day, I’ll be able to create my own bags and purses patterns too and help others. 🙂
Thank you. Happy Crochet! :-*
There’s few things more that I just thought of, to ask you, not to cause any inconvenience…
Is there any other lock replacement for the drawstring lock?
Also, you are doing a ch1 between every half crocodile stitch. Is this for the bead only, or also otherwise? Because I’m doing without the beads.
Thanks.
Wajeeha, there are 2 versions for the crocodile stitch, with and without the ch in between. The crocodile stitch will look rounder without the extra ch, so it is all depends if you want to add 🙂
Okay, one more thing.
That cord lock that you have used, what’s the size of it?
Will this one do??
http://bit.ly/1t0A9es
Thanks.
Yes, you can use this but just need to check that if your chained cord can get into the hole and slide comfortably, the hole size is 3mm.
Okay!!! I’ve now done 3 parts and will be done soon, Insha Allah. ^^
Last thing to do, may I share the link to your pattern on my site with the image of my bag? My website is given in my info below.
Thanks again!!
Sure, please feel free to link back.
Thanks.