Wrap yourself in the cozy comfort of a handmade blanket, created entirely with the simple elegance of a single color. This tutorial guides you through the process of crocheting a stunning shell stitch blanket, perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity; using just one color allows the texture of the shell stitch to truly shine, creating a visually captivating and incredibly warm throw. The consistent stitch pattern makes it a relaxing and achievable project, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the therapeutic process of crochet.
Forget complicated color changes and intricate patterns; this one-color wonder is all about embracing the satisfying rhythm of the shell stitch. This guide will break down each step of creating your own beautiful blanket, from the foundation chain to the final finishing touches. Let's get started with a clear and easy step-by-step process that will have you happily crocheting your own cozy masterpiece in no time!
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
- H 5.00 millimeter crochet hook
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn (Red Heart used in example)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Use sharp scissors to avoid accidental cuts while working with yarn.
- Ensure your working area is well-lit to prevent eye strain and improve stitch visibility.
- Take breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries, especially if working on a large blanket.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Initial Chain and First Round
- Create a slip knot and chain four (this chain four counts as the first double crochet).
- Chain one. Double crochet in the first chain.
- Chain one and double crochet into the same space until you have a total of eight posts (including the initial chain four).
- Slip stitch to the top of the first chain to finish the round.
Initial Chain and First Round Second Round: Establishing the Shell Pattern
- Slip stitch into the space between the first two double crochets. Chain three (counts as first double crochet).
- Place six more double crochets into the same space (total of seven double crochets).
- In the next chain-1 space, single crochet. Then, in the next space, place seven double crochets.
- Continue this pattern of single crochet and seven double crochets around.
Second Round: Establishing the Shell Pattern Third Round: Framework Round (V-stitches)
- Chain four (counts as first double crochet). Chain one. Double crochet into the last single crochet of the previous round.
- Chain three. Place another double crochet in the same single crochet (creating a V-stitch).
- Chain five, skip the next shell, and repeat steps 10 and 11 in the next single crochet.
- Repeat this pattern around, slip stitching to the beginning chain to finish the round.
Third Round: Framework Round (V-stitches) Subsequent Shell Rounds
- Slip stitch into the center of the first V-stitch, chain three, and place six more double crochets in the same space.
- Single crochet into the middle of the next chain three. Place seven double crochets into the next V-stitch.
- Anchor each chain five with a single crochet into the fourth double crochet of the previous shell.
- Repeat the shell pattern around.
Subsequent Shell Rounds Continuing the Pattern
- Continue alternating framework rounds (V-stitches) and shell rounds until the desired blanket size is reached.
Continuing the Pattern
Read more: Easy Color Block Crochet Blanket Tutorial for Beginners
Tips
- You can use any yarn and hook you like. The example uses worsted weight acrylic yarn and an H hook.
- The pattern repeats two rows: framework round (V-stitches) and shell round.
- Corner stitches always have two V-stitches separated by a chain three. Side spaces multiply with each round.