This classically simple crochet shell blanket is made in a solid tan color yarn. The crochet stitch pattern paired with the yarn color just give this afghan an heirloom quality look and feel.
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Lovely Crochet Pattern
The pattern is a four row repeat, which provides a bit of variety in your crochet project. For me, if you are going to be working on this for a little bit, it is nice to have some different crochet stitches every few rows.
This pattern uses the double crochet and single crochet stitches. Therefore, it is easy to master.
Afghan Design Took Months
It was almost a year ago that my brother and sister-in-law moved into their new house. The house has an antique look and feel to the inside. The outside looks like a large, white modern home that is very upscale.
Handmade Crochet Gift
When we visited them, I took a few photos of the inside because I wanted to crochet them a house warming gift.
Moving into a new home like this was a long time coming for them and I wanted to give them a handmade gift that would work with their interior. Hoping it would be used and treasured for many years to come.
Here is a Close-up of the Sofa
See the black and tan swirls on the fabric? I wanted to make something that would compliment this pattern and color scheme.
Searching and Pondering About Crochet Pattern
So, it was probably six months of searching the internet; Pinterest Love Crafts, Ravlry, and any other crochet designer I could find for that perfect pattern.
At one point, I thought I might make a mile-a-minute afghan with black on the inside and tan on the outer rounds.
Even that, though, was not quite the right pattern.
Eureka, the Perfect Pattern
Actually, I saw a crochet pattern for a shawl/poncho and loved the shells and lacy look. Therefore, I figured out how to turn this into a blanket. Finally, I had a pattern in my head. It was very exciting to finally get this project started.
Four Row Repeat
Once started, this crochet pattern is a joy to make. since the pattern is a four row repeat, there is a bit of variety, which can help me stay focused and complete the project.
Lacy Shell Stitch Afghan
A beautiful crochet afghan pattern that is the perfect gift for anyone. The afghan features the shell stitch with makes this look intricate and simply gorgeous.
The large crochet shells in this pattern are complimented by an open stitch, which gives this afghan a lacy shell stitch look. It is so lovely in one color as I have done here. However, I think it would be beautiful in a wide variety of color palettes.
Gorgeous Heirloom Crochet Afghan
Once the pattern is complete through row five, the entire pattern is a repeat of rows two through five. The crochet border is completed in three rows and adds a gorgeous finishing touch to this afghan.
This really has the look of an heirloom afghan that will be passed down through the generations.
Crochet Video Tutorial of This Afghan Pattern is Further Below After the Written Pattern.
Directions: Classically Simple Crochet Shell Blanket Pattern
Gauge
12 Stitches per 4 inches
multiples of 5 plus 4
Size
52 inches wide X 74 inches long
Materials
Buff Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. I used what I had on hand, 3 jumbo skeins and a regular skein. total yards approximately 2,500. If you are not able to find the yarn locally, you can find it here. or here.
Size K Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Abbreviations
CH = Chain
DC = Double Crochet
SC = Single Crochet
SK = Skip
ST = Stitch
STs = Stitches
TR = Treble Crochet
Special Stitches
Shell = 5 Double Crochet in same space
Directions
Begin 149 Chains
Row 1
(work this first row of stitches in the back bumps of the beginning chain stitches).
1 DC in 5th CH from hook. (this counts as 1 TR and Ch 1). [CH 2, SK 2 CH, 1 DC in next 3 STs]. Repeat between [ ] across until 4 chains are left. CH 2, SK 2, 1 DC in last 2 STs. Turn
Row 2
CH 1, 1 SC in Same ST as CH 1 SP. SK next DC. [Shell in next CH 2 SP, SK next DC, 1 SC in next DC, SK next DC]. Repeat between [ ] across. After the last shell in the last CH 2 SP, SK next DC, 1 SC on top of the beginning CH 3 ST. Turn
Row 3
CH 5 (this counts as 1 TR and CH 1). SK next ST, 1 DC in next 3 STs [CH 2, SK next 3 ST, 1 DC in next 3 STs].Repeat between [ ] across. After the 3 DC on top of the last shell, CH 1, SK 1 ST, 1 TR in last ST. Turn
Row 4
CH 3 (this counts as a DC), 2 DC in next CH 1 SP, SK next ST, 1 SC in next ST [SK next ST, Shell in next CH 2 SP, SK next ST, 1 SC in next ST]. Repeat between [ ] across. After the last shell in the last CH 2 SP, SK next DC, SC in next ST, SK next DC. In the previous row CH 5 SP, work 2 DC. End with a DC in the 3rd ST of the previous row CH 5 SP. Turn
Row 5
CH 3 (this counts as DC). 1 DC in next ST [CH 2, SK 3 STs, 1 DC in next 3 STs]. Repeat between [ ] across. After the 3 DC on the last shell, CH 2, SK 3 STs, 1 DC in next ST, 1 DC on top ST of beginning CH 3. Turn
Rows 6 through 105
Continue repeating rows 2 through 5.
