Interlocking Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket

My sister asked me to crochet her a new blanket, so I jumped at the chance to create a blanket for her. I had crocheted a blanket for her several years ago but she’s ready for a new one. Her only requests were that the color blue was used and that there were smaller holes in the blanket. In doing the research on different stitches, I knew the interlocking shell stitch would be the perfect choice. The Interlocking Shell Stitch is known for its ability to create a visually stunning ripple effect.

Design

The Interlocking Shell Stitch is a 2 row repeat using versions of the double and single crochet stitches. Once you get the hang of it, the blanket works up very quickly. And what’s even more awesome about this stitch is that there’s no right or wrong side. But you will see that the blanket looks different on each side if you’re using 2 different yarn colors. In the left image below, the blue yarn is popping out. In the right image below, the aran fleck yarn is popping more.

For the border, I did 4 rounds and kept it pretty basic. The first round consists of all single crochet stitches and the other 3 rounds are all double crochet stitches. I changed the yarn color with each round.

Materials

The Interlocking Shell Stitch Blanket is created using Red Heart Super Saver in Aran Fleck and Red Heart Super Saver Ombre in Navy. I used an I (5.5mm) crochet hook which I think worked well with this blanket. The Ombre yarn really gave the blanket a cool look as it changed colors throughout.

You can see a free copy of the Interlocking Shell Stitch Blanket pattern below. If you’d like a formatted PDF printable with step by step instructions of the pattern you can get it from my Etsy shop here.

Pattern Instructions

CROCHET / SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner

MATERIALS

Size: US I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge

Red Heart® Super Saver® 

A- 5 skeins 4313 Aran Fleck –  5oz / 141g; 260 yds/ 238m

Red Heart® Super Saver Ombre™ 

B – 3 skeins 4988 Navy –  10oz / 283g; 482yds/ 440m

Notions: Yarn Needle

ABBREVIATIONS

Approx = Approximately

Ch = Chain(s)

Dc = Double Crochet

Dc5tog = Double Crochet 5 Together

Rep = Repeat

Rnd(s) = Round

Sc = Single Crochet

Sk = Skip

Sl st = Slip Stitch

Sp = Space

St(s) = Stitch(es)

Yo = Yarn Over

MEASUREMENTS

Approx Dimensions: 57” / 145 cm long and 58” / 147 cm wide 

GAUGE

11 sts and 7 rows = 4” (10cm) in Interlocking Shell Stitch

PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

Notes: 

• Pattern is written using American terms.
• Foundation Row= 6sts + 1 + 2 for foundation chain
• No right or wrong side.
• For odd numbered rows, the ch3 at the beginning counts as 1 dc. 

FOUNDATION ROW: With color A, ch 171.

ROW 1:  Sk 2ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc in next ch, sk 2ch, 1sc in next ch, *sk 2ch, 5dc in next ch, sk 2ch, 1sc in next ch; rep from * to last 3ch, sk 2ch, 3dc in last ch, changing to color B in last st, turn.  (168)

ROW 2:  Ch1, 1sc in first dc, *ch2, dc5tog over next 5sts, ch2, 1sc in next dc; rep from * across to last st doing a sc in last st and changing to color A, turn. (168)

ROW 3:  Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 2dc in first sc, sk 2ch, *1sc in top of next shell, sk 2ch, 5dc in next sc, sk 2ch; rep from * to last shell, 1sc in top of shell, sk 2 ch, 3dc in last sc, changing to color B in last st, turn. (168) 

ROW 4-90: Rep rows 2 and 3, changing colors at the end of each row and for row 90 end with color B and finish off.  

Finishing Off:

• Weave in ends.
• Block blanket if needed.  

BORDER

RND 1: With A, attach your yarn with a slip stitch.  Ch1, Sc in 1st st and each st around blanket doing 3 sc sts in each corner.  Sl st to 1st sc and finish off.  

RND 2: With B, attach your yarn with a slip stitch.  Ch2, Dc in 1st st and each st around blanket doing 3 dc sts in each corner.  Sl st to 1st dc and finish off.  

RND 3: With A, attach your yarn with a slip stitch.  Ch2, Dc in 1st st and each st around blanket doing 3 dc sts in each corner.  Sl st to 1st dc and finish off.

RND 2: With B, attach your yarn with a slip stitch.  Ch2, Dc in 1st st and each st around blanket doing 3 dc sts in each corner.  Sl st to 1st dc and finish off.

Permissions + Copyright:

Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back this post. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.

I would love to get your feedback! Reach out with any questions or comments or send me pictures of your work!! I’d love to see them.

Have an amazing day!

Heather

If you like the Interlocking Shell Stitch blanket pattern and want to stay connected, sign up for my newsletter below! Also if you’re looking for more blanket inspiration, check out some of my other designs: Simple Striped Cluster Stitch Blanket or the Herringbone Half Double Crochet Blanket.