Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Blanket – Free Pattern + Video Tutorial
Sample Pattern Name: Shell I Make You a Blanket (updated Oct. 23, 2025)
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🩷 What’s Your Aesthetic?
Adding a handmade crochet blanket to your home instantly elevates your space and adds cozy charm! Drape your Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Blanket over the arm of a favorite chair, roll it into a woven basket near the fireplace, or layer it at the foot of a bed for extra warmth on chilly nights. If you ask me, you can never have too many handmade blankets!
For more homey inspiration, try these reader favorites:
• Crochet Pillow Patterns
• Free Crochet Blanket Patterns Library
• Chunky Crochet Blanket Patterns
🧶 About the Pattern
The classic shell stitch creates a soft wave of texture that looks gorgeous in solids and ombrés. This pattern is beginner-friendly, relaxing to stitch, and easy to resize using the stitch multiple and gauge guide below.
This post walks you through the 30″ x 36″ baby blanket.
Love exploring textures? Browse the Crochet Stitch Tutorials Collection.
⭐️Not sure which size you need? Use the Crochet Blanket Size Chart.
🪄 Skill Level
Easy
New to crochet? Start here:
• How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners
• How to Read a Crochet Pattern
📏 Finished Measurements
Blog version (shown): 30″ x 36″ baby blanket (approx.)
Find common dimensions in the Crochet Blanket Size Chart.
🧵 Materials
Yarn (Worsted/4)
• Used in the Sample: Caron Jumbo Ombre in color Salmon; 2 balls for baby blanket size
• Soft heathers: Herrschners Worsted 8 Heathers
• Treat-yourself: KnitPicks / WeCrochet Worsted Yarns
Hook
• US K / 6.5 mm (used in sample) — or size to get gauge & desired drape
Hook size help: Crochet Hook Size Guide
Notions
• Removable Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle or Chenille Needle
• Quality Project Bag
• Optional finishing: Leather Tag, Leather Rivets
✏️ Gauge
Each shell repeat ≈ 2″ wide with sample yarn & hook (10 repeats ≈ 20″ width). If you change yarn or hook, swatch first.
How to swatch: How to Make a Gauge Swatch in Crochet
🧮 No-Stress Gauge Math (Fill-In)
- My repeat width = _____ inches
- Target blanket width = _____ inches
- Repeats needed = (target ÷ repeat) = _____ ÷ _____ = _____ repeats
- Starting chain = (repeats × 6) + 2 = (_____ × 6) + 2 = _____ chains
Example: If 1 repeat = 2″ and you want 30″ wide → 30 ÷ 2 = 15 repeats → (15 × 6) + 2 = 92 chains. Check common dimensions in the Blanket Size Chart.
🧶 Notes
- Stitch multiple = 6 + 2
- Work Row 1 into the back bump for a neat lower edge (optional but pretty)
- Ch 3 at the start of Row 3 counts as a dc or substitute a Stacked Double Crochet for a cleaner look
🎨 Color & Striping Strategies
Use one color for a timeless look, or play with multiple colors and stripes. If changing colors, it’s easiest to switch after a full 2-row repeat so you can carry yarn up the side and hide floats in an edging later. Prefer effortless color transitions? Choose a long-color-change yarn (like the sample ombré) and let the yarn do the work!
💖 Pattern: Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Blanket (30″ x 36″ baby blanket)
Stitch Abbreviations
ch (chain); dc (double crochet); sc (single crochet); st(s) (stitch/es); RS (right side); WS (wrong side)
Video Tutorial
Watch on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/72FZWawffNU
Foundation Chain
Chain a multiple of 6 + 2. (For the baby size shown: 92 chains.)
Written Instructions
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook (back bump). *Skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to end.* Ch 3, turn.
Row 2 (WS): 2 dc in first sc, *skip 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc; repeat from * to last 6 sts,* skip 2 dc, sc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 3 dc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3 (RS): Sc in first dc, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc; repeat from * to end.* Ch 3, turn.
Repeat Rows 2–3 to desired length, ending after a Row 3 for a balanced edge.
Fasten off and weave in or bury in ends.
Need a clean join when changing skeins?
✂️ Finishing & Styling
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Block to measurements using your preferred method (steam, spritz, or wet block). Learn more in How to Block Crochet Projects.
Styling ideas:
• Merry & Bright Crochet Pillow
• Wheat Stitch Chickens
• Poufs (footrest)
• Crochet Home Decor Patterns
🧼 Wash & Care (Great for Gifting)
Before gifting, give your blanket a gentle wash to remove spinning oils or dust from making. Lay flat to dry (or tumble low if yarn allows), then double-check that all ends remain securely woven in. Include a care tag so the recipient knows how to love their blanket for years.
🎁 Gift-Worthy Crochet Blanket
- Baby Shower: soft pastels, modern neutrals, or gentle ombrés that match the nursery
- Graduation: school colors or bold stripes for dorm chic
- Wedding: sophisticated creams, silvers, or heathers for timeless style
- Housewarming: modern neutrals that blend with any living-room palette
Customize the look by changing yarn weight, hook size, or color palette. Add a leather tag for that polished, boutique finish. Add a cool gift tag to your blanket.
Looking for higher Skill Level Learning? Elevate your crochet blanket skills
🎀 That Was Fun—What’s Next?
📌 PIN THIS POST – Save it to your crochet blanket board so you can come back anytime.
💌 SHARE – Post your yarn choices, WIPs, or finished blankets using #MarlyBird and #MMMDI.
👯 JOIN – Hang out with other BiCrafty Besties in the Marly’s Minions Facebook Community.
🔗 RAVELRY – Add your project: Shell I Make You a Blanket
🧠 Keep Learning with Marly
- Crochet Hook Size Guide
- How to Make a Gauge Swatch
- How to Join Yarn Invisibly
- How to Block Crochet Projects or Blocking Made Easy
- Free Crochet Blanket Patterns Library
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Crochet, Free Patterns, Our Free Patterns, Pattern, YouTube Video Tutorial
