Classically Simple Shell Afghan - Free Crochet Pattern

This afghan is made from a very simple shell crochet stitch that can be mastered by a beginner, yet result in a beautiful throw that anyone would be pleased to own.  It's pretty enough to satisfy someone who is more advanced in the art of crochet but wants a simple project to work on that doesn't take a lot of concentration, and easy enough for a novice to complete a beautiful afghan or baby blanket.

While it could be crocheted in a striped manner in your choice of colors, I prefer the look of a single color for this particular afghan pattern.  The blanket works up very quickly and requires only a basic knowledge of the single and either half-double or double crochet stitches and virtually no counting - easy to work on while watching TV without having to worry about losing your place.

Materials needed

Size K crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice
(5 7-oz skeins should yield an afghan approximately 52" wide x 54" long)

Abbreviations

Ch=chain
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
HDC = half-double crochet

The starting chain is a multiple of 3 plus 1.  A chain of 145 should result in an afghan approximately 52" wide.  To make a baby blanket that is 30" wide, start with a chain of 91.  To make larger or smaller, simple add or subtract in increments of 3.

Classically Simple Shell Pattern Directions

With size K crochet hook and worsted weight yarn, ch 145 for afghan, or 91 for baby blanket.

Row 1:  SC in second ch from hook and SC in each remaining stitch across.  Ch 3, turn.

Row 2:  *Skip first two stitches 3 DC in third stitch (all 3 in same stitch), skip two stitches.  Repeat from *, ending with DC in last stitch (turning ch).   Ch 2, turn.

Row 3:  Skip first stitch, HDC across row.  Ch 3, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for pattern, until afghan measures the desired length.

Last row:  After final row 2 of pattern (shell row), ch 1, turn.  SC in second stitch and remaining stitches across.  Bind off, weave in ends.

Close up of afghan made from pattern  as
written with the HDC rows between shell rows

Note:  I have also made this afghan with a row of DC between the rows of shells, instead of the HDC rows.  It works up quicker with the DC rows, but I personally think it looks more tidy with the HDC.  You might want to work up a swatch doing it with both the HDC and the DC rows to see which way you like better before starting on a large afghan.  A starting ch of 16 should give you swatches large enough to get a good idea of the how the pattern will look.

Enjoy!

~ Marie Anne

P.S.  Don't forget to check out the rest of my free crochet patterns!