How to knit 3D Crocodile stitch pattern (volume and texture)

Today, I’m sharing how to knit the 3D Crocodile stitch pattern: It’s tridimensional, full of volume; it’s a great option for the sleeves of a cardigan or a sweater.

Actually, the 3D Crocodile stitch is one of the chunky knitting patterns that are so trendy right now, similar to the Puffy stitch we practiced a while ago.

However, before we start, I have a couple of tips for you:

First of all, if you were to knit a sweater or cardigan, to get the right amount of volume/texture for the warm and cozy effect, I suggest Merino wool yarn, using needles one number lower than the recommended in the label.

That’s what I did for the video tutorial.

On the contrary, if you’re looking for a Summer piece, with a lacy touch, more “macramé style”, like the pictures that are shown below, use cotton yarn and needles one number higher.

Finally, when knitting a swatch, cast on at least 18 stitches, otherwise you won’t be able to see the pattern properly.

Ok then, go grab your yarn + needles, and let’s get busy!

This swatch was made using 100% cotton yarn (Worsted weight or Medium) #ad

And US 10 (6 mm) carbonized bamboo knitting needles #ad

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

RS: Right side of the work

P: Purl

K: Knit

yo: Yarn over

wyif: With yarn in front

sl: Slip

BO: Bind off

How to knit the 3D Crocodile stitch pattern

CO multiples of 8 + 2; i.e.: 8 * 3 = 24 + 2 = stitches.

1º and 5º rows (RS): Purl across

2º and 6º rows: *K1, yo*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1

3º and 7º rows: *K1, drop the yo from the previous row*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1

4º row: P1, *wyif, sl7 (pass seven stitches purlwise onto the right-hand needle, one by one), bring the working yarn to the front, and place it on the right-hand needle, creating a yo

Pass the 1º st (from left to right) over the yo, and pass the 2º st over the last one. Keep repeating to the 7º st

K the next st, and don’t drop it. In the same st: yo, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1 (we have 7 st out of 1)*. Repeat from * to *, ending with P1

8º row: P1, *K the next st, and don’t drop it. In the same st: yo, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1 (we have 7 st out of 1). Wyif, sl7 (pass seven stitches purlwise onto the right-hand needle, one by one), bring the working yarn to the front, and place it on the right-hand needle, creating a yo

Pass the 1º st (from left to right) over the yo, and pass the 2º st over the last one. Keep repeating to the 7º st*.

Repeat from * to *, ending with P1.

These 8 rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO knitwise after a row 8 (RS).

This is the other side of the work: