Shell Stitch Afghan Crochet Pattern

To be honest, the shell stitch afghan shown here I made over 15 years ago. It has been used and washed and it is still in great shape. It was very easy to make, even for a person with not much crochet experience.

This pattern features the classic shell stitch, creating a gorgeous texture that’s both eye-catching and soft to the touch. With just a few simple stitches and some yarn, you’ll have a stunning blanket that’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding a pop of color to your favorite room.

Two-Row Repeat Crochet Blanket

If you are you looking for a cozy, warm addition to your home this winter, this is a lovely crochet pattern that is rather easy once you get started.

Not only will it be a fashionable piece in any living space, but it is sure to keep you and your loved ones even warmer when the ice cold winds start blowing.

You too can create an heirloom-worthy crocheted blanket that’s sure to be cherished for generations.

Easy Crochet Afghan

Believe me, I am not an expert, but I continue to try new things and keep learning. Once I had the foundation row complete, I never counted the rest of the way. I just kept going until I had the size I wanted. I made this afghan 86 rows so it is a very nice size.

Crochet a Treasured Gift

As I previously mentioned, this beautiful afghan was made many years ago. Therefore, when the recipient could no longer use it because she passed away, I was lucky enough to receive this back. It holds many great memories. I know that the person that used this, loved it.

Now it is at my daughter’s house and we displayed it for the holidays with a festive pillow and a few other crochet blankets made in holiday colors.

You can see all our free crochet blanket patterns and we hope your find your next perfect project.

How do you crochet a simple afghan?

First, find one with a simple repeating stitch. Common stitches such as the chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches are great for beginners.

Look for patterns that have easy stitches combined with repeating rows where there is not a lot of counting involved. Those are the easiest.

Even if you are an experienced crocheter, an easy afghan is perfect to work while you are watching your favorite television show or just enjoying spending time with family and friends.

Are you looking for a crochet pattern to make an afghan blanket? Stop right there and look no further. These free crocheted afghan patterns are what you need to make a one of a kind crochet blanket.

Free Solid Shell Stitch Afghan

Today, I made this blanket in a solid rich color. However, you could use a variegated yarn for this blanket so it works up quickly with lots of color.

However, if you prefer changing colors every row it will look lovely too. You’ll just have more yarn ends to weave in.

I hope you love this quick and easy shell stitch blanket pattern and can put it to good use this season making warm and cozy blankets for those near and dear!

Crochet an heirloom for someone special in your life too.

Directions: Free Shell Stitch Afghan

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner

You should be able to chain stitch and double crochet. The Shell Stitch is made up of Double Crochet stitches.

Finished Size

50 inches wide X 80 inches long

To change the size use multiples of 12 + 4 for the beginning foundation chain stitches. Change the length by adjusting the number of rows.

Gauge

12 Double Crochet every 4 inches

Materials

I made this in a rich, dark red color. Most likely Red Heart Yarn. I do not remember the color number. I am guessing I used about 10 skeins of yarn; at least if I was going to make it again today, that is how many I would get from the store.

Size J Boye crochet hook

Tapestry needle

Scissors

Abbreviations

CH = Chain Stitch

DC = Double Crochet

SK = Skip

ST = Stitch

STs = Stitches

SS = Shell Stitch

[ ] = Repeat Between

Pattern Notes

Pattern is written in US Terms

Turn at the end of each row.

The Shell Stitches are worked in the back loop. This creates a lovely ridge, which adds to the texture of the blanket.

The shell stitches for this crochet pattern consist of 5 double crochet stitches.

Instructions: Shell Stitch Afghan

Foundation chain

CH 160

Row 1

In 4th CH from hook, work 3 DC.(like a ½ shell) [Skip 2 STs, DC in the back loop of the next ST. SK 2 STs. Complete 5 DC in the back of the next ST]. Repeat between [ ] until the last ST where you will work 3 DC in the back loop of the last ST. (like a ½ shell). Turn

Row 2

CH 3. [Working in the back loop of the DC that is between the shell stitches, you will work your Shell (5 DC in the back loop of the ST). In the middle ST. of the shell (3rd one in), work a DC. In the next DC that is between the SS, work the next Shell Stitches] Repeat between [ ] until the 3rd ST from the end where you will work a SS, skip 2 STs and work a DC in the last St. Turn

Rows 3-86

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired size.

Finishing

Fasten off by pulling the yarn tail through the last stitch. Weave in yarn ends. Remove the excess yarn

Close up of Stitches in Photo

I have included a closeup of the stitches used in this pattern to help you visualize the directions.

Enjoy using your heirloom crochet afghan!

What is the best pattern for crochet a blanket?

Blankets with lots of texture and easy stitch patterns make eye catching blankets. They are wonderful to look at, have a beautiful fabric made of soft, squishy, and warm yarn.

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Free Shell Stitch Afghan Crochet Pattern

This pattern features the classic shell stitch, creating a gorgeous texture that’s both eye-catching and soft to the touch. With just a few simple stitches and some yarn, you’ll have a stunning blanket that’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding a pop of color to your favorite room.

Prep Time0 minutes mins

Active Time15 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Equipment

• Size J Boye crochet hook
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors:

Materials

• 10 Skeins Red Heart yarn I made this in a rich dark red color. Most likely Red Heart Yarn. I do not remember the color number. I am guessing I used about 10 skeins of yarn; at least if I was going to make it again today, that is how many I would get from the store.

Estimated Cost 30

Instructions

Skill Level

• Advanced Beginner
• You should be able to chain stitch and double crochet. The Shell Stitch is made up of Double Crochet stitches.

Finished Size

• 50 inches wide X 80 inches long
• To change the size use multiples of 12 + 4 for the beginning foundation chain stitches. Change the length by adjusting the number of rows.

Gauge

• 12 Double Crochet every 4 inches

Abbreviations

• CH = Chain Stitch
• DC = Double Crochet
• SK = Skip
• ST = Stitch
• STs = Stitches
• SS = Shell Stitch
• [ ] = Repeat Between

Pattern Notes

• Pattern is written in US Terms
• Turn at the end of each row.
• The Shell Stitches are worked in the back loop. This creates a lovely ridge, which adds to the texture of the blanket.
• The shell stitches for this crochet pattern consist of 5 double crochet stitches.

Instructions: Shell Stitch Afghan

Foundation chain

• CH 160
  10 Skeins Red Heart yarn

Row 1

• In 4th CH from hook, work 3 DC.(like a ½ shell) [Skip 2 STs, DC in the back loop of the next ST. SK 2 STs. Complete 5 DC in the back of the next ST]. Repeat between [ ] until the last ST where you will work 3 DC in the back loop of the last ST. (like a ½ shell). Turn

Row 2

• CH 3. [Working in the back loop of the DC that is between the shell stitches, you will work your Shell (5 DC in the back loop of the ST). In the middle ST. of the shell (3rd one in), work a DC. In the next DC that is between the SS, work the next Shell Stitches] Repeat between [ ] until the 3rd ST from the end where you will work a SS, skip 2 STs and work a DC in the last St. Turn

Rows 3-86

• Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired size.

Finishing

• Fasten off by pulling the yarn tail through the last stitch. Weave in yarn ends. Remove the excess yarn

Notes

Close up of Stitches in Photo

I have included a closeup of the stitches used in this pattern to help you visualize the directions.

If you loved this post, please share. It helps to show me that these types of posts are helpful – thank you!

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patternprincess1

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.