"Crocodile Tears" Mug Snug

"Crocodile Tears" Mug Snug.

This is a Mug Snug with an in-built coaster base.
The base is worked in a very tight SC circle to give stability.  (see photo below)
There is a side slit for the handle and a button and loop closure at the top.
I usually use a single colour for the base and top section and multi-colour for the crocodile stitch section

I used 8 ply acrylic yarn in a solid colour and a variegated yarn.
Size 4.00 crochet hook.
I am self taught and my terms are what I have picked up in various books and recently on-line.

Abbreviations used.

Ch = Chain
SS = Slip Stitch
SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
DC3tog = Double Crochet 3 together
CS = Crocodile stitch is a two row pattern See this tutorial that may help....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUNtrp_Vj4o
http://www.lostandfoundlane.com/p/croc-stitch-easy-way.html
CS is simple once you get the hang of it.  Worked on a "V" stitch frame.
I prefer to alternate the 'scales' and give them a wide centre rather than a tight center.

BL = Back Loop

Start with a magic circle.   The work from here to Row 12 are in continuous rounds.
Row 01.  6SC into the circle.  Mark 6th stitch with marker  (6SC)
Row 02.  2SC in each SC to marker. Replace the marker.  (12SC) 
Row 03, *1SC in 1st SC, 2SC in 2nd SC,  repeat from * to marker.  (18SC)
Row 04. *1SC in 1st SC, 1SC in 2nd SC, 2SC in 3rd SC.  repeat from * to marker.  (24SC.)
Row 05. *1SC in 3SC.  2SC in 4th SC.  Repeat from * to marker.  (30SC)
Row 06. *1SC in 4SC.  2SC in 5th SC.  Repeat from * to marker.  (36SC)
Row 07. *1SC in 5SC.  2SC in 6th SC.  Repeat from * to marker.  (42SC)
Begining of the sides....
Row 08. SC in each SC around the circle. (42SC)
Row 9.  Repeat Row 8  (42SC)
**.   Join in the 2nd colour here if you are using it.
Row 10. Ch2,2DC in 1st SC.  *miss 2SC, Ch2,  DC3Tog.  repeat from * to end withDC3tog in 1st SC in the row     ( 15 DC3tog).
**  Now we start the crocodile stitch
Row 11. 4Ch 1DC in top of the 1st DC3tog, *(1DC 2Ch 1DC) in top of next DC3tog.  repeat from * around to lst DC3tog.  Turn.
That is the foundation row.
Row 12.  *4DC down the 1st post of the foundation row. 1Ch, 4DC up the post of the 2nd post.  ss in the 2 Ch space of next "V" stitch. repeat from * around the cosy.  (7 scales)
Row 13. 4Ch 1DC in the middle of the 1st scale. *(1DC, 2Ch 1DC) in the 2Ch space of next "V" stitch. (1DC, 2Ch 1DC) in the middle of the 1st scale.Repeat from * to end  (15 "V") frame
Row 14.  SC in 1st 2ch space.  In the  2nd "V"  *4DC down the 3rd post of the foundation row. 1Ch, 4DC up the post of the 4th post.  ss in the 2 Ch space of next "V" stitch. repeat from * around the cosy.  SC in last 2Chspace  (6 scales)
Row 15. 4Ch 1DC in the 2Ch space of next "V" stitch.  *(1DC, 2Ch 1DC) in the middle of the 1st scale. (1DC, 2Ch 1DC) in the 2Ch space of next "V" stitch Repeat from * to end  (15 "V") frame
Row 16. *4DC down the 1st post of the foundation row. 1Ch, 4DC up the post of the 2nd post.  ss in the 2 Ch space of next "V" stitch. repeat from * around the cosy.  (7 scales)
Repeat rows 13 and 14
You should now have 4 rows of alternating scales.
Row 17. SC around the top.  42 or 43 SC  1Ch Turn
Repeat Row 17 3 times
At the end of Row 20,  4 SC in last SC and then do a row of SC around the handle slit to give a neat finish.
When you reach the top of the opposite side, Ch 12.
Join the Ch to the lowest row of SC to create a loop.
If you think it needs a stronger loop, Do a row of SC back over the chain
Sew a pretty button to the opposite side and tidy your ends away.
If you have managed to follow my instructions, you should now have a groovy Mug Snug.