This week we are learning to crochet the interlocking shell stitch. This stitch features rows of shells and clusters that create a unique ripple pattern. We made it to block #24 (the last one!!) of the 2019 Stash Busting CAL.
If you want more info about this crochet along: LOOK HERE.
I love seeing all your creative blocks in the crochet group on Facebook. Seriously the colors and modifications you all are making to suit your individual crochet styles are so awesome. If you aren’t a part of the club, you should join us, show off your squares and ask your questions, either I or one of the other talented crocheters in there are ready and willing to help.
If Instagram is more your style, don’t forget to tag me (@theunraveledmitten) in your pics and use #2019StashBustingCAL.
You can now pre-order the entire printable crochet along on Ravelry! You will automatically get the new ad-free pdf of each square pattern as it is released. Get it here!
I’ve been getting lots of questions about joining our squares and I just wanted to put it here that I’ll be giving you a tutorial on my favorite join as well as suggestions for alternative ones. You are free to join them however you choose. I’ll also be doing a tutorial for a border.
Interlocking Shell Stitch Tips and Tricks
This fun stitch would be suitable for a variety of different projects: hats, scarves, blankets and more! I changed color every 2 rows for mine (mainly so I could carry my yarn up the side of the square) but it also looks nice in solid colors and stripes every row.
The thing I like about this stitch is it has a ripple or wave effect but has flat edges! This makes it easy to add any border you may want
The first row is a row of 5 dc shells. Then on the next row, instead of nesting a shell stitch between the shells of the previous row, you’ll double crochet 5 stitches together using 5 stitches from the top of one shell to the next to create a shell cluster.
Interlocking Shell Stitch Square Materials and Information
Materials
- #4 Worsted Weight Yarn
- 5.5mm crochet hook
- Needle to weave in ends
- Scissors
Gauge and Sizing
- Gauge: Shell to shell or sc to sc (measured center to center) x 4 rows = 2 inches
- Finished: 12×12
Abbreviations
- I use US Terminology
- Ch(s): chain(s)
- Dc: double crochet
- Sc: single crochet
- St(s): stitch(es)
- Sl st: slip stitch
- Dc5tog: double crochet 5 stitches together
Notes
- Ch 3 counts as 1 dc
- I changed color after each odd-numbered row and carried yarn up side
- To make this bigger or small chain any multiple of 6+1+3
- Don’t make your chains in even rows too tight.
- Save this to your favorites on Ravelry!
Interlocking Shell Stitch Crochet Afghan Square Pattern
Ch 40 to start
Row 1: 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, skip 2 chs, sc in next, *skip 2 chs, 5 dc in next, skip 2 chs sc in next, repeat from * across until 3 sts remain. Skip 2 chs 3 dc in last. Turn
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as ch 1, *ch 2, Dc5tog over next 5 sts, ch 2, sc in next. Repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as ch 3, sc in top of next dc5tog, 5 dc in next sc, sc in top of next dc5tog, repeat from * across 3 dc in last. Turn.
Row 4-20: repeat rows 2 and 3 until block is square, ending on a row 2. Continue to border
Border
Rnd 1: ch 1 sc evenly around placing 3 sc in each corner stitch, join to top of 1st sc with sl st.
Repeat until piece is 12 in, block if desired.
Save this pattern on Pinterest!!
I don’t seem to be doing this right,,I have big bubbles where I am doing the dc5tog,,there is no way that mine will lay flat, even when I block it. What am I doing wrong?
Row 3 says repeat from *, I don’t see the *
“ Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as ch 3, sc in top of next dc5tog, 5 dc in next sc, sc in top of next dc5tog, repeat from * across 3 dc in last. Turn”