Need a quick project for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just the summer in general? This patriotic bunting is quick to make, and so cute!! Change up the color scheme and you could easily adapt it to suit any occasion or theme.
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This pattern uses the Crocodile Stitch to create three 'flags', then a chain-less foundation single crochet to create the rope the flags hang from. I used some leftover yarn to hang little tassels to create a bit more visual interest. Pom-poms or ribbon would also be a cute addition.
Bunting Crochet Pattern
The yarn I used for this red/white/blue theme is Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn in the colors Red, White, and Hippi.
Hook Size - K (6.5 mm)
You can actually use any yarn you want for this stitch pattern, you will just need to adjust your hook size and maybe do more or fewer rows of "scales".
Also, you can make as many or as few flags as you'd like. Just be sure to adjust the length of your string to hang them from. I like to use a hook size one or two sizes bigger than the yarn label recommends for the crocodile stitch. If you use too small a hook, the ends of the scales won't lay flat.
Note that at the end of each row, you do not turn. Instead, chain 2, rotate the work and continue working around the stitches you just created. (This will make more sense in the video.)
Also note, there is a definite front and back of this pattern. You're essentially working on the front of the fabric the entire time.
Stitches & Abbreviations Used
Ch - Chain
Sc - Single Crochet
Dc - Double Crochet
V-Stitch - (dc, ch 1, dc) into the same space.
Crocodile Stitch Flags
1. Ch 3, dc into the first ch.
2. Ch 2, work 5 dc around the post of the first dc. 5 dc around your first chain.
3. Ch 3, dc into the top of the last dc worked. V-Stitch into the center of the 'scale' that has been created. V-Stitch into the corner stitch of the first 'scale'.
4. Ch 2, work 5 dc around the first half of the V-Stitch created, rotate and work 5 dc around the second half of the V-Stitch. Skip the next V-Stitch. Work 5 dc around each side of the remaining V-Stitch (or every other V-Stitch for subsequent rows).
5. Ch 3, dc into the top of the last dc worked. V-Stitch into the center of the scale. V-Stitch between the first and second scale through both layers of fabric (this essentially attaches the V-Stitch row and the dc rows to each other). Continue across with V-Stitches between each scale and into the center of each scale. Finish with a V-Stitch at the last corner of the scale.
*Repeat rows 4 & 5 until you have as many layers of scales as you wish. I did four rows of scales for my flags.
Finishing Row
Once you've completed your desired number of rows, end with a row of single crochet across the top edge of the work, creating your single crochets through both the front (scale) layer and the back (V-Stitch) layer. This pins the two layers together while creating a nice finished edge.
Last Row: Ch 1, sc into the top of the last dc worked. Evenly sc across the top edge of the work until you reach the opposite edge. Sc into the corner of the last scale.
*I like to loosely sc between the two scales, at the middle of each scale, and into the center of each scale (for 4 sc total per scale). You may find that you need more stitches per scale if you have tighter tension.
Cut yarn; weave in tails.
String to Hang Flags From
To create the string for the flags to hang from, I did a simple foundation single crochet until I reached my desired length. If you're not sure how to create a foundation single crochet, you can also chain as long as you'd like, then turn and single crochet back across the chain. I added a tassel to each end of my string, so I didn't bother weaving in my tails since they are camouflaged by the tassels.
To attach the flags to the string, I simply wove the string through the top edge of the flags.
Tassels
To create the tassels, I cut a length of yarn from each of my three skeins. With all three strands held together, fold them in half. Feed the middle loop of the halved yarn through the area where you want to attach the tassel, and pull the tails of the yarn through the loop. You can trim the ends if you want the strands to be the same length (I didn't do this).
I added tassels to the tip of each flag, between each flag, and at each end of my string.
Ta-da!! That's it! Once you master the crocodile stitch, these are super quick and easy to make. You could make so many variations just by changing the color scheme. This bunting would be cute for any party or event, or just decor in your home.
Crocodile Stitch Video Tutorial
I've created a tutorial video to show exactly how to create the crocodile stitch flags of this bunting.
*Also, remember that I'm a lefty. So this tutorial is done as a lefty.
Imagine the possibilities of projects with this stitch! I personally am partial to making snuggly cowls with it. And now that you know how to do this stitch, just continue adding more rows to create a cowl like these...
***This is a free pattern by Craftily Concocted. You may sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the original designer. Also, please do not share the written pattern in print or electronically. The photos on this web page belong to Alicia Mugaas of Craftily Concocted and may not be used for product sales/product listings (please take your own photos). You may share a link back to my blog if you would like someone else to see or work with this pattern. Thank you for your cooperation and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me!***