Shell Stitch Receiving Blanket
Rows of five-dc shells with soft scalloped edges. An heirloom-style baby gift that’s only two rows to learn.
- Yarn
- DK (3) soft baby yarn.
- Hook
- G-6 (4 mm)
- Sizes
- Receiving 36 × 36 in (91 × 91 cm)
- Example gauge
- 16 sts and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in shell pattern
- Yarn needed
- About 1,550 yd (1,400 m) DK.
- Stitch multiple
- 6 + 1
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stitches | width × sts per in, rounded to 6 + 1 | 36 × 4 = 144 → 145 (24 shells) | Cast-On Calculator |
| Foundation chain | stitches + 1 | 146 ch | By hand |
| Rows | length × rows per in | 36 × 2.5 = 90 rows | By hand |
Materials
- DK (3) yarn (see yarn needed)
- G-6 (4 mm)
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Ch 26, work 10 rows (25 sts = 4 shells).
Instructions
Row 1
Chain (example: 146). Sc (UK dc) in 2nd ch from hook, *sk (UK miss) 2 ch, 5 dc (UK tr) in next ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * to end.
Pattern
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. 2 dc in first sc, *sk 2 dc, sc in next dc (centre of shell), sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc; rep from *, ending with 3 dc in the last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, *sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2 dc, sc in centre dc of next shell; rep from *, ending sc in top of the ch-3.
Repeat rows 2–3 to 36 in, ending with row 3.
Border
Sc evenly around, 3 sc in corners. Next round: *sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next, sk 2, sc in next* around for a shell edge.
Finishing
- Weave in ends securely.
- Block gently.
Designer’s notes
- Stripes of 4 rows in pastels, or ombre from dark to light.
- For a crib blanket: 45 × 4 = 180 → 181 sts (30 shells).
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rows 2–3. Counter 2: total rows.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.