The shell stitch is one of my favorite stitches for creating a beautiful baby blanket that’s also very easy to make. The Aurora Nursery Blanket features this stitch, using three colors of yarn—each color spans 10 rows. For the first blanket I made, I used Big Twists Living Anti Pilling Yarn in Cream, Steel, and Spa. For the second, I chose Soft Peach, Chinchilla, and Cream. As I write this, I’m working on a third blanket in White, Spa, and Turquoise. I hope you enjoy making this blanket as much as I do!
FINISHED SIZE
39 in L x 34 in W
MATERIALS
- Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors – 398 yds of each color (You can also use yarn in a different weight, but you’ll need to adjust the pattern to achieve the same size)
- 5mm hook (or the hook that corresponds to the yarn weight)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- ch = chain
- sk = skip or skipped
- slp st = slip stitch
SPECIAL STITCHES
- Shell Stitch = 5 DC in 1 stitch
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The starting chain for the shell stitch is a multiple of 6 + 1. I like to begin my blankets with a row of sc first. At the end of the sc row, the number of stitches will be 1 less than the starting chain. To adjust for this, I add an additional +1, so the final number of stitches is a multiple of 6 + 1 + 1.
BLANKET PATTERN
Chain 116 or a multiple of 6 + 1 + 1.
Row 1: Sc in each stitch across, ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: Sc in the first st, sk 2 sts, shell stitch in the next st, sk 2 sts, repeat from * to * ending with a sc in the last stitch, ch 3 and turn. (The chain 3 counts as the first double crochet of the next row.)
Row 3: Place 2 more dc in the first st. Sk 2 sts, sc in the middle st of the shell of the previous row, sk 2 sts, shell st in the next st, sk 2 sts, sc in the middle st of the shell of the previous row. Repeat from * to * until you have 3 sts left. Place 3 dc in the last st. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 4 until the end: Repeat rows 2 and 3, changing color every 10 rows. At the end, you should have 80 rows (30 rows of color A, 30 rows of color B, and 20 rows of color C). When you reach the end, chain 1 and turn to begin the border. The border will start with color B. (Weave in the ends before starting the border.)
BORDER PATTERN
Round 1: To even out the shells, for each shell, place the following stitches: dc in the first st, hdc in the next st, sc in the next 3 sts, hdc in the next st, and repeat from * to * until the end of the row. The dc will be in the sc of the previous row, and the sc will be at the top of the shell of the previous row. When you reach the end of the row, place 3 hdc in the corner. Continue placing a hdc in each st around with 3 hdc in each corner. Slp st to the first st, and ch 1. Change to color A.
Round 2: With color A, place a hdc in each st around with 3 hdc in the center st of the corner sts of the previous round.
Round 3: With color C, repeat round 2.
Round 4 (Optional): With color B, dc in each st around, placing 3 dc in the center st of the corner sts of the previous round. Slp st in the first st. Ch 1.
Round 5 (Optional): Slp st in the first st, [hdc, ch 1, hdc] in the next st, skip 1 st, repeat from * to * ending in a slp st. Place 3 hdc in each corner st. Start each side after the corner sts with a slp st. Slp st to the first st.
conclusion
I hope you enjoy making the Aurora Nursery Blanket as much as I do! This simple yet beautiful blanket, featuring the classic shell stitch and soft yarns, is perfect for adding a cozy and personal touch to any nursery or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The design allows for creative color choices, and the border adds a lovely finishing touch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this pattern is easy to follow and offers a wonderful result. Happy crocheting, and may your blanket bring warmth and joy to whoever it wraps around!
