I’m so excited to finally be able share this pattern with you! It’s been a draft for way too long. So as you may know, my cousin (who happens to live in Canada) just had a bouncing baby boy! Of course, being the crocheter and all, I decided to make her a baby blanket. I pretty much make one for every friend/family member that announces their upcoming bundle of joy so I had to continue the tradition. I used the opportunity to test a pattern for a simple but elegant shell stitch baby blanket. I hope you enjoy the pattern!
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Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
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For a step by step photo tutorial for the Shell Stitch, click here
Materials:
- Approximately 1860 – 1862 yards (1701 – 1703 m) of Category 4 worsted weight yarn in 3 different colors (approximately 621 yds of each color).
- Color A: I used Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Seaspray (Please note that this yarn has since been discontinued. A great alternative is Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice*)
- Color B: I used Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Snow
- Color C: I used Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Stone
- Size J (6mm) Crochet hook*
- Scissors*
- Yarn needle* for weaving ends
*affiliate link
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Abbreviations:
ch(s) – chain(s)
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
t-ch – turning chain
t-ch – turning chain
* – indicated instructions to be repeated
Gauge:
16 stitches & 10 rows = 4 inches
Multiple:
6+1
Finished Size:
Approximately 35″ x 35″
Notes:
- This pattern is written in US terms
- All stitches are worked through both loops unless otherwise noted
- The color changes are made on the last yarn over of the last stitch of the row
- Sizing will vary depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet. Gauge is not necessary for this pattern but if you would like to keep the sizing the same, please check your gauge before starting this project.
- Please note that the yarn originally used for this blanket has been discontinued. A great alternative is Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice*
Tutorials:
Instructions:
With Color A, Ch 133.
Row 1: 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, *sk 2 sts, 1 sc in the next st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st** Repeat from * to ** until there are 3 sts remaining, sk 2 sts, sc in last st, turn. (Now you have an option to change colors or do what I did and crochet 3 rows with Color A before switching to Color B).
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in the first st (sc from previous row), *sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc into the next st (sc from previous row)** Repeat from * to ** across, sc in the t-ch, turn.
Row 3-69: Repeat row 2, alternating colors every 3 rows if desired.
To even out the top row of shells: 1 dc into the first st (the sc from previous row), *hdc in the first dc of the 5 dc cluster, sc into each of the next 3 dc, hdc into the last dc of the cluster, dc into the sc** Repeat across. This should make the top row straighten out. Fasten off and proceed to trim instructions.
Trim:
Join trim color with a sl st in any st, ch 2, hdc evenly around the blanket making sure to work 3 hdc in each corner, join in beginning hdc, fasten off. (Note: If you are using the same color as the trim for the mini shell edging, ch 2 and go to step 2 of edging.)
Mini Shell Edging:
- Join next color into a corner of the blanket, ch 2
- 4 hdc in first st, *sk next st, sc in next st, sk next st, 4 hdc in next st** Repeat from * to ** around entire blanket, sl st into the beginning ch 2.
- Fasten off and weave ends
Finished blanket measures approximately 35″ x 35″ including edging.
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I am interested in making this bigger than 35″ x 35″. How do I add to the chain to make this bigger? Some patterns are multiples of # plus #. I want to go up to approximately 75″ x 85″
Hi Linda! The pattern multiple for this pattern is 6+1. You would need a starting chain of 289 and you would need to crochet approximately 170 rows to achieve the size you want 🙂
Love your pattern. Thank you for sharing. I would like to make a bigger blanket. What is the multiples? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Annabelle! If you provide me with the approximate dimensions of the blanket you would like to make, I can size it for you 🙂
I love te blanket, i love the colors and i love how easy and clear your instructions were. I have made a few Afghanis both baby and regular and yours is my all time favorite. Thank you so much
I am having some trouble with the edging/border on the the bottom/foundation row of the blanket. It is way too loose and has made the blanket look longer on the bottom. Any tips? The blanket was perfectly symmetrical and even before I added the edging and now it doesn’t look right. My son will be born within the week and I’m trying to have it finished before then!
Hi Shanna! Sorry for the late reply. You can leave the edging off if you find it is not working out and just simply add a sc border around.
Thank you for this lovely design! Your photo tutorial made it so clear for me as a complete beginner. I really enjoyed making my first ever crochet project, and can’t wait to give it to my sister-in-law. First little niece or nephew due in May!
