Crocodile Clutch Pattern

Hi all! I am so excited to share with you the pattern / project that I was working on yesterday! I have gone through it a million times to make sure I wrote it correctly, but you know how it goes sometimes proof reading- you miss a bunch of stuff. So please tell me if there is anything that you need clarification on or is wrong :) Thanks and enjoy!

So my inspiration was this cute clutch on a blog that I follow. I love the colors she used and the stitch I learned a while ago but really haven't done much with it. It looked like an easy enough purse to make, so I went ahead and started it. But what I found was I really wanted the crocodile scales to go all the way around, so there was more of a finished look to me.. yes I'm nuts.  Soooo I had to adapt her pattern into my own and I just LOVE IT!

Notes:

-This pattern is worked using American crochet.

-The terms "crocodile stitch" and "scale(s)" are used interchangeably.
-With the crocodile stitch, it is worked from the front only, no "real" turning is involved. And you will always end on a "crocodile stitch" row and not a foundation row.
-Gauge is not important so to get a larger bag without altering the pattern, use a larger hook and bulkier yarn. And to get a smaller bag, use a smaller hook and thinner yarn.
-A great video tutorial for the Crocodile Stitch

Abreviations:

ch-chain

sc-single crochet
dc-double crochet
V stitch- 2 dc in same st
Crocodile stitch- using a front post technique, work 5 dc on the first post from top to bottom, ch 1, 5 dc on the second post from bottom to top

 I used worsted weight yarn (Caron Simply soft in Grey Heather and Soft Pink) and an H hook.

 

Color A

ch 76

ROW 1 foundation line: dc in 4th ch from hook. [v stitch ]*ch 2, skip 2 ch and 2dc in next ch* repeat * to end  {25 v stitches}

ROW 2 crocodile stitch row: ch3

turn and work a crocodile stitch on the first set of dc (using a front post technique, work 4 dc on the first post from top to bottom, ch 1, 5 dc on the second post from bottom to top)
*ch 1, skip next V stitch and work croc stitch in next V stitch *
Repeat from *  * the length of your work, working 13 crocodile stitches total and ending with a crocodile stitch.

sl st in center of last croc stitch. ( croc stitches will be "loose", not attached to the foundation row, you will attach them in the next foundation row)  {13 scales and 12 V stitches not worked}

ROW 3 foundation line: ch 1, sl st in center of scale, ch 3, dc in center of last croc stitch [ the same one you sl st in], * ch 2, v stitch in next v stitch (one that is in between the scales) --- making sure to include the ch1 from croc stitch from last row. this will attach the scale to your work.--- work the rest of the row from * to end of the row (making sure you end with v stitch in the center of the last scale)   { 25 v stitches}

ROW 4 crocodile stitch row: ch 1, sl st in first v stitch, ch 2, croc stitch in next v stitch, ch 1. *skip next v stitch, croc stitch in next v stitch, ch 1* repeat * to the end. At the end, you will have one v stitch left over, sl st in v stitch.  {12 scales and 13 v stitches not worked}

ROW 5 foundation line: ch 3, dc in center of first v stitch (same st as ch3). ch 2, v stitch in center of scale. *ch 2, v stitch in next v stitch (one that is in between the scales) --- making sure to include the ch1 from croc stitch from last row. this will attach the scale to your work.--- ch 2, v stitch in center of scale.* work the rest of the row from * to end of row (making sure you end with v stitch in the end of the last scale)   { 25 v stitches}

ROW 6 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 2 {13 scales, 12 v stitches not worked}

ROW 7 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 3 { 25 v stitches}

ROW 8 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 4 {12 scales and 13 v stitches not worked}

ROW 9 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 5  { 25 v stitches}

ROW 10 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 2 {13 scales, 12 v stitches not worked}

ROW 11 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 3 { 25 v stitches}

ROW 12 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 4 {12 scales and 13 v stitches not worked}

ROW 13 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 5  { 25 v stitches}

ROW 14 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 2 {13 scales, 12 v stitches not worked}

ROW 15 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 3 { 25 v stitches}

ROW 16 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 4 {12 scales and 13 v stitches not worked}

ROW 17 foundation row: Work the same as ROW 5  { 25 v stitches}

ROW 18 crocodile stitch row: Work the same as ROW 2 {13 scales, 12 v stitches not worked}

At this point, you will have 9 rows of scales, measuring aprox 5 1/4" high and 18" long.  You may continue to add rows (starting with row 3 again and working to row 5) until the bag is as high as you would like it. I have decided to keep it smaller and am ending the scales with ROW 18.

 

FINISHING: fold in half and Sl stitch down the side, joining the rows evenly as you go. sc in each st across the bottom to join. Fasten off, weave ends in.

 

HANDLES:

Change to color B (if desired)

starting at the top of the bag opening:

sl st in the side that you stitched together.

ROW 1: sc in each stitch around, I sc in the center of each scale and 2 sc in each side of the scales and one in between. { I ended up with 70 sc } Join with sl st

ROW 2: ch1, hdc in each sc , join with sl st. { 70 hdc}

ROW 3: ch1, hdc in each hdc , join with sl st. { 70 hdc}

ROW 4: ch2, dc in each dc , join with sl st. { 70 dc}

ROW 5: ch1, sc in next 12 dc, ch 12, skip next 12 dc, sc in next 24 dc, chain 12, skip next 12 dc, sc in next 12 dc. Join with sl st.  (If you would like to increase the size of the handle, increase the ch stitches. ie: from 12 to 14 or 16 will make a larger handle )

ROW 6: ch1, sc in first 12 sc, 12 sc in the ch for the handle, sc in next 24 sc, 12 sc in the ch for the handle, sc in last 12 sc. join with sl at and fasten off. weave in ends.

(if you'd like to make your handle thicker, make another row or two. I decided I liked it thinner this time)

Cut coordinating fabric to measure 19" X 6 1/4".
Fold in half and, with a 1/2" seam, sew up one side and the bottom.
Press the seams flat and fold over the top (raw edge) a 1/2" and press.
Pin in place and stitch into place.

You can also add a closer to the bag, where the fabric is attatched so It'll stay shut, or a zipper. The options are unlimited! Have fun!










[Pattern inspired by Sara McFall of My Merry Messy Life ]