Pattern Description:
This pattern uses the beautiful crocodile stitch to create scales, resulting in unique texture and dimension.
The construction involves alternating rounds/rows of V-stitches and crocodile stitches, with the latter worked around the V-stitch posts.
The blanket starts in the round and transitions to turned rows to allow the tail to split open. It also features a shell stitch border at the top and a distinctly folded fin.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials
- The project requires a substantial amount of yarn, often purchased in huge skeins.
- Specific yarns used for one blanket included:
- Phentex Worsted in “Light Green” (400 g skein).
- Phentex Worsted in “Emerald” (400 g skein).
- Loops & Threads Impeccable Big in “Aqua” (396 g skein).
- Other color combinations are possible, such as red, blue, and yellow.
- Approximate Yarn Usage (for the specific blue/green blanket): Approximately 137 grams of the blue and dark green combined, and about 172 grams of the lighter green (which was used for the fin).
- The primary stitch used is the crocodile stitch, which is comprised of 10 double crochets. Other stitches include the V-stitch and the shell stitch (for the border).
- The pattern used for this project is a free pattern by Felene Grammer on Ravelry, which is supplemented by a full video tutorial. It is noted that both resources must be referenced because the written pattern contains errors.
Measurements & Sizing
- The pattern is available in three sizes: Adult, Teen/PreTeen, and Child.
- The Teen/Preteen size was selected because some commenters on Ravelry noted that the smallest size (Child) started off a bit small.
- The length or height of the tail is measured by the number of crocodile stitch rows/rounds completed.
- The initial height for a 3-year-old was 31 rows/rounds of crocodile stitches.
- This was later extended to 35 rows/rounds for a 5-year-old.
- The construction starts with a ring and V-stitches.
- Colors were switched after every two rounds/rows so that each layer of scales had a different color.
Abbreviations Used:
- ch – Chain
- dc – Double Crochet
- V-st – V-stitch
- CS – Crocodile Stitch
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
- CC – Color Change
- rnd(s) – Round(s)
- row(s) – Row(s)
Instructions for Making the Enchanting Mermaid Tail Blanket Pattern:
Construction Foundation
Stitch Overview (St): The primary stitches used are the V-stitch (V-st) and the crocodile stitch (CS). The project begins with a ring followed by V-stitches. The construction alternates rounds/rows of V-stitches and crocodile stitches. The V-sts lay the foundation, and the CS is worked around the posts of the V-sts.
Working the Crocodile Stitch (CS)
The CS is a fun stitch that builds texture and dimension. Each complete CS is comprised of 10 double crochets (dc).
Steps for one CS:
- To begin the round, Chain 3 (ch 3); this counts as the first dc.
- Work four dc along the first post of the V-st below. (This completes half of the scale).
- Turn the work so the stitches just completed are facing you (at the bottom).
- Chain 1 (ch 1).
- Work the next series of stitches around the second post of the V-st.
- The CS is complete after working the stitches down one side of the V-st, turning the work, and then working the stitches up the other side of the V-st.
Body & Height
- Staggering the Scales: To ensure the CS scales are staggered, work each CS in every other V-st. Skip the next V-st and work the next CS in the V-st beside the one skipped. This process is repeated to complete the round of crocodile stitches.
- Color Changes (CC): To ensure each layer of scales is a different color, colors were switched after every two rounds/rows. Crochet over ends whenever possible to reduce the need for weaving in ends later.
- Transition to Rows: At a certain point, stop working in continuous rounds and transition to working in turned rows. This modification allows the mermaid tail blanket to split open, making it easier for the person to put their legs in and allows the top to spread across their lap.
- Height Measurement: The height of the tail is determined by the number of CS rows/rounds completed.
- For a 3-year-old, 31 rows/rounds of CS were initially completed.
- This was later extended to 35 rows/rounds for a 5-year-old.
- The project allows for adding more rows as the wearer grows taller.
Finishing
Once the desired height is achieved:
- Add the shell stitch border around the top edge.
- Begin crocheting the fin. The construction of the fin is unique in how it folds.
This project is a labor of love, requiring many stitches, so it is advised to work on it in stages and take frequent breaks for the wrist and hands.
