Crochet Block: Scales

Although this block is worked backward and forward (horizontally) the texture appears to move diagonally. It is a heavy block but this change of direction is very useful. To make it lighter increase the number of stitches between each scale.To attract even more attention, and weight, add beads to the second row of each scale.

Special abbreviation Make scale -- 4dc into the next st, ch 2, turn 1dc into the base of the ch, 2dc into each st across the scale, ch 3, turn and prepare to cont to work right to left across the block.

Note The stitch count and the repeat distance is the same as that for the patterns in block 4. Combine the patterns to create your own textured stripe.

Foundation chain: Ch 28.

Row 1 (wrong side): insert the hook into the 3rd ch from the hook, work 1sc this completes the first 2 sts. 1sc into each ch to the end -- 27 sts. Turn. 
Row 2: 
Ch 2 (counts as 1dc), 1dc into each of the next 2 sts, *make scale, 1dc into each of the next 3 sts, rep from * 5 more times, work the last sc into the bottom of the beg-ch. Turn. 
Row 3:
 Ch 2 (counts as 1sc), *1sc into each of the next 2 sts, 1sc round the 3ch of the scale, rep from * 5 more times, 1sc into each of the next 3 sts, work the last sc into the top of the beg-ch. Turn. 
Row 4: 
Ch 2 (counts as 1dc), 1dc into each of the next 4 sts, *make scale, 1dc into each of the next 3 sts, rep from * 4 more times, 1dc into each of the next 2 sts, work the last dc into the bottom of the beg-ch. Turn. 
Row 5:
 Ch 2 (counts as 1sc), *1sc into each of the next 4 sts, 1sc round the 3ch of the scale, rep from * 4 more times, 1sc into each of the next 5 sts, work the last sc into the top of the beg-ch. Turn.

Rep rows 2–5, 3 more times. Rep rows 2–3, once more.

Row 20: Ch 2 (counts as 1sc) 1sc into each st.

Fasten off yarn.

ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES Click for explanation and illustration

ch(s) = chain(s) sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet st(s) = stitch(es)
rep = repeat(s)(ing) yo = yarn over

Pattern by permission from Crochet Blocks in a Box by Luise Roberts, St. Martin's Griffin, 2007