Crochet Tutorial: Strawberry Crocodile in Denim Overalls – Free Crochet Pattern

This charming crocodile doll combines a playful woodland look with denim overalls, a striped shirt, flower accents, sandals, a tiny crossbody bag, and sweet strawberry details. It has the cozy appeal of a handmade amigurumi doll and the collectible style many makers look for when browsing for a crochet animal doll or amigurumi gift.

The finished design is ideal for anyone who loves making a crochet crocodile, cute amigurumi toy, or heirloom handmade nursery decor. The outfit and accessories give it a boutique look that feels perfect for a spring market doll, giftable plush character, or collector-style crochet animal.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Notes

This pattern is written in US English using standard amigurumi construction. Work in continuous rounds unless a round specifically says to join. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and move it up as you go.

The overall shape in the image shows a large rounded crocodile head, a broad tapered snout, raised eyes, a compact torso, long slim limbs, and slightly oversized clothing. The instructions below are structured to recreate that exact silhouette as closely as possible.

For the neatest result, use a hook smaller than your yarn label suggests so the fabric stays dense and stuffing does not show. Keep tension even throughout because the head, snout, and overalls all rely on smooth shaping lines.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Finished Size

Approx. 14 to 16 inches tall seated, depending on yarn, hook, and tension.

Materials

• Green yarn in two tones: main crocodile green and a slightly darker green for edging details
• Cream or off-white yarn for eye whites and shirt stripes
• Yellow yarn for shirt stripes and hat
• Medium denim blue yarn for overalls
• Light sky blue yarn for crossbody bag and strap
• Brown yarn for sandals and picnic basket
• Red yarn for strawberries
• Pink, white, yellow, and green scrap yarn for flowers and strawberry leaves
• Black embroidery thread for mouth line and facial detailing
• Two black safety eyes for raised eye bumps, sized to suit your yarn
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Straight pins for assembly
• Optional thin plastic insert or cardboard circle covered in tape for hat brim support
• Optional craft wire for bag strap support if you want the strap to hold its curve

Abbreviations

• mr = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rep = repeat

Gauge and Construction Guidance

Exact gauge is less important than proportion. The head should be noticeably wider than the body. The snout should project clearly forward but still blend smoothly into the head. The legs and arms should be long and slim to match the image.

The shirt is crocheted directly onto the upper body area for a clean fitted look. The overalls are made as separate pants with a bib, straps, and decorative flowers. The accessories are separate and can be stitched or lightly tacked in place.

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Color Placement Overview

• Main body, head, snout, tail, arms, and legs: green
• Eye whites: cream
• Teeth: cream
• Shirt: alternating yellow and cream stripes
• Overalls: medium denim blue
• Bag: light blue with a yellow flower
• Hat: yellow with blue bow
• Sandals: brown with white daisy accent
• Strawberry hair detail and loose strawberry: red with green leaves
• Basket: brown with red-and-cream check effect suggested by embroidery or alternating stitches

Head

The head is the most important part of the design. It is wide, smooth, and oval from the front, with a long rounded snout extending forward. Stuff firmly as you go, especially across the cheeks and upper snout, to keep the face broad and stable.

1. R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
6. R6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
7. R7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
8. R8: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
9. R9: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
10. R10: (8 sc, inc) x6. (60)
11. R11: (9 sc, inc) x6. (66)
12. R12: (10 sc, inc) x6. (72)
13. R13: (11 sc, inc) x6. (78)
14. R14-R24: sc around. (78)
15. R25: (11 sc, dec) x6. (72)
16. R26: sc around. (72)
17. R27: (10 sc, dec) x6. (66)
18. R28: sc around. (66)
19. R29: (9 sc, dec) x6. (60)
20. R30: sc around. (60)
21. R31: (8 sc, dec) x6. (54)
22. R32: sc around. (54)

Begin stuffing firmly. Focus extra stuffing in the lower jaw, cheeks, and forehead. Do not close yet. The front opening remains available while the snout section is built and attached.

