Shell Cluster: In the V-stitch clusters from the previous row, you create a Shell Cluster. This involves making seven double crochets (7dc) in the first chain-1 space, followed by a single crochet (sc) in the chain-3 space, and then another seven double crochets (7dc) in the next chain-1 space. This forms a complete shell cluster.
Shell: To create a Shell, simply work seven double crochets (7dc) into the specified chain space.
V-stitch: The V-stitch is made up of a double crochet (dc), followed by a chain 1 (ch1), and another double crochet (dc).
Set up Rounds: Row 1: Begin by chaining 4 (Ch4), then work 1 double crochet (1dc) into the 4th chain from your hook, chain 1 (ch1). Repeat this sequence a total of six times, and finally, slip stitch into the 3rd chain of the initial Ch4. This slip stitch acts as the first double crochet (dc) in the round.
Row 2: Ch1, single crochet (sc) into the first chain-1 space, which is the 4th chain of the beginning Ch4. Then, work 7 double crochets (7dc) into the next chain-1 space, followed by an sc into the subsequent chain-1 space. Repeat this pattern three more times, and finish with 7 double crochets (7dc) in the next chain-1 space. Lastly, slip stitch to the first sc of the round. At this point, you should have four shell clusters and four single crochets in total.
Row 3: Start with a Ch4 and within the same stitch, work 1 double crochet (1dc), chain 3 (ch3), 1dc, chain 1 (ch1), and 1dc. This creates the starting V-stitch cluster. Next, chain 5 (ch5), skip the next 7 double crochets (7dc), and in the next single crochet (sc), craft a V-stitch cluster. Repeat this process two more times, totaling four V-stitch clusters. Chain 2 (ch2) and double crochet (dc) into the 3rd chain from the first V-stitch cluster.
Row 4: Construct a Shell Cluster by working 7 double crochets (7dc) in the next chain-1 space, then add a single crochet (sc) into the chain-3 space. Following this, form another Shell Cluster by working 7 double crochets (7dc) in the next chain-1 space. Make sure the single crochet (sc) goes around the chain-5, securing it. In the next V-stitch cluster, create a Shell Cluster, then insert an sc into the middle double crochet (dc) of the shell from the row below. Repeat this process three more times.
Round 4
Row 5: Start with a Ch4 and then work a double crochet (dc) into the same sc, forming the first V-stitch on the first side of the square. Chain 5 (ch5), proceed to create a V-stitch cluster in the sc of the next corner shell cluster, chain 5 (ch5), and follow with a V-stitch in the sc between the next shell clusters (forming the second side of the square). Chain 5 (ch5) and establish a V-stitch cluster in the sc of the next corner shell cluster. Repeat this pattern two more times, finish with a chain 2 (ch2), and double crochet (dc) into the 3rd chain from the start of the round.
Round 5
Row 6: Create a Shell into the first V-stitch, then insert an sc into the middle dc of the shell below. Form a Shell Cluster in the next V-stitch cluster, and sc into the middle dc of the shell below. Repeat this process three more times.
Setup is now complete, resulting in a piece with V-stitch clusters in each corner, V-stitches along the sides, and Shell Clusters in between.
For the body of the piece, you’ll repeat the following two rows:
Row 7: Start with a Ch4, followed by a dc in the same sc (this acts as the first V-stitch). Chain 5 (ch5), make a V-stitch in the next sc, ch5, and continue with a V-stitch cluster in the corner. Repeat this pattern until you’ve created a Shell Cluster in all four corners. Finally, chain 5 (ch5) and place a V-stitch into each of the sc between the shell clusters, stopping just before the first V-stitch of the round. End by chaining 2 (ch2) and inserting a dc into the 3rd chain of the first V-stitch.
Row 8: Work 7 double crochets (7dc) in the next V-stitch, then sc into the middle dc of the shell below. Repeat this pattern until you reach the next corner V-stitch cluster, where you’ll create a Shell Cluster. Then, sc into the middle dc from the row below and repeat from * to * three more times until the end of the round.
Continue repeating these two rows until you finish on a Row 8.
After Row 5, your piece will feature V-stitch clusters in the middle sc of each of the shell clusters from the row below, as well as a single V-stitch in the sc between each shell cluster.
Crochet Tip: It’s important to note that V-stitch clusters are exclusively placed in the four corners of the piece. In all other instances, V-stitches are worked into the single crochet (sc) on the sides during Row 7 repeats.
Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
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Access the PDF/ Beautiful Shells Blanket
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