I love this pattern! The border you put on it looks fantastic :-). Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Uneeda! Glad you liked the pattern 🙂
Thank you
Such a lovely pattern! Yarn combination is excellent.
Thank you Hannalie!
Thank you for answering, it was very helpful.
You’re very welcome Debbie!
Hi, I’m using light weight yarn #3 for this pattern. What size needle would I use? I am a beginner in crocheting. I’ve only been doing this for a few years. Thank you so much.
Hi Debbie! I would use whatever hook the yarn label calls for. Please note that the blanket size will not be the same as the pattern since the lighter yarn will make it smaller.
Hi Amy,
I just finished your blanket and it is beautiful! The pattern is easy to follow and very clear instructions. I was so excited to be featured in The Crochet Crow Facebook page 🙂 I posted the link to your site. THANKS…!!! I would love to share a picture with you if you like that…
Hi Mila! So glad you enjoyed the pattern! I would love to see pictures! You can post them to my Facebook page or send me an email at thestitchinmommy@gmail.com 🙂
I wanted to make the gauge first. I don’t normally. I crocheted 16 sc for 10 rows and I didn’t come close to a 4 inch square. I don’t think a bigger hook would make up the drastic difference. Is 16 sc for 10 rows correct for a 4 inch square gauge?
Hi Tiffany! The gauge is worked in the pattern stitch, not sc. If you work the swatch according to the pattern then you will see the gauge is different. You can also try working a swatch in dc. It will be closer to the correct gauge.
Loved the pattern made my sister a full size in hot pink and deep purple. Her favorite colors. About 4×5
That’s wonderful Jeanie! I would love to see a photo 🙂
My husband and I lost a baby to miscarriage about six weeks ago, and I just finished this blanket in rainbow stripes. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to snuggle a rainbow baby in it!
I’m so sorry Andrea. I hope that you can snuggle a beautiful rainbow baby too!
I love this pattern! I used two strands at once to make it a little more cushiony, and LOVE the result.
Thank you for sharing!
I made this in buttercup yellow with a mid and light grey for our first grandchild. It looks fantastic and the parents, who love grey, agree. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern.
Sandra that sounds wonderful! I bet it came out gorgeous 🙂
I have LOVED working with this stitch! It just so happens that I found that it works up beautifully using Caron’s Simply Soft yarn. There’s a slight sheen to it that’s so attractive, plus it’s still soft for a baby blanket. I couldn’t help but blog about it! Check out the colors I chose and how I found this pattern on my blog!
https://brandiamanda.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/shell-stitch-pinterest-inspiration/
Hi Brandi! I’m so glad that you liked the pattern and that you wrote about it too! 🙂
Hi Amy I just have one question. On the second row when you’re at the end is there supposed to be two stitches at the end and if so do I skip one and go straight into the last and just do a single crochet? I got confused about that part
Hi Jennifer! You will be skipping the last 2 dc and putting your sc into the ch-3 of the previous row.
Is there a way you can do a photo tutorial about the edging and shells? Also is there a specific number of edging stitches we need for the shells or does it not matter?
Hi Jennifer! I will try to work on a photo tutorial either this week or next week. I will get back to you soon.
I made this blanket for my new great-nephew. It turned out perfect! It is puffy and therefore very cushioning. Great for laying the baby on the floor to play with him. I love that it doesn’t have all the holes that snag little toes and fingers. Thank you so much for this absolutely simple, yet gorgeous pattern.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the pattern! It is a great baby blanket which is why I love it so much.
I was needing a new project to start and this just happened across my Pinterest feed. Turns out I love it so much I had to blog about it! I’m using Caron’s Simply Soft and really enjoying the combination of the shape of the stitches and the slight sheen of the yarn. This is my WIP so far!
https://brandiamanda.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/shell-stitch-pinterest-inspiration/
Thank you so much for this pattern. I made it for a friend’s baby shower. I wish I could share a photo with you.
You’re very welcome Sara! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pattern. You can email a photo to me or post it on my Facebook page 🙂
I am having trouble finding the yarn. Any suggestions on where to get them. I would like to use the exact ones you used
Hi Adrienna, unfortunately Lion Brand has discontinued several colors of this yarn, including the white that I used for this blanket. A great alternative would be Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice or Hobby Lobby I Love this Cotton or I Love this yarn. I am not sure if you will find the exact colors but there are a great selection of colors for the brands that I mentioned.
