Crochet Hat Patterns

Ochre Crocodile Stitch Beanie Free Crochet Pattern

IngredientGrid: Fiber Blends, Wool Guides & Yarn Elements • November 09, 2026

Introduction

This Nordic-inspired beanie pairs a cozy ribbed olive brim with a striking band of ochre crocodile stitch scales, giving you a winter hat that looks far more complicated than it really is. It's written for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to try their first textured stitch pattern, with every round spelled out step by step. The tapered tube construction hugs the head for a snug, warm fit, while the overlapping scales add extra thickness right where you need it. Slip it on and you'll feel the soft worsted wool blend and see those golden scales catch the light.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn — approximately 150 yards olive and 100 yards ochre. Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Olive (620-180) and Mustard (620-170).
Hook: 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
Finished size: Fits head circumference 21–23 inches (53–58 cm). Hat measures about 20 inches (51 cm) in circumference unstretched and 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) tall.

Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
dc2tog — double crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
sl st — slip stitch
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
BLO — back loop only

Gauge

14 stitches and 8 rows in double crochet = 4 inches (10 cm). One crocodile stitch scale (6 dc) measures about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall. Work a small swatch in dc and measure a 4-inch section to check your gauge before starting.

Tips Before You Start

The brim is worked flat in back loops only to create stretchy vertical ribbing — keep your tension relaxed so it stretches comfortably over the head.
When joining the brim into a ring, double-check that the strip isn't twisted before you slip stitch the ends together.
Crocodile scales are worked around the ch-2 spaces, not into individual stitches — count your spaces each round to keep the scales evenly spaced.
Use a stitch marker at the start of each round so you never lose your place in the turning rounds of the scale band.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brim (olive)

Ch 9.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loop only of each st across (8 sc).

Rows 3–end: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 20 inches (51 cm) unstretched. Join last row to first row with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist. Do not fasten off.

Body (olive)

Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 48 sc evenly around brim edge (48 sc). Join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around (48 dc). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Crocodile Stitch Band (ochre)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, skip 2 sts, join with sl st to first sc (16 sc, 16 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 4: Ch 1, turn, work 3 dc in first ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp (first scale), *skip next sc, work 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first dc (16 scales).

Rnd 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around (16 sc).

Rnd 6: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 2, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, skip 2 sc, join with sl st to first sc (8 sc, 8 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 7: Ch 1, turn, work 3 dc in first ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp, *skip next sc, work 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first dc (8 scales).

Rnd 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around (8 sc). Fasten off ochre.

Crown (olive)

Rnd 9: Join olive with sl st to any sc, ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around (48 dc). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in each st around (48 dc). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc2tog, *dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (40 dc).

Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in each st around (40 dc). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc2tog, *dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (32 dc).

Rnd 14: Ch 3, dc in each st around (32 dc). Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Rnd 15: Ch 3, dc2tog, *dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog; repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (24 dc).

Rnd 16: Ch 3, dc2tog, *dc in next st, dc2tog; repeat from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (16 dc).

Rnd 17: Ch 3, dc2tog around (8 dc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave tail through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle, working them into the inside of the hat so they don't show through the scales. If you'd like the crocodile stitches to sit more open and defined, block the hat lightly by misting it with water and shaping it over a bowl or hat form, then let it dry completely. No seaming is needed beyond the brim join, which was worked as you went.

Pro Tips and Variations

Swap the ochre for a deep burgundy or charcoal for a more muted, everyday look.
Add a third row of scales by repeating Rounds 6–8 once more before starting the crown for extra texture.
Work the brim in a contrasting color, or add a faux fur pom-pom to the closed top for a playful finish.

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