Shell Stitch Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern
Hello, dear craft enthusiasts! How are you today? I hope you’re feeling creative and excited because I’ve got a wonderful pattern to share with you—perfect for your next crochet project. Today, we’re talking about the charming Shell Stitch Baby Blanket. This design is not only visually stunning but also beginner-friendly, making it a fantastic option whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned pro looking for a relaxing pattern.
The Shell Stitch is inspired by the beautiful curves of seashells, and when combined with a thoughtful color palette, it transforms into an eye-catching crochet masterpiece. This pattern has universal appeal, loved by crafters of all ages and skill levels. Are you ready to get started? Below, I’ll walk you through the steps, share some ideas for colors, and explain all the materials you’ll need to create your very own baby blanket.
Why Choose the Shell Stitch Baby Blanket?
This pattern shines for its simplicity and elegance. It’s easy enough for beginners to pick up quickly but also versatile enough for more experienced crocheters to customize and make their own. The shell design adds a delicate, textured look that’s ideal for baby blankets—a cozy and timeless gift. Plus, the pattern allows for plenty of creative freedom. You can play with colors to make it soft and soothing for a newborn or bold and vibrant as an accent piece.
Special Stitches
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V-Stitch Cluster (Corners Only): These are worked in the single crochet (sc) in the middle of the shell clusters from the previous rounds. To create a V-stitch cluster: work a double crochet (dc), chain 1 (ch 1), dc, chain 3 (ch 3), dc, ch 1, and another dc in the same stitch.
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Shell Cluster: This stitch goes into the V-stitch clusters of the previous row. Work 7 dc in the first ch 1 space, sc in the ch 3 space, and 7 dc in the next ch 1 space.
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Shell: Work 7 dc into the specified chain space.
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V-Stitch: To create a V-stitch, simply work a dc, ch 1, and another dc in the same stitch.
Set-Up Rounds
Round 1:
- Begin with a foundation chain (ch) 4.
- Work 1 dc in the 4th chain from the hook, ch 1.
Repeat this step 6 times. - Slip stitch into the 3rd chain of your starting ch 4 to close the round.
(This round should give you 8 stitches total, including 7 ch 1 spaces.)
Round 2:
- Ch 1, sc into the first ch 1 space (the 4th chain of the beginning ch 4).
- Work 7 dc into the next ch 1 space, sc into the next ch 1 space.
Repeat this step 3 more times. - Work 7 dc in the last ch 1 space, then slip stitch into the first sc of the round.
(You should now have 4 shells and 4 sc stitches in total.)
Round 3:
- Ch 4, then, in the same stitch, work the following to create the starting V-stitch cluster: 1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc.
- Ch 5, skip the next 7 dc, and work a V-stitch cluster in the next sc.
Repeat this step 2 more times, so you have a total of four V-stitch clusters. - To finish, ch 2, then dc into the 3rd chain of the starting V-stitch cluster.
Round 4:
- Work 7 dc into the next ch 1 space, sc into the ch 3 space, then 7 dc into the next ch 1 space. (You’ve just made your first shell cluster.)
- Sc into the 4th dc (middle stitch) of the shell from the row below, ensuring the sc wraps around and secures the ch 5.
- Continue this pattern by working a shell cluster in each V-stitch cluster and sc in the middle dc of the shell from the previous row.
Repeat this step 3 more times.
Round 5:
- Ch 4, then dc into the same sc to create the first V-stitch on one side of the square.
- Ch 5, then work a V-stitch cluster in the sc of the next corner shell cluster.
- Ch 5, work a V-stitch into the sc between shell clusters (this makes a V-stitch for the second side of the square).
Ch 5, and work another V-stitch cluster in the sc of the next corner shell cluster.
Repeat this step for the other two sides. - Finish by working ch 2 and dc into the 3rd chain of your starting ch 4.
Round 6:
- Work a shell in the first V-stitch, then sc into the middle dc of the shell below.
- Work a shell cluster in the next V-stitch cluster, sc into the middle dc of the shell below.
- Repeat this pattern—shell in the next V-stitch, sc into the middle dc of the shell below, shell cluster in the next V-stitch cluster,—for 3 more sides to complete the round.
Checkpoint:
At this stage, your piece should look like the foundation for a square-shaped blanket. From here, you’ll simply repeat two rows to build the body of your project.
Body of the Blanket
To continue growing your blanket, repeat the following two rows:
Row 7:
- Ch 4, dc into the same sc (this counts as the first V-stitch for this round).
- Ch 5, work a V-stitch into the next sc. Repeat to the first corner.
- Work ch 5 and make a V-stitch cluster in the corner sc.
- Ch 5, work a V-stitch into the sc between the next shells. Repeat this pattern to the next corner shell cluster.
At the corner, work a V-stitch cluster in the middle sc of the corner shell cluster.
Repeat until all four corners have a V-stitch cluster. - After finishing the final corner, ch 5 and make a V-stitch in each of the sc between the shells until you approach your first V-stitch of the round.
- Finish with ch 2, then dc into the 3rd chain of the starting V-stitch.
Row 8:
- Work 7 dc into the next V-stitch.
Sc into the middle dc of the shell below. Repeat this pattern to the next corner V-stitch cluster. - For the corner V-stitch cluster, work a shell cluster, then sc into the middle dc of the shell below.
- Repeat this entire sequence for all four corners, ending with sc in the final shell below.
Repeat these rows (starting with Row 7 and ending with Row 8) for as long as you like, or until your blanket reaches the desired size.
Important Tip:
The V-stitch clusters only go in the 4 corners of your square. Everywhere else, when working Row 7, you will simply create a regular V-stitch in the sc stitches along each side.
When you’re satisfied with the size of your blanket, complete the final round on a Row 8 to maintain a polished and balanced look.
For those who prefer PDF tutorials, we’ve got you covered. The Tutorial was created by ravelry.com.
Access the PDF/ Beautiful Shells Blanket Download PDF Free
Enjoy making your beautiful square blanket! Happy crocheting!
This 2 videos for this pattern in below
Tutorial video from channel naztazia
Shell stitch:
Tutorial video from channel Daisy Farm Crafts
Dot Border:
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