If you love textured crochet squares with a floral touch, then the Crocodile Flower Square is the perfect pattern for you. This square combines the beauty of layered petals with the elegance of crocodile stitches, resulting in a stunning floral design that can be used in blankets, pillows, or even as a decorative centerpiece.
The beauty of this square is that it combines both texture and structure in a unique way. The crocodile stitch gives depth and dimension to the petals, making them appear as if they are blooming out of the fabric, while the square background provides stability and versatility. Whether you use this block as part of a larger blanket, a cushion cover, or even framed as a single decorative piece, it’s a pattern that truly showcases the artistry of crochet.
This pattern may look complex at first, but by following it step by step, you’ll see the flower bloom right in your hands. With multiple layers of petals and a beautifully textured background, it’s a project that will impress both beginners (looking for a challenge) and experienced crocheters.
Abbreviations
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ch – chain
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sc – single crochet
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hdc – half double crochet
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dc – double crochet
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tr – treble crochet
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sl st – slip stitch
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yo – yarn over
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sp – space
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st(s) – stitch(es)
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rnd – round
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FLO – front loop only
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BLO – back loop only
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ldc – long double crochet (yo, insert hook into stitch one row below, pull loop up long, complete dc as usual)
Special Notes
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Standing stitches: When the pattern says “attach with stitch,” you may use a standing stitch. Tutorials are available online.
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In side of: This term is used to describe stitches made into the side of a stitch to form picots, petals, or loops for crocodile stitches.
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Crocodile stitch: Worked in two steps. First, a chain loop is created. In the next round, the loop is filled with layered stitches to create the textured “scale” or petal look.
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Markers: Use stitch markers to help keep track of repeats.
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Surface crochet: Some petals are worked over previous rounds to create layered texture.
Materials
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3–4 colors of DK or worsted weight yarn
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Corresponding crochet hook (usually 4 mm / G-6 or size needed for gauge)
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3 stitch markers
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Tapestry needle for weaving ends
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Scissors
Finished size: approximately 12” (30 cm) square
Pattern Instructions
Center
With Color A, make a magic ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring. Close ring and join with sl st. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, turn (WS facing). (tr in same st, sc in next st) repeat around. Join with sl st. (12 tr, 12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc, tr, sc) in same st, skip tr. (sc, tr, sc in next sc, skip tr) repeat around. Sl st to join. (12 tr, 24 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, [skip tr, (sc, tr) in next sc, sc in next sc] repeat around. Join. (12 tr, 24 sc)
Fasten off. Center measures about 3” across.
Foundation for Petals
Rnd 5 (Color B): With RS facing, attach yarn with sc after any tr. Sc in same st, 2 sc in next sc. Ch 5, sl st in side of previous sc, skip tr, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc repeat around. Join. (12 loops, 48 sc) ~ 3.5” across.
Rnd 6 (Color C): Attach yarn with tr in BLO of sc after any loop. Place marker in FLO of next sc. Tr in BLO of marked st, ch 6, sl st in side of previous tr, tr in BLO of next sc, ch 3. Skip next sc and loop, tr in BLO of 2 sc, ch 6, sl st in side of previous tr, tr in BLO of next sc, ch 3 repeat around. Join. (12 loops, 12 ch-3 sps, 36 tr) ~ 5” across.
Rnd 7 (Color D): Place marker in any ch-3 sp, attach yarn with tr in same sp. Ch 4, skip loop, 2 tr in next ch-3 sp, ch 6, sl st in side of previous tr, tr in same sp repeat around. Finish with ch 4, 2 tr, ch 6, sl st. (12 loops, 12 ch-4 sps, 36 tr) ~ 6” across.
Rnd 8: Sl st to next ch-4 sp. Ch 1. (2 sc, mark, 2 sc) in sp, sc in next tr, ch 2, skip loop, hdc in next tr, (2 hdc, 2 dc) in sp, 3 tr in next tr, ch 3, skip loop, 3 tr in next tr, (2 dc, 2 hdc) in next sp, hdc in next tr, ch 2, skip loop, sc in next tr, 4 sc in sp) repeat for 4 sides. Join. (26 sts per side, 4 ch-3 corners) ~ 6.5”
Background Rounds
Rnd 9 (Color E): Attach in corner sp. (sc, ch 2, 2 sc) in corner, sc in BLO across with increases behind loops as instructed repeat around. (30 sc per side)
Rnd 10: Dc around in BLO with corner dc, ch 3, dc. (32 dc per side)
Rnd 11: Sc around in BLO with corner sc, ch 2, sc. (34 sc per side)
Rnd 12: Dc around with corners as established. (36 dc per side)
Rnd 13: Sc around. (38 sc per side) ~ 10” square.
Sawtooth Border
Rnd 14 (Color C): Dc, ch 3 in corner. Alternate dc in current rnd and ldc in previous rnd to create sawtooth effect. Continue pattern around. (40 sts per side)
Rnd 15: Sc around with corners. (42 sc per side)
Rnd 16 (Color D): Repeat sawtooth border with ldc. (44 sts per side)
Rnd 17 (optional): Sc around. (46 sc per side) ~ 12” square.
Surface Crochet Petals
Rnd 18 (Outer Petals – Color D): Attach yarn in marked Rnd 8 st. (6 tr in loop, ch 1, sl st in background, ch 1, sc in side of tr, 6 tr in loop, sc in next sp) repeat around. (12 petals)
Rnd 19 (Middle Petals – Color C): Attach yarn in Rnd 7 sp. (6 dc in loop, ch 1, sl st between Rnd 18 petals, ch 1, sc in side of dc, 6 dc in loop, sc in next sp) repeat around. (12 petals)
Rnd 20 (Inner Petals – Color B): Attach yarn in FLO of Rnd 6 sc. (5 hdc in loop, ch 1, sl st between Rnd 19 petals, ch 1, sc in side of hdc, 5 hdc in loop, skip 1 sc, sc in next FLO sc) repeat around. (12 petals)
Fasten off, weave in ends, and block. 🌸
Final Square Size
Approx. 12 inches (30 cm) per side after blocking.
✨ And that’s your Crocodile Flower Square – a bold and textured design that brings a floral touch to any crochet project. You can use one square as a centerpiece or join many together for a stunning blanket.