Snout

The snout is a separate oval tube that tapers slightly at the front and is sewn to the head. It should project forward prominently, just like in the image. Stuff the snout moderately so it keeps shape without looking rigid.

1. R1: Ch 9. Starting in second ch from hook: 7 sc, 3 sc in last ch, working along opposite side 6 sc, inc. (18)
2. R2: inc, 6 sc, inc x3, 6 sc, inc x2. (24)
3. R3: 1 sc, inc, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) x3, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) x2. (30)
4. R4-R8: sc around. (30)
5. R9: 10 sc, dec x5, 10 sc. (25)
6. R10-R13: sc around. (25)
7. R14: 9 sc, dec x3, 10 sc. (22)
8. R15-R17: sc around. (22)

Stuff the front half a bit more firmly than the back half. Flatten the open edge slightly so the top of the snout sits wider than the underside. Sew centered to the head across the front lower half.

The snout should begin below the eye line and extend outward in a straight but softly rounded angle. Sew the upper edge first, then the sides, then the underside while adjusting the position so the mouth line will sit naturally beneath it.

Eye Mounds Make 2

The crocodile has raised rounded eyes placed high on the head. These pieces should sit like domed bumps, not flat circles. They are edged in green and filled lightly to keep the lifted shape.

1. With cream yarn, R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4: sc around. (18)
5. Change to green.
6. R5: BLO sc around. (18)
7. R6: (sc, dec) x6. (12)

Insert safety eyes through the cream section before attaching if desired, or sew black beads later. Stuff lightly. Flatten the base opening and sew each mound to the top sides of the head, angled slightly outward.

In the image, the eyes are spaced wide apart and sit above the snout rather than at the front face. Position them carefully. The inner lower corners of the eye mounds should visually point toward the front of the snout.

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Nostril Detail

Use green yarn to embroider a small raised oval on top of the snout near the front tip. Make one slightly rounded bump and outline it with a few horizontal stitches. This creates the distinct nose detail visible in the image.

Lower Jaw Shape and Mouth Line

Use black embroidery thread to stitch a gentle smile line where the snout meets the lower head. Start near one side seam, run slightly curved beneath the snout, and end on the opposite side. Do not curve too high.

This line defines the mouth opening visually. The teeth will be attached along the upper edge of the lower mouth area so they peek downward, matching the friendly look of the crocodile in the image.

Teeth Make 6

The teeth are small cream cones. Make them slightly soft, not stiff. The photo shows several visible teeth across the front mouth area, with center teeth a touch larger than the outer ones.

1. R1: 4 sc in mr. (4)
2. R2: sc around. (4)
3. R3: inc, 3 sc. (5)
4. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Make 2 teeth slightly longer by adding one extra round of 5 sc. Sew the teeth beneath the upper mouth edge, evenly spaced across the front. Angle them downward and slightly outward rather than straight down.

Body

The body is short and compact because most of the visual height comes from the long legs and large head. Stuff the torso firmly but keep the shoulder area slightly compressible so the shirt and overalls sit smoothly.

1. R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
6. R6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
7. R7-R12: sc around. (36)
8. R13: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
9. R14-R16: sc around. (30)
10. R17: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
11. R18-R19: sc around. (24)

Stuff firmly. Leave a long tail for sewing. Sew the head securely to the body with the snout projecting forward and the chin sitting slightly over the top of the chest.

Legs Make 2

The legs are long, slim cylinders with lightly shaped feet. In the image, the toes are visible at the front of the sandals, so each foot should have a broader front edge than the ankle area.

1. With green, R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4-R5: sc around. (18)
5. R6: 5 sc, dec x4, 5 sc. (14)
6. R7-R25: sc around. (14)

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg moderately. Flatten the top opening and sew to the lower body so the legs hang straight down from the front underside of the body. They should be close together but not touching.

