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If you’re here you’re probably gearing up for Halloween. Maybe you’re rushing because there’s only a few days left. Well this year, I got you. This crochet costume vest can be made in a few days and can suffice for all kinds of different troll, ogre, and other forest creatures 😉

My littlest daughter is obsessed with Branch from the movie Trolls. She is the happiest kid, but she sure loves this cranky guy. So obviously this was her choice for her Halloween costume. Once I got the inspo to use the crocodile stitch, I was whipping this up in record time because I was so excited. She really makes the cutest troll!

Right now I have this made up in two sizes: 12-18 months and 2/3T. But once you have the crocodile stitch down, it’s pretty easy to adjust for any size you need! For every additional scale you want to add, chain 6 more to the indicated starting chains below.

Please note that this pattern was a quick make and is more of a recipe style instruction. You must be able to do a crocodile stitch before starting this project. This pattern does not give written instructions on how to complete the stitch, only the stitch and row counts, and some more specific instructions on tapering for the neckline.

Leafy Troll Vest Pattern

Notes:

This pattern requires proficiency in the crocodile stitch. If this is a new stitch to you or if you are a little rusty, BHooked has an amazing video tutorial on her YouTube page. I viewed several videos on how to complete the crocodile stitch, and hers was by far the most comprehensive. Please check that out before continuing as this pattern will not go into how to complete the crocodile stitch in depth.

IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE CROCODILE STITCH and do not need a full step by step instruction, below are the stitch counts to complete the vest. If you are not familiar with this stitch, watch the tutorial before proceeding.

Materials

• 275 (12-18 mos) or 320 (2T/3T) yards of worsted weight yarn in green (I used one skein of Big Twist Value in Light Green)
• 5mm hook
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Size

12-18 mos: 10.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches long

2/3T: 11.5 inches wide x 10 inches long

Gauge

2.5 (st) x 3 (rows) crocodile stitches per 4×4 inch square

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• dc = double crochet
• ch sp = chain space

PATTERN:

12-18 mos size:

Back side: Ch 33 to make 6 scales. Follow the pattern from the tutorial until you have 13 scale rows (26 total rows).

Front panels (make 2): Ch 15 to make 3 scales. Follow the pattern from the tutorial until you have 13 scale rows (26 total rows).

OPTIONAL TAPERING FOR NECKLINE

LEFT SIDE: After completing the 10th scale row, ch 1 and sl st across to the ch between scales. Sl st around the ch 1 into the sp between 2 dc. Ch 3, dc into the same sp. Ch 2, 2 dc into next scale, ch 2, dc into unworked 2dc from previous row. Continue the pattern from the tutorial (you will have one less scale per row) until you reach 13 scale rows.

RIGHT SIDE: When completing the 11th non-scale row, omit the last [ch 2, 2 dc]. You will leave the last scale from the 10th scale row unworked. You will ch 3 and begin working a scale in the last 2dc you made, and continue working the pattern from the tutorial as before. (You will have 2 scales per row.)

Seam together according to the diagram below:

2/3T size:

Back side: Ch 39 to make 7 scales. Follow the pattern from the tutorial until you have 15 scale rows (30 total rows).

Front panels (make 2): Ch 15 to make 3 scales. Follow the pattern from the tutorial until you have 15 scale rows (30 total rows).

OPTIONAL TAPERING FOR NECKLINE

LEFT SIDE: After completing the 11th scale row, ch 1 and sl st across to the ch between scales. Sl st around the ch 1 into the sp between 2 dc. Ch 3, dc into the same sp. Ch 2, 2 dc into next scale, ch 2, dc into unworked 2dc from previous row. Continue the pattern from the tutorial (you will have one less scale per row) until you reach 15 scale rows

RIGHT SIDE: When completing the 12th non-scale row, omit the last [ch 2, 2 dc]. You will leave the last scale from the 11th scale row unworked. You will ch 3 and begin working a scale in the last 2dc you made, and continue working the pattern from the tutorial as before. (You will have 2 scales per row.)

Seam together according to the diagram.

I would LOVE your feedback on this pattern, since this isn’t my usual genre of crochet! I’d also love to see your finished project. Tag me on Instagram @thetravelinghooker, and use the hashtag #TravelingHookCreations. Happy making!