Some crochet patterns stand out because of their colors, while others catch your eye because of their texture. The Crocodile Stitch Dahlia Afghan Block has both. Its layered petals give the flower a beautiful three-dimensional look, making it a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys crocheting floral motifs with a little extra detail.
This square combines the familiar crocodile stitch with a dahlia-inspired flower. The petals curl and overlap as you work, creating a full, blooming effect in the center of the block. Once the flower is finished, you’ll crochet several rounds around it to turn the circular motif into a neat square.
Although the finished design looks intricate, the pattern becomes easier to follow when you work through it one round at a time. You’ll use basic crochet stitches alongside a few special techniques to build the petals and shape the outer edges.
Use your favorite flower color, experiment with different shades, or choose a contrasting background to make the petals stand out. A single block can be used as a decorative motif, while several matching squares can be joined together to make a striking afghan.
About the Crocodile Stitch Dahlia Block
The Crocodile Stitch Dahlia is worked in the round, beginning with a small center and gradually building outward. The first few rounds establish the flower’s center and create the loops used to form the petals. Later rounds add another layer of petals before shaping the motif into a square.
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The final rounds create a structured border that makes the block easier to join with other crochet squares.
Skill level: Intermediate
Finished size: Approximately 6 × 6 inches, depending on your yarn, hook, and tension.
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Construction: Worked in the round, with layered flower petals and a square outer border.
Materials You’ll Need
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Gather the following supplies before you begin:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn in three colors.
- Color A: Brown or black for the flower center.
- Color B: Your preferred flower color for the petals.
- Color C: Green or another contrasting shade for the square background.
- Crochet hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm), or the size needed to achieve the desired gauge.
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
Caron Simply Soft is one option for this project. You can also use another worsted-weight yarn that gives you good stitch definition.
Crochet Abbreviations
The pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- BLO: back loop only
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The number in parentheses at the end of a round indicates the expected stitch count or number of pattern elements.
Special Stitches and Techniques
Before starting the flower, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following techniques.
Crocodile Stitch
The crocodile stitch creates overlapping, scale-like petals. In this pattern, each scale is formed by working double crochets around a chain loop, then adding a small chain space and single crochet to create the pointed edge.
The scales should remain slightly raised rather than being pulled tight. This gives the flower its dimensional appearance.
Banded Doubles
Work the following sequence:
- Skip the next stitch.
- Work one double crochet in each of the next two stitches.
- Yarn over and insert your hook around the two double crochets just made, in the space created beside them.
- Pull up a loop and complete the half double crochet.
This creates a small raised band that adds texture to the border.
Working Into the Side of a Stitch
When the pattern instructs you to work into the side of a stitch, insert your hook beneath both the front horizontal loop and the front vertical loop of the indicated stitch. Complete the stitch as you normally would.
This technique helps form the small loops used in the flower petals.
Turning the Work
Some rounds are worked with the wrong side facing, while others are worked with the right side facing. Follow the turning instructions carefully to keep the petals layered in the correct direction.
Gauge and Finished Measurements
Gauge is less critical for a decorative afghan block than for a fitted garment, but it will affect the finished size and how easily the squares fit together.
Using Caron Simply Soft worsted-weight yarn and a G/6 (4.0 mm) hook, aim for the first two rounds to measure approximately 2 inches across. Each crocodile scale should measure about 1 inch from its base to its tip.
The completed square should measure approximately 6 inches on each side.
If your block is noticeably larger or smaller, try adjusting your hook size or tension. If you plan to join several blocks into one blanket, keep your gauge consistent throughout the project.
Crocodile Stitch Dahlia Afghan Block Instructions
Center of the Flower
Round 1 – Color A
Begin with a magic ring or sliding circle.
Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), then work 15 dc into the circle. Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch-3.
Stitch count: 16 dc.
Round 2 – Color A
Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1). Work dc in the next dc, ch 1 around. Repeat from * to * 15 more times.
Join with a sl st in the third chain of the beginning ch-4. Fasten off.
Stitch count: 16 dc and 16 ch-1 spaces.
These first two rounds form the small center of the dahlia. Keep the center relatively flat so the petals can sit neatly around it.
First Layer of Dahlia Petals
Round 3 – Color B
Turn the work so the wrong side is facing you. Join Color B with a sc in any ch-1 space.
Ch 6, then sl st into the side of the sc just made to form a small loop.
In the next ch-1 space, work (sc, tr, sc).
Repeat the following sequence seven times:
- Sc in the next ch-1 space.
- Ch 6, then sl st into the side of the sc just made to form a loop.
- Work (sc, tr, sc) in the next ch-1 space.
Join with a sl st in the first sc.
Stitch count: 8 chain-6 loops and 8 (sc, tr, sc) groups.
The treble crochet in each group should stand out on the right side of the fabric. These raised stitches will help define the flower’s shape.
Round 4 – Color B
Ch 1 and turn so the right side faces you.
Sl st through the back loops of the next (sc, tr, sc) group.
In the next ch-6 loop, work the following to form one crocodile stitch:
- 5 dc into the loop.
- Ch 2.
- Sc into the side of the last dc.
- 5 dc into the same loop.
Sl st through the back loops of the next (sc, tr, sc) group.
Repeat this sequence around the flower, working one crocodile stitch into each remaining chain-6 loop. Join with a sl st in the beginning ch-1.
Stitch count: 8 crocodile stitches.
Gently shape each scale with your fingers. Avoid pulling the stitches too tightly, as the petals need enough room to curve and overlap.
Second Layer of Petals
Round 5 – Color B
Ch 3. Fold the next petal forward and, working behind it, sc into the Round 3 stitch at the center of that petal.
Ch 3, then sc in the sc between the next two petals.
Repeat this sequence eight times in total:
Ch 3, sc into the Round 3 stitch at the center of the next petal, ch 3, sc in the sc between the next two petals.
Join with a sl st in the first chain.
Stitch count: 16 ch-3 spaces and 16 sc.
This round creates the foundation for the next set of petals. Keep your stitches behind the first layer so the original petals remain visible.
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Round 6 – Color B
Continue working behind the petals.
Ch 1, then sc in the same stitch.
Repeat the following sequence seven times:
- Ch 6, then sl st into the side of the previous sc to form a loop.
- Work 3 sc in the next ch-3 space.
- Sc in the next sc.
- Work 3 sc in the next ch-3 space.
- Sc in the next sc.
After completing these repeats, work the same sequence once more to finish the round:
Ch 6, sl st into the side of the previous sc to form a loop, 3 sc in the next ch-3 space, sc in the next sc, 3 sc in the next ch-3 space.
