Classically Simple Shell
Looking for a nice crochet shell stitch pattern? Try this Classically Simple Shell. It's a free and easy shell stitch crochet pattern to make. You can give it as a baby shower gift or to a grandparent - it's that versatile! We how timeless this simple crochet shell stitch pattern is.
Simply follow the tutorial and you can have a blanket like this in no time. If you're looking for gift ideas for an event, try giving the Classically Simple Shell! Everyone loves a homemade afghan, especially one with a great shell stitch crochet pattern.
Crochet HookJ/10 or 6 mm hook
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
Crochet Gauge2 pattern repeats = 5¾" (14.5 cm) (one pattern repeat consists of one shell, 3 dc, and 2 ch-1 spaces); 8 rows = 5" (12.5 cm). CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
Finished Size45" x 57" (114.5 x 145 cm)
Materials List
- RED HEART® Comfort: 2 balls 3222 Putty
- Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 6mm [US J-10]
- Yarn needle
Instructions for THROW:
Ch 156.
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Row 1 (right side): Dc in 5th ch from hook (beginning ch count as first dc and first skipped ch), ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch, *skip next 2 ch, shell in next ch, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, [ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch] twice; repeat from * 13 times, skip next 2 ch, shell in next ch, skip next 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next ch, dc in each of last 2 ch, turn—48 dc, 15 shells, and 32 ch-1 spaces.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, *ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice; repeat from * across to last shell, ch 2, sc in center dc of last shell, ch 2, skip last 2 dc of same shell, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in top of beginning ch, turn—48 dc, 15 sc, 32 ch-1 spaces, and 30 ch-2 spaces.
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, *shell in next sc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice; repeat from * across to last sc, shell in next sc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in top of beginning ch, turn—48 dc, 15 shells, and 32 ch-1 spaces.
Rows 4–87: Repeat last 2 rows 42 times.
Row 88: Repeat Row 2.
Instructions for BORDER ROUND:
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Ch 1, (sc, ch 4, sc) in first dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in each ch space and sc across to beginning ch, (sc, ch 4, sc) in beginning ch; working across first side, (sc, ch 3, sc) in end of each row; working in opposite side of foundation ch, (sc, ch 4, sc) in first ch, (sc, ch 3, sc) in first 2 ch spaces, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch (base of shell), *sc in next 4 ch spaces, sc in next ch (base of shell); repeat from * across to last 2 ch spaces, (sc, ch 3, sc) in last 2 ch spaces, (sc, ch 4, sc) in last ch; working across other side, (sc, ch 3, sc) in end of each row; join with slip st in first sc.
Fasten off.
Instructions for FINISHING:
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Weave in ends. Block to finished measurements if desired.
DID YOU KNOW?
The shell stitch in crochet is most often used as a border to afghans and sweaters. Shell crochet afghan patterns aren't as traditional as it would be to simply use the stitch as a border.
Another popular way of using the shell stitch is to stagger it with another stitch to create distinct rows in a blanket. On the other hand, you can make a shell stitch border stand out more if you work single or half double crochet in a different color into the base and over the shells.
The fan stitch is a close relative of the shell stitch, but it's not usually the exact same technique and design. You can differentiate the shell and the fan if you define the shell as five stitches in one stitch and the fan as two stitches proceeded by a chain and then two more stitches. Fan stitches are also usually stacked on top of one another whereas shell stitches are built into the gaps left by the previous row of shells.
Additionally, you will discover other versions of the shell stitch. These variations will use longer stitches, change the number of stitches, or change the anchoring method.
Abbreviations
- (SPECIAL) shell
- 5 dc in indicated space
What color yarn would you use for this crochet afghan?