I ended this afghan on a Row 5 pattern.
Crochet Border Directions
Round 1
[SC evenly along edge to corner, in the corner complete 3 SC] Repeat around between [ ]. Join with a Sl ST into first SC.
Round 2
[SC in each ST, in the corner, complete SC, CH 1, SC] Repeat around between [ ]. Join with a Sl ST into first SC.
Round 3
CH 3, CH 1, SK 1, [DC, CH 1, SK 1] Repeat around between [ ] with DC, CH 1, DC in each corner CH 1 SP. SL ST into top CH of first CH 3.
Finishing
Weave in yarn ends and remove excess yarn.
Video Crochet Tutorial of Pattern
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I hope that you liked this pattern. If you are looking for more ideas for crocheted projects, here are a few others you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
Susan
Sunday 28th of July 2024
Hi, I love the pattern but I experienced problems with the first row. It starts with a DC in the 5th chain. However, the row ends with 2 DC in the last 2 chains. Should it not read as a DC, one chain and a treble in the last stitch.
patternprincess1
Monday 29th of July 2024
Hi Susan, I should have probably done that, but when I was developing this pattern a few years ago, that is how I worked this pattern. With a double in the last two stitches. This pattern written as is, worked out well for me. Vicky
Cindy
Sunday 1st of November 2020
Very pretty! I believe the stitch pattern itself comes from MyPicot. I saved the diagram years ago. ? https://mypicot.com/2020.html
patternprincess1
Sunday 1st of November 2020
yes, that is the diagram I saw somewhere. However, I ended up changing the beginning stitches so they would not pull apart when the border was added on. Thanks for sharing. Now you have this in a written form and video form too. :) Vicky
Nicky Peters
Wednesday 28th of October 2020
I've just started this pattern in a sparkly red yarn, with a 7mm hook. I'm loving how it looks. Thank you for a beautiful pattern.
patternprincess1
Thursday 29th of October 2020
I bet this is beautiful in a sparkly red. Would love to see the final result. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Take care. Vicky
ShayLa Owens
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
Is this possible to do without a foundation ch but foundation double instead I struggle with that first row of crochet into the chain.
patternprincess1
Thursday 6th of August 2020
Yes, I think this would work using the no chain double crochet or single crochet. Maybe do a smaller swatch first to make sure that this will work for you. Vicky
Anita Sokolowski
Sunday 5th of July 2020
Hello Vicky, Although an avid crafter especially crochet for 40+ years. I often get confused by the math when needing to change the size of an item. I would VERY MUCH like to make this in a crib size etc. As a baby shower gift. Any suggestions on starting chains would be extremely helpful. I LOVE this blanket & intend on making on for myself like one other person in a lilac/lavender color . Thanks again, Anita aka Anita3kids
patternprincess1
Monday 6th of July 2020
Hi Anita, I am happy to help. This pattern is worked in multiples of 5 plus 4. That means the number needs to be divisible by 5 and you add 4 to the final number. However, with that said, I think for a crib blanket, you probably want one that is about 36 X 54 inches. Therefore, I would start out with a chain of 104. Which 100 (20X5) plus 4. With the crochet border, it might turn out to be 37 inches wide, but I really wouldn't worry about that. The other person that is making this in lilac sent me a photo of her swatch - it is a beautiful color with this stitch pattern. I love to see the creations of others. You are welcome to post a photo on any of my social media platforms or even email me at v@patternprincess.com Glad you reached out. Vicky