The Crochet Tunisian Shells Blanket Square is such a charming and cozy project to work on! With its intricate shell pattern and the unique texture created by the Tunisian crochet technique, this blanket square is a joy to create. The versatility of this design makes it perfect for adding a touch of handmade warmth to any room in your home. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking to expand your skills, this project is sure to bring you hours of creative enjoyment. So grab your favorite yarn and hook, and let's crochet something beautiful together!
Hook: Size L / 8mm hook or size needed to match gauge (see note below)
Notions: Yarn Needle
All squares in this CAL are designed to the same gauge. If you are making other squares in the CAL, you should be able to use the same hook for all of them.
Project Level
Intermediate: Tunisian crochet in 2 colors, with a short, repeating stitch pattern.
Size
12 inches square
Gauge
8 Tunisian simple stitches x 6 rows = 2 inches square (unblocked). In the stitch pattern, 2 full shells should be about 3.5 inches.
If you’re not familiar with the Tunisian simple stitch, see this tss tutorial.
Abbreviations used
ch = chain
Fp = forward pass
Rp = return pass
sk = skip
st(s) = stich(es)
yo = yarn over
Special Stitches
Shell: On return pass, yo and pull through 6 loops on hook.
Half shell: On return pass, yo and pull through 3 loops on hook
For shells and half shells, the next chain or stitch will create a horizontal bar on top of the shell. When working into the shell on the forward pass of the next row, work into this horizontal bar.
Instructions
With A, chain 43 (multiple of 6 + 1). If you want to adjust the size, add or remove chains in groups of 6.
Carry unused colors up along the side edge. When changing colors, always pick up the new color from in front of the old color. This will cause the yarns to twist, and create a neat, braided edge.
Row 1:
Fp: With A, and working into the back bumps of the chain, sk first ch, (insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each remaining ch across. (43 loops on hook)
Rp: With B, ch 3, shell (see Special Stitches), [ch 2, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, ch 2, shell] until 2 loops remain, ch 2, yo and pull through last 2 loops on hook. (7 shells)
Row 2:
Fp: With B, sk first st, [(insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the next 2 chs, insert hook in next shell, yo and pull up a loop, (insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the next 2 chs, insert hook in vertical bar of next st, yo and pull up a loop] 6 times, (insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the next 2 chs, insert hook in next shell, yo and pull up a loop, (insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the last 3 chs (43 loops on hook)
Rp: With A, half shell (see Special Stitches), ch 2, [yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, ch 2, shell, ch2 ] until 5 loops remain, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, ch 2, yo and pull through last 4 loops on hook. (6 shells)
Row 3:
Fp: With A, sk first st, [(insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the next 2 chs, insert hook in vertical bar of next st, yo and pull up a loop, (insert hook, yo and pull up a loop) in each of the next 2 chs, insert hook in next shell or half shell, yo and pull up a loop] across. (43 loops on hook)
Rp: With B, ch 3, shell, [ch 2, yo and pull through 2 loops on hook, ch 2, shell] until 2 loops remain, ch 2, yo and pull through last 2 loops on hook. (7 shells)
Rows 4-24: Repeat rows 2-3 10 times, then repeat row 2 once more.
Bind Off: With A, sk first st, (sl st in each of the next 2 chs, sl st in vertical bar of next st, sl st in each of the next 2 chs, sl st in next shell or half shell) across. (42 sl sts)
Fasten off both colors. Weave in ends. Wash and block.