Toe Definition

Use green yarn to stitch three short separating lines at the front of each foot. Make four rounded toes. The center two should be most visible. Keep the toe shaping subtle so it still looks soft and cute.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim and slightly tapered, ending in rounded hands. They should rest at the sides of the body and extend to about the top of the shorts when attached.

1. R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3-R4: sc around. (12)
4. R5: (4 sc, dec) x2. (10)
5. R6-R22: sc around. (10)

Stuff the hands and lower arms lightly. Leave the upper arms less stuffed so they curve naturally. Flatten and sew at the sides of the upper body after the shirt stripes are complete.

Tail

The tail is small and lightly curved. It peeks from behind the overalls and should be angled slightly upward rather than dragging down. Make it slim at the tip and thicker at the base.

1. R1: 4 sc in mr. (4)
2. R2: sc around. (4)
3. R3: inc, 3 sc. (5)
4. R4: sc around. (5)
5. R5: inc, 4 sc. (6)
6. R6: sc around. (6)
7. R7: inc, 5 sc. (7)
8. R8-R12: sc around. (7)

Stuff lightly. Sew to the lower back of the body before dressing the doll in overalls.

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Striped Shirt

The shirt in the image is a short-sleeved striped top in cream and yellow. It fits closely beneath the overalls. You can either crochet it directly over the body or make it as a separate garment. The fitted result is best when crocheted directly onto the body.

Body Shirt Section

Join cream yarn at the neck base and work downward over the upper torso in joined rounds. If preferred, make a separate tube with the same stitch counts as the upper body circumference.

1. Round 1: Join cream around body upper section, sc evenly around 24 sts. Join. (24)
2. Round 2: Change to yellow, sc around. (24)
3. Round 3: Cream, sc around. (24)
4. Round 4: Yellow, sc around. (24)
5. Round 5: Cream, sc around. (24)
6. Round 6: Yellow, sc around. (24)

Do not continue all the way to the bottom because the overalls cover the lower torso. Fasten off neatly. The shirt should end just below the bib line.

Sleeves Make 2

1. Ch 14, join to form ring.
2. R1-R4: sc around 14. (14)
3. Use alternating cream and yellow stripes every round.

Sew sleeves around the arm openings at the shoulder area. Then attach the arms beneath the sleeves. This gives the shirt the layered appearance visible in the image.

Denim Overalls

The overalls have short pant legs, a front bib, shoulder straps, and small flower appliqués. They sit slightly loose over the torso and leave the striped sleeves visible. Use denim blue yarn and keep stitches even and smooth.

Shorts Legs Make 2

1. R1: Ch 18, join carefully. (18)
2. R2-R5: sc around. (18)
3. Fasten off first leg.
4. Make second leg the same but do not fasten off.

Join Shorts

1. From second leg, ch 2 and join to first leg.
2. R6: 18 sc around first leg, 2 sc in chains, 18 sc around second leg, 2 sc in opposite side of chains. (40)
3. R7-R11: sc around. (40)
4. R12: (8 sc, dec) x4. (36)
5. R13-R14: sc around. (36)

Try on the doll. Adjust placement so the shorts sit high on the waist. If needed, add or remove one round for fit depending on your yarn tension.

Bib

Flatten the front center. Count 12 front stitches for the bib panel.

1. Row 1: Join yarn at front center, sc 12. Ch 1, turn. (12)
2. Rows 2-7: sc across 12. Ch 1, turn. (12)
3. Row 8: dec, 8 sc, dec. Ch 1, turn. (10)
4. Rows 9-10: sc across. (10)

Upper Edge Finish

Sc evenly around top edge of bib and shorts waist opening. Add one round of neat edging. This makes the garment look more tailored and similar to the clean finish in the photo.

Straps Make 2

1. Ch 18.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sc 17.
3. Fasten off with long tail.

Sew straps to top of bib, cross them straight over the shoulders, and attach at the back waistband. The straps in the image are fairly narrow and sit close to the neck.

Overall Leg Hems

Join yarn at each shorts leg opening and work 1 round of sc. This sharpens the leg openings so they look clean and slightly structured, matching the denim shorts appearance.

