A section of a reversible dragon scale scarf. (Photo courtesy of Maurita Way)

Happy new year, crochet friends. I am Maurita the Crochet Lady. This month, I chose to create a fun scarf.

I altered a design originally called the “crocodile” stitch. People often call it “dragon scale.” Most projects have all of the scales on the front side. My alteration causes odd rows to have scales on one side and even rows on the other.

My sample has two large scales per row. I crocheted a plain base scarf of 11 double treble crochet stitches (dtr), also called double triple crochet stitches. Then I went back to add the scales which spiral around the base scarf. Both parts start at the bottom and work up to your desired length.

Photos show a section of the dragon scale scarf, a close-up of a scale and making a scale in a different color to help show directions clearer.

NOTES:

A collage of the steps for making a dragon scale scarf. (Photo courtesy of Maurita Way)

1: instructions [ to ] = repeat directions inside labeled number of times.

2: instructions ( to ) = work directions in same stitch or space as labeled.

3: Beg dtr = beginning double treble = ch4.

4: to make scarf have three scales, start project with 15dtr instead of 11dtr.

5: scales are dtr stitches work over the posts of dtr of scarf base in a ‘U’ shape.

A close up view of one of the dragon scales in the scarf. (Photo courtesy of Maurita Way)

6: backside of dtr stitches will be on front side of scarf when making scales.

STITCHES: st = stitch. Sl st = slip stitch. Ch = chain. Sc = single crochet. Dtr = double treble = yarn over three times, insert hook into stitch or space, draw up loop, [yarn over and draw through two loops on hook] 4 times. Picot = ch4, slip stitch in first chain.

SCALE: starting at the top of post of dtr stitch of scarf base to be worked over, turn crochet work clockwise from 12 noon to 3 p.m., 6dtr over post which will cause you to work the last stitch at base of the post, picot, then turn crochet piece counterclockwise from current 3 p.m. position to 9 p.m., now you will work from the bottom of the post of next stitch of base scarf toward the top, 6dtr over the post of base dtr. Remember, the stitch before and after a scale will be worked into normal stitch space as if working the new row of a project with the scarf being at a clock’s 12 noon position. The scales are worked like a ‘U’ over the bar type post of two selected dtr of scarf base . The scales will almost look like open heart shaped leaves.

SUPPLIES: worsted weight yarn & K 10.5mm hook. Thicker yarn & larger hook can be used.

DIRECTIONS: Scarf Base: ch11 plus ch4 for beg dtr (15 ch total). Row 1: dtr in 6th chain from hook, dtr across (11stitches total). Row 2 – your Desired length: Beg dtr, turn work,10dtr.

Spiral of scales: First row of scales: on row one of scarf base, sc in top of 1st stitch, skip st, scale, skip st, sc in top of dtr of base, skip st, scale, skip st, sc in top of last dtr of base.

Scale row 2: your desired length: ch4, turn work, repeat first scale row. Note- the ‘ch4’ at the beginning of these rows is just to allow the scale to start on the next row of the scarf base… allowing the spiral to happen. Fasten off and hide yarn tails.

I have really enjoyed creating this pattern for all of you to try. I love dragons and thought that having a reversible scale scarf will look good with so many coat styles. Like always, I hope you join me again next time. Have fun crocheting.