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!

Anything But Drab Scarf - Free Crochet Pattern

The olive drab color of this scarf prompted the name of the pattern, but it really is anything but drab. This easy to crochet scarf makes a great set when paired with the matching Anything But Drab Hat.

With the slightly raised texture from working in the back loop only of some of the pattern rows, the finished scarf and hat have almost an Aran or fisherman's knit look to them. I think if you were to work up a set in an Aran or off-white color, it would more closely mimic that effect.

At approximately 4" wide, it doesn't quite fit into the skinny scarf category, but it's not big and bulky either. As written, the pattern will yield a scarf approximately 60" long, but if you'd like a longer scarf to wrap multiple times or to fold in half and feed the ends through, increase the starting chain in increments of 6 to increase the length by 2" for each increment added.  (This scarf is crocheted lengthwise and not by the width, which is the norm).

Anything But Drab Scarf Pattern

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain
Sk = skip
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
BLO = back loop only

Foundation: With size I crochet hook and worsted weight yarn, ch 180.

Row 1: In back bump of chain, SC in second ch from hook and SC across (179 SC). Ch 1, turn. (Note: Working in the back bump of chain isn't required, but gives the piece a much cleaner, finished look).

Row 2-4: SC across (179 SC). Ch 1, turn (ch 2 at the end of row 4).

Row 5-9: DC in first st (turning ch becomes the SC), *sk 1, work SC and DC in BLO of next st. Repeat from * across, ending with regular SC in last st. Ch 2, turn (end of row 9, ch 1).

Row 10: SC in first st, SC across in BLO, ending with regular SC in last st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 11-12: SC across (NOT in BLO). Leaving a short tail, cut yarn and pull through last stitch. Weave in ends.

You may print a copy of this pattern for personal use, but if sharing the pattern with friends, please send them the link to the pattern here instead of making printed copies. 

Enjoy!

~ Marie Anne

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

Anything But Drab Hat - Free Crochet Pattern

The Anything But Drab Hat is perfect for when you want something easy to crochet, but with a little more definition to it. It's worked in a simple rectangle with a sequence of four rows each of two different stitches. Once completed, stitch the two ends together and gather at the top and you've got one great looking hat that's anything but drab!

One of the pattern stitches is worked in the back loop only (BLO), so it makes a slight ridge for a more textured look. Neither stitch is difficult and even a beginner should be able to complete this cute hat in just a few hours.

The pattern as written is sized for a woman and I think it's more suitable for her rather than him. A darker color could be used for a more masculine looking hat, but you'd have to do some tinkering with the number of pattern rows to make it larger to fit a man.

My prototype was stitched in an olive drab hue but choose whatever color you like to make your hat
Anything But Drab.  Pair it with the Anything But Drab Scarf  for a nice set to get you through those cold mornings.

Anything But Drab Hat Pattern

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain
Sk = skip
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
BLO = back loop only

Foundation: With size I crochet hook and worsted weight yarn, ch 29.

Row 1: DC third ch fr hook, *sk 1, SC and DC in next space. Repeat from * across, ending with one SC in last ch. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 2: DC in first st (the turning ch becomes the first SC of that row), *sk 1, work SC and DC in BLO of next space. Repeat from * across, ending with a regular SC in last ch. Ch 2, turn.

Rows 3-4: Repeat row 2, but at end of row 4, ch 1 instead of 2.

Rows 5-8: SC in each stitch across (27 SC). Ch 1 at the end of the first three rows, but ch 2 at the end of the fourth row when you'll be switching to the other pattern stitch.

Continue in a sequence of four rows of the SC/DC cluster in BLO and four rows of the SC until you have a total of 56 rows (ending with the four rows of SC). Do not cut yarn.

Finishing: Fold the piece and slip stitch through top stitches the full length of both first and last row. Leave a tail of approximately 18" and cut the yarn.

Thread tail of yarn onto a large needle and weave through every few stitches at top of hat, going completely around until you end where you started. Pull yarn taut to gather tightly. There might still be a small opening at the top of the hat, so take a few more stitches going from the top of one side of the opening to the other and pull tightly. Work a few stitches to hide tail and cut yarn.  If desired, you could even make a pompom for the top of the hat.

Enjoy!

~ Marie Anne

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

Almost Reversible Baby Blanket - Free Crochet Pattern

You can see that the black is more prominent on
one side, while the reverse looks a little lighter

This puffy shell crochet pattern can be made in two (one light and one dark) or four (two light and two dark) colors.   It’s not completely reversible in that both sides are totally different, but five DCs worked into one stitch makes it a slightly puffy, so the light colors will be more prominent on one side, the dark on the other.

