Little Fish-Scale Crochet Stitch

Oh hi there! Welcome to your new favorite crochet stitch — called the Little Fish-Scale Stitch.

I must admit, I don’t see fish scales when I look at this stitch pattern, but indeed, if you can imagine it, you can see a tiny, shimmering effect. I suspect it might go by a different, fancier name somewhere out there, but for now, let’s ride with a name that’s fun, friendly, and easy on the tongue.

Little Fish Scale Crochet Stitch

This stitch is a sweet, textured gem: a playful dance of stitches that creates rippling, overlapping arcs—perfect for scarves, baby blankets, shawls, or any project that could use an extra dash of texture.

It is created using double crochets, followed by a chain.  The dc pairs form the basis of the next stitch.

Materials

• Yarn – A soft DK or worsted yarn weights cotton or acrylic—pick something squishy and comfortable!
• Crochet Hooks – Try a 4 mm (G/6) or 5 mm (H/8), depending on your yarn and how drapey you’d like your fabric.
• Scissors & tapestry needle – for fasten-off and weaving in tails.

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Abbreviations

This pattern uses US notations.

● ch = chain

● dc = double crochet

● rs = right side

● sc = single crochet

● sk = skip

● sl st = slip stitch

● st = stitch

● sts = stitches

● tr = treble (UK double crochet stitches)

● ws – wrong side

● yo = yarn over

HOW TO CROCHET – VIDEO TUTORIALS

Learn how to:

• Make a slip knot
• How to chain stitch
• Making a single crochet – shared in this moss stitch video
• How to double crochet

Little Fish-Scale Crochet Stitch / A Lacy Shell-Type Stitch Pattern

Pattern Instructions.

Written instructions using US Crochet Terms.

For purposes of my swatch, I chained 32 chains.

First Row (RS): ch3, first dc in each next st across, ending with dc in last st (32 sts), turn. 

Row 2 (WS): ch3, *(2dc, 1 ch, 2dc) between the second and third dc,  sk 3 sts*,  repeat from * to *, to end of the row,  dc in last st, turn. 

3rd Row:  (RS): ch3, *(2dc, 1 ch, 2dc) in 1-ch space of the previous row*,  repeat from * to *, dc in ch3 turning ch.

Repeat row 3 until your work is the desired length.

For more double crochet posts – type ‘double crochet’ into the search bar. PHOTO TUTORIAL

SUGGESTED PROJECTS USING THE CROCHET STITCH

• A baby blanket using the free pattern.
• Crochet beach cover-up or schrug for chillier days.
• The lacy stitch of the pattern will even make it ideal for summer cover-ups, kaftans, pillow covers, or beach wear.

Scarves, cowls, and shawls.