Flowers for Overalls

The overalls have tiny appliqué flowers in soft colors. Make them small and flat. Sew them to the bib and upper shorts area exactly where you prefer, using the image as your placement guide.

Simple Five-Petal Flower Make 4 to 5

1. With center color, 5 sc in mr, join.
2. Change to petal color.
3. In each stitch work: sl st, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st.
4. Repeat around for 5 petals.

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Suggested colors: white petals with yellow center, pink petals with yellow center, yellow petals with cream center. Stitch them flat to the overalls and add a tiny French knot or extra center stitch if desired.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is small, soft, and light blue, with a rounded rectangular body and a long strap crossing diagonally from shoulder to hip. It should rest on the front right side of the overalls as shown in the image.

Bag Body

1. Ch 9. Starting in second ch from hook: 7 sc, 3 sc in last ch, 6 sc, inc. (18)
2. R2: inc, 6 sc, inc x3, 6 sc, inc x2. (24)
3. R3-R8: sc around. (24)

Flatten and seam the top closed with whipstitch or crochet the top shut with sc. Leave it lightly stuffed or unstuffed depending on the softness you want.

Bag Strap

1. Ch 40 to 48, depending on your doll size.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sc across.

Sew each end of the strap to opposite upper corners of the bag. Position the strap diagonally from the doll’s left shoulder down to the right hip.

Bag Flower

Make one tiny flower using the same appliqué method and sew it to the front lower corner of the bag. Use yellow petals with a pale center to match the image.

Sandals Make 2

The sandals have a flat brown sole and a front strap. Each sandal also features a small white daisy embellishment. Keep them snug enough to stay on the feet but not so tight that they distort the toes.

Sole

1. With brown, ch 8.
2. R1: Starting in second ch from hook, 6 sc, 3 sc in last ch, 5 sc on opposite side, inc. (16)
3. R2: inc, 5 sc, inc x3, 5 sc, inc x2. (22)
4. R3: sc around. (22)

Foot Strap

Join brown yarn at one side of the sandal front, ch 10, attach to opposite side with sl st. Reinforce with one return row of sc across the chain. Sew securely.

Slide the sandal onto the foot and tack it in place with a few hidden stitches at heel and toe. Repeat for second sandal.

Daisy Accent Make 2

1. With yellow, 5 sc in mr, join.
2. With white, make 5 tiny petals using: sl st, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in each stitch.

Sew one daisy to each sandal strap near the outer side, matching the decorative flower seen in the image.

Strawberry Hair Clip

The crocodile wears a strawberry detail near one eye. This is an important visual feature, so keep it bright red and slightly plump with a small leafy top. A short beige stem or clip base helps it sit correctly.

Berry

1. With red, R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4-R5: sc around. (18)
5. R6: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
6. Stuff lightly.
7. R7: dec x6. (6)

Leaves

1. With green, 5 sc in mr, join.
2. In each stitch make: sl st, ch 2, sl st.

Sew leaves to the berry top. Add a few cream or white embroidered seed dots. Stitch the finished strawberry near one eye mound with a short beige stem or tiny crocheted base underneath.

Loose Strawberry Make 1

Make another tiny strawberry using the same method above. This optional accessory can be placed beside the doll or lightly stitched near the basket for display styling.

Sun Hat

The yellow hat in the image has a rounded crown, a gently flared brim, and a blue bow. It should sit beside the doll rather than on the head, although you can make it wearable if you prefer.

Hat Crown Top

1. With yellow, R1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. R2: inc x6. (12)
3. R3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
4. R4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
5. R5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
6. R6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
7. R7-R12: sc around. (36)

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Brim

1. R13: BLO sc around. (36)
2. R14: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
3. R15: sc around. (42)
4. R16: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
5. R17: sc around. (48)
6. R18: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
7. R19: sc around. (54)

If you want a flatter brim, lightly steam or shape it under a cloth. You may also insert a hidden flexible support circle between two brim layers, but this is optional.

