Crocodile Stitch Crochet Boots: 3 Patterns, Sizes and Yarn
Crocodile stitch boots are crochet slipper boots with a cuff of overlapping scales, usually closed with buttons. Most good patterns are paid, at $5.50 to $6, and the best known is the Bonita Patterns boot, with more than 800 finished projects on Ravelry. Below are 3 patterns with sizes, yarn, yardage and hook, a video for learning the stitch, and what to know about soles before you start.
The 3 patterns at a glance
| Pattern | Sizes | Yarn | Hook | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crocodile Stitch Boots (Bonita Patterns) | Women US 6–7, 8–9, 10 | Worsted, about 500 yd (255 g) | F, 3.75 mm | $6.00 |
| Crocodile Stitch Booties (Bonita Patterns) | Baby 0–6 and 6–12 months | Fingering, about 200 yd (50 g) | D, 3.25 mm | $5.50 |
| Woman's Crocodile Stitch Slippers (Crochet Dreamz) | Women US 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12 | Worsted for the sole, DK for the upper | F, 3.75 mm | $5.50 |
Prices and details were checked on the designers' pages in October 2026.
1. Crocodile Stitch Boots by Bonita Patterns
Lianka Azulay's design is the one most people picture: a smooth, ribbed foot and a scaled cuff that wraps around the ankle and closes with 6 buttons of 3/4 in (19 mm). It comes in 3 women's sizes, US 6–7, 8–9 and 10, and takes about 500 yd (255 g) of worsted yarn with an F (3.75 mm) hook. The PDF includes a photo tutorial of the stitch. Buy it for $6 at Bonita Patterns; the Ravelry page shows 833 finished projects and a 4.3 rating from 266 votes.
Photo: Bonita Patterns. Good for: a first pair of adult boots, because so many makers have shared their versions and notes.
2. Crocodile Stitch Booties by Bonita Patterns
The baby version uses the same construction in fingering yarn: about 200 yd (50 g), a D (3.25 mm) hook and 6 buttons of 1/2 in (12 mm). Size 0–6 months takes 1 skein and 6–12 months takes 2. $5.50 at Bonita Patterns, written in US terms.
3. Woman's Crocodile Stitch Slippers by Crochet Dreamz
Shehnaaz's slippers solve the sole problem: the sole is worked in worsted yarn and padded with quilter's batting, so it is firmer and warmer than a plain crochet sole. The upper is DK yarn with an F (3.75 mm) hook, the straps are reinforced with a few stitches of sewing, and there are 4 sizes, from US 5–6 to 11–12. The PDF ($5.50, US terms, with a stitch tutorial) is sent by email after payment at Crochet Dreamz.
More crocodile stitch boot ideas
The same scaled cuff works on toddler boots, adult slippers and baby booties in rainbow or self-striping yarn. These are finished pairs from other makers, for colour ideas.
Learn the crocodile stitch first
Each scale is made of double crochets worked down one post and up the next, so the stitch is easiest to learn on a flat swatch before you start a boot. Make a swatch of 3 rows of scales: if they lie flat and overlap evenly, you are ready. Our step-by-step guide to the crochet crocodile stitch covers it in detail, and this video by Tamara Kelly of Moogly shows it right-handed:
How crocodile stitch boots are built
- Sole: most slipper boots start with the sole, worked as an oval, with the sides worked up from it.
- Foot: plain rows or ribbing up to the ankle, so the boot stays comfortable to walk in.
- Cuff: rows of crocodile stitch, each row of scales offset by half a scale and overlapping the one below.
- Closure: the cuff opens at the side and closes with buttons, which is why both Bonita patterns list 6 of them.
Sole, yarn and fit tips
- Add grip for hard floors: dots of puffy fabric paint or a pair of sew-on suede soles make crochet soles much safer on tile and wood.
- Pick a smooth yarn in a solid or slowly changing colour: the scales show best when each one is a clear shape. Self-striping yarn gives the rainbow look in many photos.
- Check the sole against your foot before you work the sides: it is the part that decides the fit, and the easiest to redo.
- Wash by hand or on a wool cycle and dry flat, so the scales keep their shape.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free crocodile stitch boot patterns?
Free ones are rare. The best-known boot and bootie patterns are paid, at $5.50 to $6. If you want to try the stitch for free first, learn it on a swatch or a small project such as a drawstring purse.
How much yarn do crocodile stitch boots take?
About 500 yd (255 g) of worsted yarn for an adult pair in the Bonita Patterns design, and about 200 yd (50 g) of fingering yarn for the baby booties.
Is the crocodile stitch hard to learn?
It looks complex but it is a repeat of double crochets worked around posts. Bonita Patterns says an intermediate crocheter, or a dedicated beginner, can learn it quickly. Practise 3 rows on a swatch first.
Can you wear crochet boots outside?
They are made as house slippers. For short trips outside, add a sew-on suede or rubber sole; for regular outdoor wear, choose shop-bought boots.
Before you start
- Choose the pattern by size: women's boots, baby booties or padded slippers.
- Buy all the yarn in one dye lot: about 500 yd of worsted for adult boots.
- Practise 3 rows of crocodile stitch on a swatch.
- Measure your foot and check the sole against it before working the sides.
- Have the buttons ready: 6 per pair in the Bonita designs.
- More crocodile stitch projects: a drawstring purse, Christmas ornaments and, for a knitted alternative, ankle boots with buttons.
CHECK MORE CROCHET PATTERNS