Fields of Clover Shell Stitch Baby Afghan

The basic double crochet shell stitch is an easy, go to stitch, that always makes for a beautiful project. However, there is always something new that you can do with the shell stitch to create variety. After learning how to make the shell stitch, it becomes a very repetitive stitch, so it becomes a mindless one to use. In addition, you can always count on it to turn out just beautifully! This Fields of Clover Shell Stitch Baby Afghan is no different.

THE SHELL STITCH, A BEGINNER FRIENDLY STITCH

The shell stitch is a very beginner friendly stitch. Once you know the basic stitches of the double crochet and single crochet, you can easily do this stitch. It is a 2 stitch repeat and simply repeats 5 dc in the same stitch, skipping 2 stitches, and 1 single crochet, then skipping two more stitches. Then repeat the same sequence again across the row.

In addition, this particular pattern of shell stitches is a simple two row repeat as well. Once you have worked the first row, you will work the second row of shells in the valleys created between the shells of the previous row. This valley is created when you single crochet between the shell stitches. You then work the single crochet in the third or center dc of the next shell stitch. It really is a pretty simple stitch and pattern. But, if you need more of a visual of how to do the shell stitch, be sure to check out my video tutorial of the shell stitch below.

Loaded with texture

Not only is the basic shell stitch a great go to stitch, but it creates a lovely texture. In addition, the shell stitch has many variations to it. But that is a topic for another day. But for now, back to the pattern of this Fields of Clover Shell Baby Afghan.

The free pattern is written below. Of course, there is also the option of an ad free PDF of the pattern here, if that is something that you would prefer. Be sure to check out my other PDF patterns on my shop here.

Fields of CLover Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern

MATERIALS:

• Yarn: TLC by Red Heart
• White 2 skeins 6 oz each
• Lime, 2 skeins, 6 oz each
• Lilac, 2 skiens 6 oz each
• Crochet hook size G/6 or 4.25 mm
• Tapestry needle
• scissors

PATTERN NOTES

• The pattern is worked across in rows.
• The chain 3 at the benning of a row counts as double crochet throughout.
• The chain 1 at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch.

STITCHES:

• Chain-ch
• Single crochet– sc
• Double crochet-dc
• Shell Stitch

SPECIAL STITCHES:

Shell: 5 dc in same stitch

• Gauge: 7 stitches and 12 rows equals 4″
• Finished size: 28″ X 35″

Fields of Clover Shell Stitch baby Afghan Body

FOUNDATION CHAIN

With lime, Ch 139 or multiples of 6 + 1

ROW 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. Sk 2 ch, (5 dc) in the next ch. *Sk 2 ch, sc in the next ch, sk 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch* across to the last 3 ch. Sk 2 ch, sc in the last ch. Ch 3 and turn.

ROW 2: (CH 3 counts as a dc here and throughout) 2dc in the base of the turning ch-3. *Sk 2 st, sc in the middle dc of the shell from previous row. Sk 2 ch, 5 dc in the sc of the previous row.* Repeat across to last shell st. Sc in the top of the shell, 3 dc in the turning ch. Ch 1 and turn.

ROW 3: SC in the base of the turning ch. *sk 2 dc, 5 dc in the sc of the previous row. Sk 2 dc, sc in the middle or top of the shell of the previous row.* Repeat across the row to the last sc. 5 dc in the last sc, sk 2 dc, sc in the top of the turning chain. Ch 3 and turn

ROWS 4-8 Repeat rows 2 and 3 ending with row 2.

CHANGE TO WHITE FOR 3 ROWS

ROW 9: Change to white in the last step of the last dc. With white, ch 1 and turn. SC in the first st and each stitch across the row. CH 1 and turn.

ROWS 10-11: Sc in the first sc and each sc across the row.

ROW 12: Change to lilac in the last step of final stitch of row 11. CH 1 and turn. Sc in the first st. *SK 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next st. Sk 2 st, SC in the next stitch.* Repeat across the row to the last 3 st. Sk 2 st, sc in the last st. Ch 3 and turn.

ROWS 13-19 : Repeat row 3.

ROWS 20-66: Repeat row 12, then rows 2-11 following the color pattern below.

COLOR PATTERN

• 8 rows lime (shell stitch across)
• 3 rows white (sc across)
• 8 rows of lilac (shell stitch across)
• 3 rows of white (sc across)
• Repeat this color pattern 4 more times. Finish with 8 rows of lime shells.

ROW 67: Continue with lime, chain 5, sk 2 dc, sc in the middle dc of the shell below. *Ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in the sc of previous row. Ch 2, sc in the middle dc of the shell below.* Repeat from * to * across, making a sc in the last stitch of the row. Finish off.

BORDER FOR THE FIELDS OF CLOVER SHELL STITCH BABY AFGHAN

RND 1: With lilac, attach to the corner where you finished the last row. 3 sc in the first corner, 2 sc in each turning chain at the end of the row and 1 sc in the final sc of each row across to the next corner. 3 sc in the next corner. 1 sc in each stitch across the bottom of the blanket. 3 sc in the next corner. 2 sc in each turning chain space at the end of the row, and 1 sc in the final sc of the end of the row. 3 sc in the next corner. 2 sc in each ch-2 space and 1 sc in each sc across to end of row. Sl st to first stitch.

RND 2: Ch 3, 4 dc in the middle sc of the corner. *sk 2 sc, shell stitch in next sc.* around being sure to have one shell stitch in the middle sc of each corner. Sl st to the base of the beginning ch-3. Finish off and weave in ends.

A FINAL NOTE

Once again, I hope that you have enjoyed this Fields of Clover Baby Afghan pattern. Please be sure to share your versions of this pattern with me. Thanks for stopping by DulceBella Designs! Until next time, sit, relax, and stay a while and always glorify God by creating beautiful crochet art!