Needlecrafts Crochet Beginner Crochet

5 Beautiful Free Shell Stitch Crochet Afghan Patterns

Shell stitch crochet

Ruth Jenkinson/Getty Images

The crochet shell stitch is a beautiful stitch that has a number of variations, such as the v-stitch shell. You could take any version of the shell stitch and work it in rows to make a lovely textured blanket of any size. But you also can go beyond that, combining colors and working the shell stitch in unique ways, to make even more impressive crochet afghans.

  • 01 of 05

    Easy Shell Stitch Baby Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

    Shell stitch crochet baby blanket
    Amy Solovay

    Grab this versatile, classic shell stitch pattern for free. The shell pattern might be simple but the use of four colors in the design is unique. If you make the colorway pictured here, it would be fab to use for decorating a baby girl's nursery.

    However, don't feel limited by these color choices; you might want to dream up a new, magical color combination that would be perfectly suited to the sweet new baby on the way. And, of course, you could always increase the size of the blanket if you wanted an adult afghan in this style.

    Source: ​Easy crochet shell stitch baby blanket from Knitting and Crochet

  • 02 of 05

    Shells and Chevrons Free Crochet Blanket Pattern

    Shells and chevrons free crochet blanket pattern
    Simply Collectible

    This free crochet baby blanket pattern combines the shell stitch with an even more popular design—chevron crochet (also called ripple crochet). Half-double crochet stitches make easy, pretty shells that are laid out strategically to form the chevron shape. Work the blanket in a single color as shown or change colors across rows for a varied design.

    Source:  Crochet lovey pattern from Simply Collectible Crochet

  • 03 of 05

    Shells and Stripes Crochet Lapghan Free Pattern

    Shells and stripes crochet lapghan
    Missed Stitches

    This crochet blanket is worked in very basic crochet stitches including single crochet and double crochet. The placement of the stitches creates the shells that make a bold statement across the piece. The three colors alternating from row to row give additional style to this crochet blanket. The free pattern is designed as a 48-inch by 48-inch square lapghan, perfect for donating to various charities. It could easily be adapted to suit other sizes.

    Source:  Shells & stripes crochet pattern from Missed Stitches Crochet

  • 04 of 05

    Shell and Wrapped Stitches Free Crochet Blanket Pattern

    Shell and wrapped stitches crochet blanket
    Mama's Stitchery Projects

    The simple crochet shell stitch that is used in this blanket pattern is complemented by a unique advanced crochet stitch called the wrapped double crochet. The pattern, designed by Mama's Stitchery Projects, is written for five different sizes so that you could easily make blankets for everyone in the family using the same pretty design. This same designer also has a beautiful round ripple afghan crochet pattern that combines shell stitches with chevrons worked in the round.

    Source: Shell and wrapped stitches blanket from Mama's Stitchery Projects

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  • 05 of 05

    Ocean Tranquility Afghan Free Crochet Pattern

    Ocean tranquility afghan
    Anastacia Zittel

    The large crochet shells in this pattern are separated by vertical columns that give a regal look to this pretty design. Crochet designer Anastacia Zittel offers instructions for three different afghan sizes from one small enough to donate to pet shelters to a 60-inch square blanket suitable for adults.

    Source:  Ocean tranquility afghan from Anastacia Zittel on Ravelry