https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crocodile-stitch-hood • Posted by ZanyDays
I saw Bonita Pattern's crochet hood here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87814338/crochet-pattern-marte-a-crocodile-stitch?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=bonita+pattern&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all I didn't want to buy the pattern at the time and I didn't have the money to spend on the hood, so I stared at it until I figured it out. It was the first time I'd ever done the crocodile stitch, and I had to hunt all over the internet to figure out how to do it. A combination of these two things led to the creation of this hood. Bobwilson's youtube pattern is preferable because it doesn't require you to sew up two individual crocheted pieces, which leads to a more sloppy-point tip on the hood. Bobwilson's pattern is rounded and continuous so the tip is attractive and rounded.
I saw Bonita Pattern's crochet hood here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87814338/crochet-pattern-marte-a-crocodile-stitch?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=bonita+pattern&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all I didn't want to buy the pattern at the time and I didn't have the money to spend on the hood, so I stared at it until I figured it out. It was the first time I'd ever done the crocodile stitch, and I had to hunt all over the internet to figure out how to do it. A combination of these two things led to the creation of this hood. Bobwilson's youtube pattern is preferable because it doesn't require you to sew up two individual crocheted pieces, which leads to a more sloppy-point tip on the hood. Bobwilson's pattern is rounded and continuous so the tip is attractive and rounded.
First, chain the number you need (it should hang from the top of your head to about your C5 vertebrae).
Beginning with the second chain from your hook, half double crochet back to the beginning of the chain.
When you reach the beginning of your chain, half double crochet 6 stitches in the end. This is the tip of the hood. Then half double crochet across until you reach the end - which will be the bottom of the hood.
When you reach the end, you are going to chain two and turn your work.
Begin with the second chain from your hook.
Instead of looping into the normal chain, loop into the space below. This prevents huge gaps in the piece and makes it sturdier.
When you've reached the top of the row (where the 6 chains in one are), you are going to increase in each of the 6 chains - make two half double crochets in each chain across the top 6 stitches and continue down the other side as before, in the space below the normal loop space.
When you reach the end (bottom edge of hood), chain two, turn, and continue to the tip again working in the space below the normal loop space.
When you reach the top part of the hood, don't increase as you did in the last round. This time, continue until you reach the apical stitch, and stitch 3 half double crochets in that top stitch. Then continue around to the bottom edge of the hood, chain two and turn.
From here until the end, work in the BACK loops only. This is what the top view of your rows should look like. The BACK loop of the V shape is the one you want to stitch in to.
This is what working in the back loops will look like from the right side of the piece. When the hood is finished, this technique will give the hood a rippled appearance. If that's not the look you're after, crochet normally. Continue working in rows until you reach your desired depth. My hood is super baggy and comfortable, with lots of space and has 12 rows. The toddler one I made has 6 rows.
This is what it will look like when you are done (toddler) or halfway done with the adult size.
To give the bottom of the hood a clean finish, I single crochet along the bottom to the other side, and that is where I begin the V stitch row. To make the V stitch, you double crochet in your first stitch, chain one, and then double crochet in the same stitch. Skip one chain, and repeat until the end of the row.
Here they are outlined.
Now you will begin the crocodile stitch. Begin with the last V you made. Stitch four double crochets around and down the right post of the V. Chain one.
Now turn the V stitches CC 90 degrees, and stitch four double crochets around and up the left side of the V. Your V should be enclosed by the half double crochets.
Continue this stitch across the row, SKIPPING a V in between each scale.
My row of 5 V stitches gives me 3 scales.
When you've reached the end of the row of scales, turn the work and create a new row of V stitches from the back. You will create V stitches in the middle of the previous scales AND in between each scale.
When you make the V stitch that goes between the scales you previously made, be sure to grab the junction between the scales. You will stick your hook through the V...
and UNDER the junction of the scales, and it will synch up as you create your V stitch.
Here is your V in between your previous scales.
Here it is outlined.
Your second row of V stitches (on top of your previous row of scales) is complete.
Repeat the scale row, making sure that you stagger the pattern.
I line my hoods with 4 rows of scales.
The last step I make is to add a cowl/face warmer to mine. It serves as a closure for the hood, as well as for a much needed cover for the face when the cold winds blow ice and snow about. The cowl is worked in either half double crochet or double crochet. Half double gives a more solid fabric. To get this in the right position, begin slip stitching (not too tightly) from the end of your last row of scales until you reach a point that is tolerable for the cowl bit. To neaten the inner lining of the hood, I single crochet once more around the inner lining. When you reach the point where you wish to begin your cowl, make a chain across to the other side and join with a slip stitch. Then simply work in rows until you reach the bottom of the hood, joining each row with a slip stitch into whatever scale you run into on either side, being cautious not to scrunch up your row so that it is bunchy. Unless you like that, of course.