Using four colors won’t be quite as vibrant as the black and white version, but the intensity of the colors will look different on each side as long as you alternate the rows of light and dark colors. It doesn’t matter which color you start with, as long as you repeat the pattern of one row of light, then one row of dark. For a border, work a few rows of single crochet alternating two or more of the colors used in the afghan, or single crochet in one or two colors and then a shell border to give the blanket a finished look.

This pattern can also be made into a full sized afghan, but it can be time consuming to change colors for every row, and then have so many ends to weave in. The shell pattern itself is very easy to crochet, but if changing colors and dealing with those pesky tails is tedious for you, keep that in mind before attempting this pattern to make larger than a baby or lap blanket.

The pattern can be worked in a single color and the shells will still be somewhat puffy, but obviously won’t have the reversible effect.

Materials needed:

Crochet hook size J
Any worsted weight yarn in contrasting light and dark colors
Yarn needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
HDC = half-double crochet
SK = skip
ST = stitch

Dimensions:

The starting chain should be a multiple of 6 plus 2, and each multiple of 6 (two shells) measures just under 2”. The following dimensions are approximate, and are before adding your choice of border:

30” wide = chain 98
44” wide = chain 146

Almost Reversible Shell Pattern

For a blanket worked in four colors, colors A and C will be the darker colors, and colors B and D will be the lighter colors. If using only two colors, just alternate A and B.

Note: Color A will also be the first row of SC border around the finished blanket.

For a 30” blanket, ch 98 with color A.

Row 1: Sc in 2d ch from hook and in each ch across; leave tail and cut yarn.

Row 2: Attach color B, ch 1, turn. SC in first st, *sk 2, work 5 DC in next st, sk 2, sc in next st. Repeat from * across; leave tail and cut yarn.

Row 3: Attach color C, ch 3 (counts as first DC), turn. Work 2 DC in first st, * sk 2, work SC in next st, sk 2, 5 DC in next st. Repeat from * across, ending with 3 DC in last stitch.

Row 4: Attach color D, repeat row 2.

(You’ll be making a SC at the peak of the shell in the previous row, and the 5 DC shell in the valley between two shells in the previous row).

Repeat pattern rows 2 and 3 until desired length, ending with row 3.

Last row: Attach color A, ch 1, turn. SC in first DC, *HDC in next 2 DC, DC in SC, HDC in next 2 DC, SC in next DC, repeat from * to end. This will make the top of the afghan even, instead of leaving the scalloped shell at the top, and becomes the top border. SC down both sides with color A to complete the first row of border. Add additional rows of SC and/or a shell border to complete.

Enjoy!

~ Marie Anne

P.S.  Make sure to check out more of my free crochet patterns.

Circle in the Square - Free Crochet Granny Square Pattern

I like simple crochet patterns, but I also like something that doesn't look too basic.  I think this Circle in the Square granny square pattern fits both of those nicely.  This square is easy enough to make, but I think that starting out as a circle adds an interesting element of design.  It really pops if you crochet it in contrasting light and bright or dark colors.

Materials Needed

Size I crochet hook
Two contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn
Large needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations

Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sl st = slip stitch
Sk = skip
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
HDC = half double crochet

Circle in the Square Pattern

Using size I crochet hook and worsted weight yarn will result in a 6" granny square

With Color A, ch 5, join with slip stitch to first ch.

Round 1:  Ch 2 (counts as first HDC at beginning of rounds 1-3), work 17 more HDC in the circle for a total of 18 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 2/HDC.

Round 2:  Ch 2, work 1 HDC in each stitch around, for a total of 18 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of beginning ch 2/HDC.

Round 3:  Ch 2, 1 HDC in same space, work 2 HDC in each stitch around, total of 36 HDC.  Join with sl st to top of first ch 2/HDC.  Finish off.

Round 4:  Join Color B in any stitch.  Ch 3 (counts as first DC at beginning of rounds 4-5), DC in same space, * DC in next st, HDC in next 2 st, SC in next 2 st, HDC in next 2 st, DC in next st, (2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC) in next st (making corner).  Repeat from * to complete other 3 sides, ending with 2 DC in beginning corner, ch 2, sl st to join to beginning ch 2/DC.

Round 5:  Ch 3, DC in same space, * DC in next 10 st, sk last DC, work (2 DC, ch 2, 2 DC) in corner, repeat from * to complete other 3 sides, ending with 2 DC in last corner, ch 2, sl st to top of first ch 3/DC.  Finish off.