This is my first time doing crochet. I found the seaspray and the stone. What if I got a different brand for the white. If that’s fine what would be a brand you suggest to mix with the cotton ease
Hi Adrienna, I would suggest the Hobby Lobby I Love this Cotton or Lion Brand’s new cotton yarn called 24/7.
what size crochet hook did you use
Hi Felicia! The hook size is listed in the materials.
I haven’t tried an intermediate pattern yet, but this is going to be my first, after I finish my current project. This is beautiful.
I think you will be just fine! There is a link to the photo tutorial in the pattern if you need help. And you can always contact me for help as well! Good luck with it 🙂
When you even out the top row with the instructions you gave, you do that before you fasten off and start the trim correct? Also, what colors did you do the trim and then the shell edging in? My blanket is white, yellow, and gray and I’m not sure what would look best.
Hi Laurel! Yes you would even out the top before starting the edging so you have a nice straight edge to start with. I used Seaspray (turquoise) for my trim and then Snow (white) for the edging. I think yours would look really nice with a yellow trim and white edging 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m really loving this pattern and the way it’s turning out! Here’s hoping I can finish it before the baby shower on Sunday…. It’ll be close.
You can do it Laurel! Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello,
I have a quick question about this. The bottom (foundation row) of my blanket is straight, while the finished edge is a scallop. Is there a way to even it off into a perfect edge before creating the scalloped edging or did I mess up because one side is straight?
Hi Rae! To even out the top row of shells: Sc in the first 2 dcs of the 5 dc cluster. Sl st into each of the next 2 dcs, sc into the last dc of the cluster and into the sc from previous row. Repeat across. This should make the top row straighten out. Hope that helps!
Hi Amy,
Bought this pattern through Caftsy and followed the link here. Am making this for a new mom at work. I am looking forward to a quite weekend to explore your blog. It’s already in my favorites list. Question: How do you increase to make this larger, say for an adult. I don’t understand “I have the stich pattern multiple listed in the pattern”. Could you be more specific please? Thanks
Hi Rie! Glad you found my blog! For a larger blanket, you will chain a larger multiple of 6 (ex:180) and then add 1 chain (ex: a total of 181). I am working on getting the starting chain for other sizes but for right now, you can chain and measure until you reach your desired length. I hope that helps! Thank you again for stopping by my blog 🙂
Thank you. Now I got it!!!
You’re welcome! I am glad you go it 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions!
If I wanted to make the blanket 50 x 50, how many chains would I need to start with? Thank you.
Hi Cindi! Sorry for the late reply. What I normally do is chain a larger multiple of 6+1 and measure as I go along. I did a few calculations using my gauge and I think if you are using the same yarn, a starting chain of 193 might work. I would just measure to make sure you’re on track 🙂
I really like this pattern I used it to make my brother a baby blanket it was the second baby blanket I ever made the other one was a granny square. I think this was quite easy thanks for posting it I was enjoy getting your newsletter. Have a nice day
Hi Michaela! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the pattern!
I am really happy with your pattern. It is working up beautifully and is virtually reversible. I am making it for our first great grandchild, in a sea-foam green.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!
Thank you so much! It means a lot to me that you enjoy my work 🙂
Hi Amy,
I have made this blanket several times for friends and just love it. Thank you so much for your beautiful creativity! It is so fun to make!
Wish you all the best!
Brenda
Thank you so much Brenda! I am so happy that you like my pattern! I love hearing from people that make things using my patterns 🙂 Best Wishes!
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW TO DO A HDC STITCH?? OR IS THERE ANY WAY THAT I COULD SEE STEP BY STEP ON A VIDEO HOW TO MAKE THIS SHELL BABY BLANKET. IT’S JUST EASIER FOR ME TO SEE AND DO THAN READ AND DO. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP IN MAKING THIS. WOULD LOVE TO LEARN HOW. EVERYTHING I MAKE IS WITH DCS OR SC. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP.
Hi Suzette, I do not have a video tutorial but I do have a step by step photo tutorial of how to make the shell which you can find here. I also have a photo tutorial for the hdc stitch here. If you are looking for video tutorials, you can check Youtube.
Can you make this bigger?