Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons :: How to Crochet a Shell Stitch and Make a Simple Blanket too!

If you've been following along with my crochet lessons, then you know how to crochet a chain, single crochet and double crochet, you can give this fun shell stitch a try.  If you're just now joining and need some reminders or beginning instructions on how to get started with crochet, I suggest taking a look at my Crochet Lessons, which are easily arranged by stitch. This shell stitch has a pretty texture that makes it a fun alternative to row after row of just single or double crochet.

How to Crochet a Shell Stitch

The shell stitch begins with a row of chain stitches in a multiple of 3 plus 2. (i.e. 3 x 4 + 2 = 14).

 abbreviations used: ch=chain stitch, sc=single crochet, dc=double crochet

Row 1: SC in 2nd chain from hook, *ch2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end. turn.

Row 2: Ch3 (counts as dc), dc in first sc (right next to ch3), 3dc in each sc across row, ending with 2dc in last sc. turn.

Row 3: Ch1, sc in first dc, *ch2, skip next 2dc, sc in next dc; repeat from * across, ending with last sc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn.

Rep Rows 2-3 for pattern.

Row 2 of how to Crochet a Shell Stich

How to Crochet a Simple Blanket with the Shell Stitch

For a chunky and cozy baby blanket or throw blanket, this pattern is a great way to try out your new shell stitch skills.

Use a bulky size 6 yarn and a size M 9.0 hook (see this lesson on how to read a yarn label)

Start with a slip knot.

For baby blanket measuring about 30" x 40" Ch 74 and follow the shell stitch pattern above for 58 rows.

For throw blanket measuring about 45" x 60" Ch 110 and follow the shell stitch pattern above for 84 rows.

Pull yarn through final loop and weave in yarn ends. Get cozy!

I hope you have fun with this cozy project! If you make a blanket or any other project with this stitch, I'd love to see it!!! You can tag me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy, or send me an email emily.bluecorduroy@gmail.com, I'd be thrilled!

For help with any of the basic stitches used in this pattern you can refer to the Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons series.

Have you tried the Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern yet? It shows how to crochet cotton dishcloths in three different patterns. So great for gift giving or just pampering yourself in the kitchen or bath!

xo Emily

Simple Crochet Baby Bonnet Pattern

Alysia and I have been so encouraged by the great response to our Heirloom Crochet Bonnet Kit, available at Magnolia and Oak Fibers on Etsy.  We're so thankful to everyone cheering us on with this new project!  And a few of you have asked if you could buy just the pattern. Well, now you CAN! The pattern for this sweet crochet bonnet is now available in my shop!

The baby bonnet pattern is designed for beginners ready to take their crochet skills to the next level, and an equally fun and rewarding project for a crocheter with more advanced skills. 

You'll find the perfect mini-skeins of hand-dyed fine alpaca yarn at Magnolia and Oak Fibers in the prettiest pastels, they're the perfect amount of yarn to make one of these bonnets.

This bonnet works up pretty quickly, using a magic circle, single crochet, double crochet and a front/back post double crochet stitch that is fully explained in the pattern.  The pattern gives you a list of materials needed, step by step instructions to make a bonnet for sizes newborn to 24 months and photos to help show the process. 

Grab your Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern Here!

Brush up on your crochet skills with my Crochet Lessons Series.

And practice your skills with this Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern!

xo Emily

Behind the Scenes:: a Fall Crochet Project

I've got a new crochet project in the works!

It's a collaboration with my friend Alysia of Magnolia and Oak (@magnoliaandoak on Instagram), who hand dyes yarn in the most beautiful of colors.  She invited me to come up with a simple crochet baby bonnet pattern, one easy enough for beginners,  that she could include in a kit with her hand dyed baby alpaca yarn and a hook, everything you would need to make your very own baby bonnet!

There will be more details coming soon, like where you can get these kits, the colors it will come in, and what the bonnet looks like.  But for now, all you need to do is think of who you need to crochet a baby bonnet for!  Oh, and if you need to, start brushing up on your basic crochet skills with the Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons series.

To be the first to know when this crochet kit will be available, and about other upcoming projects and products, sign up for my mailing list!

Looking for a simple crochet project to practice your skills? Grab my Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern for Beginners!

Free Beginner's Crochet Dishcloth Pattern :: and Learning to Read a Pattern

If you've been following along with my Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons series, you now should know how to make a slip knot, do a chain stitch, and single crochet.  

Ready to make a cotton dishcloth and practice your new skills?

This Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern is the perfect way for you to put your new skill into action creating a useful item.  There are three variations on the single crochet stitch to help you improve your skills and keep you interested.  One is the basic single crochet, the second helps you get in the rhythm of skipping stitches and doubling up on stitches, and the third is a combination pattern including chain stitches and single crochet stitches. 

Reading a Crochet Pattern

Learning how to read a crochet pattern can take a bit of practice.  The key is understanding the abbreviations used.  It can feel a bit like cryptic code solving.  Because we're starting off with a basic pattern, there are only 2 abbreviations you need to crack this code!

CH = chain stitch.  The pattern will tell you when to chain stitch and how many to do.  

SC= single crochet. The pattern tells you when and where to make each single crochet.

The other thing I find useful when following a pattern is to not get overwhelmed with trying to understand the whole pattern all at once.  If I just take it one direction, one stitch at a time, then I usually find it much easier to comprehend.

The pattern will also suggest what yarn to choose and which crochet hook to use.  So you don't have to wander around the yarn shop getting distracted by all the beautiful options!

Enjoy making your cotton crochet dishcloths, I'd love to see yours when you're done!

Enjoy making your cotton dishcloths, I'd love to see yours when you're done!

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Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons :: Chain Stitch

Welcome to your second crochet lesson - the Chain Stitch!

Did you learn how to do a slip knot? If you missed it, or forgot how, or need a reminder on how to pick the right size yarn and hook, take a look at the first Blue Corduroy Crochet Lesson on Slip Knots and Yarn Lables.

Crochet is a very addictive and relaxing skill once you get the hang of it.  When my daughter Ginger first learned this chain stitch she was about six years old and she sat and crocheted a chain stitch that reached clear to the back yard! She wasn't worried about how fast she was working or what she was making, she was simply enjoying the yarn and the hook in her hands.

The chain stitch is a foundational stitch for most crochet projects and is also used in many crochet stitches.  What you're learning here is proper tension of the yarn, using your fingers as guides, and how to twist the hook to guide the yarn.

Have fun getting to know your yarn and hook, and I can't wait to show you the next step!

Don't forget, you can also subscribe to my Blue Corduroy Youtube channel to watch these lessons and/or follow me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy for other tips and adventures.

Grab my FREE Crochet Dishcloth Pattern for Beginners!