Border:  Join Color A in any stitch.  Ch 1, SC around all four sides, working (SC, ch 2, SC) in each corner.  Sl st to join to initial ch.  Finish off, weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Marie Anne

P.S.  Make sure to check out the rest of my free crochet patterns.

Gentle Ridges - Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

I'm no fancy designer and like to crochet simple things, so I played around with a favorite crochet stitch and threw this little number together pretty quickly.  I think it's the first crochet pattern I wrote down, and that was years ago! Everyone I've shared the pattern with has proclaimed it to be a hit because of its simplicity and functionality, while still being an attractive piece.

I prefer a crochet dishcloth that has a little bit of a raised stitch and even keep a few set aside that I use strictly as washcloths - they're perfect in the bath for gentle exfoliating without being too rough on the skin.  I think this pattern works well in the bath or shower as well as the kitchen.

Gentle Ridges Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

Finished size is approximately 8" x 8"

Materials needed

Size H crochet hook
Any kitchen cotton yarn

Abbreviations

DC = double crochet
SC = single crochet
SK = skip
Ch = chain
St = stitch
Sl St = slip stitch

With size H crochet hook and any kitchen cotton yarn, ch 31

Row 1:  DC in 3rd ch from hook, sk 1, * SC and DC in next ch, sk 1.  Repeat from * to end of row, ending with SC in last stitch.  Ch 2, turn.

(Rows 2-20 are worked in back loop only, except for the first and last stitch)

Row 2-20:  DC in 1st st, sk 1, * working in back loop only, SC and DC in next space, sk 1.  Repeat from * to end of row, ending with SC in last st.  Ch 2, turn.

Finishing:  After completing last st in row 20, SC/ch 1/SC in that corner space, continue to SC around all sides of piece, with SC/ch 1/SC in corners.  Join with sl st to first SC in first corner worked.  Bind off and work in ends.

This pattern can also be adapted to make hot pads/trivets.  Simply make two dishcloths the same size and place one on top of the other and stitch together around outer edges.  You can easily vary the size of the hot pad by increasing the starting chain and/or number of rows.  I also like to make them long and wide enough to fit beneath an oblong or rectangular casserole dish.

For gift-giving, fold, or roll a couple of coordinating dishcloths, tie with raffia, and tuck into a small basket with a bottle of eco-friendly dish soap.  Nestle a pair of washcloths alongside a bar of homemade soap or moisturizing shower gel, then add a scented candle or diffusers and oil for the gift of a truly luxurious bathing experience.  They would be a great gift for a teacher, housewarming, etc.

Enjoy!

 ~ Marie Anne

P.S.  Make sure to check out the rest of my free crochet patterns.

Easy Single Double Dishcloth - Free Crochet Pattern

This super simple dishcloth pattern is a favorite of mine. It can be completed by even a beginner and would make a good first project to teach someone who has never held a crochet hook before. I call it the “Single Double Dishcloth” because that’s all there is to it - a single crochet and a double crochet stitch. You should be able to get two dishcloths out of one 2.5 oz ball of any kitchen cotton yarn.

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
Sk = skip

Simple single double dishcloth pattern 

With size H (5.0mm) crochet hook, ch 27
(Starting ch 27 of should give you a cloth that measures approximately 8 ½”. If you’d like a cloth that’s larger or smaller, add or subtract in increments or two. Your starting chain should be an odd number.)

Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook,* SC next ch, DC, next ch. Repeat from * to end, ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sk 1st st, DC next st, *SC next st, DC next, st. Repeat from *, ending with DC in turning ch.

Repeat row 2 until piece looks square. On final row, work SC in the last st (turning ch) instead of a DC. (Work the rest of the row the same as previous rows, DC and SC across, except you’ll end with SC in the last 2 sts instead of SC then DC in turning ch).

If desired, work a SC border around all four sides to finish off. In the photos above, the blue is without a border, and the ecru is with SC border.  I usually put a border around all of my crochet dishcloths just because I think it holds the shape better, but it's not required.

That’s it! You’ll be making your SC on top of where a DC was in the previous row, and a DC on top of where the SC was in the previous row, so that the rows won’t be uneven.

Enjoy ...

~ Marie Anne

P.S.  If you'd like to print a copy of the pattern without the ads and wonky formatting, you can purchase it from my Etsy Shop, The Crooked Yarn.  It's included with another of my favorite dishcloth patterns in the listing called 2 Easy Dishcloth Patterns.