Blue Bow

1. With blue, ch 16.
2. Row 1: Starting in second ch from hook, 15 sc. Ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 2-4: sc across 15.

Wrap yarn tightly around the center to form a bow. Sew to the hat brim front. Make two short chain tails and stitch them beneath the bow for the tied ribbon look shown in the image.

Picnic Basket

The basket is a small accessory with a soft rectangular shape and a curved handle. The image suggests a brown basket with a red-and-cream checked cloth. This version recreates that look using crochet and simple surface details.

Basket Base

1. With brown, ch 9.
2. R1: Starting in second ch from hook, 7 sc, 3 sc in last ch, 6 sc, inc. (18)
3. R2: inc, 6 sc, inc x3, 6 sc, inc x2. (24)
4. R3: BLO sc around. (24)
5. R4-R8: sc around. (24)

Fasten off. Make a second identical oval for lining support if desired, or simply stuff the lower half very lightly so the basket holds shape.

Basket Handle

1. Ch 18 to 22 depending on desired height.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sc across.

Sew each end to opposite inner upper sides of the basket. Curve the handle upward naturally.

Checked Cloth Accent

Use red and cream yarn to create a small rectangular flap. Alternate single crochet rows in red and cream, then add a few vertical embroidered lines in the opposite color to mimic a checked fabric. Stitch partly inside the basket so it peeks out.

Optional Button and Floral Embellishments

The image includes tiny pastel details on the straps and front of the overalls. You can mimic these by sewing miniature flowers, French knots, or round embroidered dots in pink, yellow, red, and green.

• Add one pink flower near the top of a strap
• Add one small flower on the bib
• Add a red circular detail on the shorts front
• Add a tiny green stem stitch below one flower

Assembly Order

Assembly matters for achieving the same polished finish shown in the image. Follow the order below so the layers sit correctly and the accessories do not interfere with sewing the main structure.

1. Sew snout to head
2. Attach eye mounds and insert eyes if not already attached
3. Embroider nostril and mouth line
4. Sew teeth in place
5. Sew head to body
6. Sew tail to back
7. Add shirt body stripes
8. Attach sleeves and sew arms
9. Sew legs to lower body
10. Dress doll in overalls and stitch straps
11. Attach flowers to overalls
12. Make and attach sandals
13. Sew crossbody bag in place
14. Attach strawberry hair detail
15. Finish hat, basket, and loose strawberry

Shaping Tips for a More Accurate Look

Head width: Stuff the side cheeks firmly so the head looks broad from the front.

Snout angle: Sew the snout so it points slightly downward at the tip but remains level across the top.

Eye posture: Place eye mounds high and wide for the friendly crocodile look.

Leg drape: Keep the upper legs softer so they bend when seated.

Clothing fit: The overalls should look relaxed, not skin-tight. Slight looseness helps match the image.

Accessory balance: The bag should sit diagonally and not cover too much of the bib flowers.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Pin all parts before sewing permanently. Check the symmetry from the front and side views. Add the mouth line only after the snout and eyes are fixed. Sew the teeth last so you can control how much of each tooth shows. A few subtle shaping stitches under the cheeks can make the face look even more like the image.

Care Notes

Display accessories separately if the doll is meant for decor. For play use, stitch the bag, strawberry, and sandals securely. Avoid heavy pulling on the hat bow or basket handle. Keep the doll away from prolonged moisture and direct harsh sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head wider than body
• Snout centered and smooth
• Eyes high, wide, and even
• Six teeth visible across the mouth
• Striped shirt neat under overalls
• Overalls fitted but slightly loose
• Flowers attached to bib and shorts
• Bag strap crossing diagonally
• Sandals aligned with visible toes
• Strawberry detail placed near one eye
• Hat and basket finished for display

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not scrub appliqués or embroidery. Press excess water out with a towel and reshape while damp. Let the doll air dry fully away from heat. Store in a breathable bag or on an open shelf to help preserve color, shape, and stitch definition.