I like trying out different color variations of blanket yarn, and this ombre red yarn really stood out to me. The mix of deeper burgundy with lighter reds and pinks gives it a lot of depth without needing to switch colors.
I wanted a blanket that had some texture but was still easy to work on without constantly checking the pattern. This fan (or shell) stitch ended up being a good balance—it looks more detailed than it actually is, but once you get into the repeat, it’s pretty relaxing to make.
This is one of those blankets that works up nicely with chunky yarn, so it doesn’t feel like it takes forever to see progress. It also ends up really soft and cozy, which is always my goal with larger blankets.
Join me and create your own soft version of this easy shell stitch Afghan. There is a free PDF at the end of the post.
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Make a Fan Afghan
- scissors
- tapestry needle
- N, 9 mm crochet hook
- 9– 10.5 cakes of Bernat Blanket Yarn Ombre– Burgandy or any super bulky gauge 6 yarn (220 yd)
Abbreviations – US Term
- ch – chain
- yo – yarn over
- sc – single crochet stitch
- dc – double crochet stitch
Approx. size of blanket: 64 in x 70 in (163 cm x 178 cm)
Gauge: 4 rows x 3 shells= 4 in x 5 in (10.1 cm x 12.7 cm)
Learn how to do the Simple Shell Stitch with this Shell Blanket Tutorial Video or the Shell Stitch Video.
Shell Stitch Right Handed Video
This pattern is a simple repeat of single crochet and double crochet worked into a shell (fan) shape.
The main thing to watch for is where you place your stitches:
- the shells are worked into single crochet stitches
- and the single crochet goes into the middle of the shell
Once you see how those alternate, it becomes much easier to follow without thinking about each step.
I usually find that after the first couple rows, the pattern becomes pretty easy to read just by looking at it.
Chain 122
(I usually double check my count here—this pattern depends on it lining up correctly.)
Start a chain in multiples of 6. Then chain 2 more and turn. For the chain a multiple of 6 + 2.
Row 1: In the 2nd chain from your hook, sc. *Skip two chains, work 5 dc into the next chain space. Skip two chains again, one sc. into the next chain.
Repeat the instructions from the * to the end. Your last stitch will be a sc. into the final chain. Chain 3 and turn.
Row 2: In the top of the sc. you made from the row below, work 2 dc. (You just created a half shell) now look for the middle dc of the shell (the 3rd dc) and sc. Skip over the next 2 dc, find the sc. of the row below and work 5 dc.
(This is the row where it starts to make more sense visually.)
Continue across working a sc. into the third dc, and a “shell” into the sc. Your last stitch will be a half shell (3 dc). Chain 1 and turn.
Row 3: 1 sc into the very next stitch, the last dc you made on the row below. Skip over the 2 dc and work 5 dc into the sc. End this row with a sc into the last stitch, chain 3 and turn.
Repeat Row 2-3 until you have 72 rows.
I usually just keep going until it feels like a good throw size rather than measuring exactly or I run out of yarn.
Knot, cut end and weave ends with a tapestry needle.
The shell pattern really stands out once the blanket is finished, especially with the color changes in the yarn. It’s one of those patterns that looks more detailed than it actually is, which makes it a nice option if you want something textured without being complicated.
I have been crocheting since I was 8 years old. I have 40 plus years of experience. My blogging journey started in 2013 and I have been writing about crafts and crocheting since then. I started blogging full time in 2019.