Gold Petal Crocodile Mitts: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

These Gold Petal Crocodile Mitts are the perfect project for anyone who has mastered the basics and wants to try something with a little more texture. Each mitt is a simple burgundy tube worked in half double crochet, so the bulk of the pattern is relaxing and repetitive. The magic happens on the back of each hand, where a gold crocodile-stitch rosette blooms into six layered petals. The finished mitts feel soft and warm against the skin, with a smooth, stretchy fit and just enough folk-inspired flair to make them a gift worth keeping. If you can chain, double crochet, and single crochet, you can make these.

Materials Needed

• Yarn A: DK weight (Category 3) merino wool, approximately 120 yards (110 m) in burgundy.
• Yarn B: DK weight (Category 3) merino wool, approximately 40 yards (37 m) in gold.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, measuring tape.
• Finished size: Circumference 7 inches (18 cm) unstretched, to fit a hand circumference of 7–8 inches (18–20 cm). Length 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) from cuff to fingertip opening.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sp — space.
• rep — repeat.
• rnd(s) — round(s).

Gauge

16 stitches and 16 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet worked in the round. To check, crochet a small swatch in the round with Yarn A and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if you have too many or too few stitches.

Tips Before You Start

• When you join the starting chain into a ring, double-check that it isn't twisted before working Round 1 — a twist here can't be fixed later.
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so your joins stay lined up and your stitch count stays at 30.
• The crocodile scales are worked around the posts of the Round 1 double crochets, not into the tops of stitches — go slowly and keep your tension even so the petals sit flat.
• Try the mitt on after Round 14 to confirm the thumb opening sits comfortably before continuing to the fingertip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mitt (make 2)

With Yarn A, ch 30, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, hdc in each ch around, join with sl st to first hdc (30 hdc).

Rnds 2–12: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc (30 hdc). Do not fasten off.

Thumb Opening

Rnd 13: Ch 1, hdc in next 4 sts, ch 6, skip next 6 sts, hdc in each remaining st around, join with sl st to first hdc (24 hdc, 6 ch).

Rnd 14: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc and in each ch around, join with sl st to first hdc (30 hdc).

Rnds 15–18: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc (30 hdc). Fasten off.

Crocodile Stitch Rosette (make 2)

With Yarn B, ch 6, join with sl st to first ch to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc).

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip next dc, sc in next dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc (6 ch-3 sps).

Rnd 3 (first scale): Working in first ch-3 sp: 4 dc around post of first dc of Rnd 1 (the dc before the sp), ch 1, 4 dc around post of next dc of Rnd 1, sl st in next ch-3 sp (1 scale made).

Rnd 3 repeat: Rep Rnd 3 for each remaining ch-3 sp, working scales in each sp around (6 scales). Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Trim

With Yarn A, join yarn at bottom edge of mitt (cuff).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc (30 sc). Fasten off.

Rep for second mitt.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew one rosette to the back of each mitt, centered about 1.5 inches (4 cm) from the top edge, using the 12-inch tail and a tapestry needle. Take small, even stitches around the gold center ring so the petals stay flat and the rosette sits securely. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and patting the mitts flat, shaping the scales with your fingers; let dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the gold for a deep mustard or cream to change the mood — the crocodile rosette looks striking in any contrasting shade.
• For a longer, cozier mitt, add extra rounds of hdc before the thumb opening; just remember each added round uses a little more yarn.
• Make the rosette in the same burgundy as the mitt for a subtle, tone-on-tone texture that's perfect for everyday wear.