Easy Boxed Shell Columns Afghan - Free Crochet Pattern

I created this pattern with beginners in mind, with the goal of coming up with a design that would be easy yet not so simple that it might be boring. Beginners who have learned to crochet the single crochet and double crochet stitches may be ready to make this afghan. I have provided links that explain other crochet concepts that beginners might have questions about. Just follow the links as questions come up and learn as you go.

This pattern is not just for beginners, though. Experienced crocheters can also enjoy making afghans from this pattern. Sometimes experienced crocheters want a project that will involve a lot of concentration and challenge for them but there are also times when even the most experienced crocheters want to crochet from a pattern that is very easy for the experienced, going along quickly and easily, for relaxation (or just to come up with a gift on a tight deadline).

For this pattern, I figured what the starting chains should be for the various sizes and wrote the directions for crocheting sections that have my own version of the traditional Boxed Shell Stitch, combined with sections of just double crochet and single crochet in solid sections. This makes the pattern more interesting to crochet than it would be if it was all in solid double crochet (or all in boxed shell stitch) but it is also easy enough for a beginner to make.

My extra photos showing close looks at how the boxed shell stitch is done will make it even easier for beginners. Note that in the first photo at that link, (which shows the boxed shell rows as used in a cape pattern), for that version, there are 2 sc skipped between the 4-dc shell groups but in this afghan pattern you will be skipping 3 sc between the 4-dc shell groups (to keep the afghan rows flat). Otherwise, it is done the same way.

Abbreviations: ch = chain, chs = chains, ea = each, dc = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sp = space, st-ch = starting chain, st = stitch, sts = stitches

Materials: any weight of yarn. In the example, I used: worsted weight yarn with US size H hook

Stitches Used: double crochet - dc instructions
Single Crochet - Instructions link, with photos: sc how-to

Pattern Note: You will turn at the end of each row. Please keep my copyright and terms of use statement with the pattern directions when you print out or save the pattern in any form.
Sizes: The sizes will be different if you use a different weight of yarn. Afghans can be successfully made in a large variety of sizes so don't be afraid to experiment with other materials. If made with worsted weight yarn and US size H hook, the starting chains given will result in the following measurements for width (the length will be determined by the number of rows that you do): 92 chains for about 27 inches wide, 127 chains for about 38 inches wide, 162 chains for about 49 inches wide.
If you want a shorter or a longer starting chain, add or subtract in a multiple of 35. The repeat is 35 stitches wide, which is one boxed shell section and one solid double crochet section. I planned it so that the beginning and ending edges are solid double crochet sections.

When the repeats vary (by starting chain size) within the rows or at the end of the rows, I have completely spelled out the repeats matched to sizes in rows 2 and 3. By then, you would have the idea, so I just gave the number of repeats in the same order, within the directions for the rest of the rows.

Starting Chains: chain 92 (127, 162)
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea ch across. (91, 126 or 161 sc)

Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 20 sc, * (ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in ea of next 2 sc) 3 times, then ch 2, skip next 2 sc, dc in ea of next 21 sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** once more for the 92 st-ch size (twice more for the 127 st-ch or 3 times more for the 162 st-ch).
If you are a beginner and need an explanation for doing the repeats that are between the asterisks and in parenthesis, see http://crochet.about.com/library/blrepeats.htm and http://crochet.about.com/library/blrepeats2.htm

Row 3: ch 1 to turn, sc in ea of first 21 dc, * (2 sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in ea of next 2 dc) 3 times, then 2 sc in next ch-2 sp, sc in ea of next 21 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** once more for 92 st-ch size (twice more for the 127 st-ch or 3 more times for the 162 st-ch).

Row 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 19 sc, * skip next 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc, (skip next 3 sc, 4 dc in next sc) 3 times, then skip next sc, dc in ea of next 19 sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** once more (or 2 times or 3 times) then dc in last sc.

Row 5: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in ea of next 20 dc (the last dc that you made in that section should have been worked in the first dc of the first 4-dc group, just to give you a guideline, to know that your counting of stitches is coming out correctly), * (ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc) 3 times, then ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 21 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** once more (or 2 times or 3 times).
See http://crochet.about.com/od/learncrochet/ss/boxsthelp_2.htm for help photos showing how the boxed shell portion of this row is made.

Additional Rows: Repeat rows 3 - 5, as many times as needed to reach the length that you want.
End off, leaving a strand for weaving in. Weave in the ends, to secure.

If desired, do an outside round in single crochet. Directions for this are found at http://crochet.about.com/library/blscdpost.htm and then add an edging of your choice, if desired.

Copyright, Terms of Use: This design created by Sandi Marshall. Pattern directions and pattern photo copyright 2008 by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com, Inc. Per copyright law, do not distribute reproduced copies, in any form, even for free, and do not use my pattern photo on another web site, blog page or elsewhere. Instead, you may give out the URL of this pattern page, for others to come here for themselves. It makes a world of difference to me, in helping to enable me to continue designing new patterns. Thank you.
For your own personal use only (not-for-profit use of finished items made from this pattern), can give as gifts but may not sell.