A shell stitch crochet blanket is a timeless and stylish project, perfect for adding a cozy and decorative touch to any home. The shell stitch is known for its graceful, scalloped texture and is surprisingly easy to learn, even for crochet beginners. In this guide, we’ll show you how to crochet a shell stitch blanket from scratch, what materials to use, and tips to ensure your finished product is soft, beautiful, and long-lasting.
Whether you’re crafting a baby blanket, throw, or a full-size afghan, the shell stitch offers the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—choose soft pastels for a nursery or bold, rich tones for a living room centerpiece.
What Is a Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket?
A shell stitch crochet blanket uses a decorative stitch pattern where multiple stitches (usually double crochets) are worked into a single space to form a fan or shell shape. This creates a beautiful wave-like design that’s slightly raised, giving the blanket a soft, textured look and feel.
This stitch is ideal for blankets because it looks great on both sides, works up quickly, and adds a decorative element without needing complicated techniques.
Materials Needed to Make a Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket
To create your own shell stitch crochet blanket, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Yarn: Choose worsted weight or DK yarn for a medium-thickness, cozy feel. Acrylic and cotton blends work well.
- Hook: Use a crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight (typically 5.0mm or 5.5mm for worsted weight).
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Measuring tape (optional, for sizing)
How to Crochet a Shell Stitch Blanket – Step-by-Step Instruction
Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow shell stitch pattern to make your own beautiful crochet blanket.
Step 1: Create a Foundation Chain
Start with a multiple of 6 + 1 chains. For a small baby blanket, 91 chains is a good start. Adjust the chain count depending on the desired size.
Step 2: Row 1 – Base Row
Single crochet in the second chain from the hook
Skip 2 chains, make 5 double crochets (dc) in the next chain
Skip 2 chains, single crochet in the next chain
Repeat from * to * across the row
Your row should end with a single crochet
Step 3: Row 2 and Beyond
Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn
Make 2 dc in the first stitch
Single crochet in the center of the next shell (3rd dc of 5)
5 dc in the next single crochet
Repeat from * to * across the row
End with 3 dc in the last single crochet
Repeat Row 2 for the remainder of the blanket
Sizing Guide for Your Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket
Here’s a general size guide for blankets using the shell stitch:
- Baby Blanket: 30 x 36 inches
- Throw Blanket: 50 x 60 inches
- Twin Size Blanket: 66 x 90 inches
- Queen Size Blanket: 90 x 90 inches
You can customize the width of your shell stitch crochet blanket by adjusting your foundation chain in multiples of 6, and the length by repeating rows until your desired height is reached.
Best Yarns for a Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket
For a soft, durable shell stitch blanket, consider using:
- Acrylic yarns like Red Heart Soft or Caron Simply Soft – great for budget-friendly, machine-washable blankets
- Cotton yarns for breathable, all-season blankets
- Wool blends for extra warmth and luxury
Lighter yarns produce a lacy, delicate blanket, while heavier yarns result in a thick and cozy one. Solid-colored yarns show off the shell texture beautifully, but ombré or self-striping yarns add interesting color patterns effortlessly.
Read more: How to Use SC2TOG Crochet Stitch for Shaping and Decreasing
Tips for Crocheting the Shell Stitch Blanket
- Keep tension even: Loose or tight tension can warp the shape of the shells
- Mark your shells: Use stitch markers in the center of each shell to keep track of your pattern
- Count regularly: Always double-check your stitch count at the end of each row
- Block the finished blanket: This helps the shell stitch design lay flat and enhances its definition
Shell Stitch Variations for More Creativity
You can personalize your shell stitch crochet blanket by:
- Using half double crochets (hdc) instead of double crochets for a tighter texture
- Varying the number of stitches in each shell (3, 7, or even 9 double crochets)
- Changing colors every few rows to create stripes
- Adding a decorative border with picots or puff stitch shells
Why the Shell Stitch Is Perfect for Blankets
The shell stitch is ideal for blankets for several reasons:
- Timeless look: The wavy, scalloped texture never goes out of style
- Reversible pattern: Looks great on both sides of the blanket
- Fast to work up: Larger shells mean fewer rows and quicker progress
- Great for beginners: Simple stitches in a repeated pattern
Conclusion: Craft a Cozy and Elegant Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket
A shell stitch crochet blanket is a project that delivers both beauty and comfort. Whether you’re making one for a gift, a baby, or your own home, the shell stitch adds a charming texture that elevates even the simplest yarn. With just basic stitches and a bit of repetition, you can create a blanket that’s warm, soft, and visually stunning. Start your shell stitch journey today and enjoy the relaxing rhythm of this beloved crochet pattern.