Consistency between panels is more important than exact gauge.
Stitches Used
Pattern Notes
The blanket is worked in separate panels, then joined together using reverse single crochet, creating a decorative and sturdy seam.
This construction makes the project highly portable and manageable.
Stitch patterns are reversible, making the blanket beautiful from every angle.
Shell Panel (Make 5)
Using Color A, chain 7; join with a slip stitch to form a ring. Turn.
Row 1:
Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc in center of ring, ch 3, 3 dc, turn.
Row 2:
Ch 3 (counts as dc), in the ch-3 space of previous row work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc), dc in last stitch (the turning ch-3 from previous row), turn.
Repeat Row 2 until you have 50 shells total.
Fasten off A; join B.
Edging (Shell Panel)
Using B, begin at one short end:
Work 15 tr evenly across the short end.
Along the long edge, work 3 dc in each ch-3 space (49 groups of 3 dc = 147 sts).
Repeat on the opposite short end and long edge.
Join with a slip stitch in the first stitch and fasten off.
Stripe Panel (Make 6)
Using Color C, chain 149.
Row 1:
Hdc in third ch from hook (skipped ch-2 counts as first st) and in each chain across. Turn.
—147 hdc plus beginning chain.
Important: All panels must be the same length to ensure accurate joining. Mark Row 1 on the right side.
Row 2:
Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each stitch across. Turn.
Fasten off C; join B with a slip stitch in first stitch.
Row 3 (RS):
Ch 1, sc in first hdc, tr in next hdc, sc in next hdc, tr in next hdc; repeat across. Turn.
Row 4:
Ch 1, sc in first tr, tr in next sc, sc in next tr, tr in next sc; repeat across. Turn.
Fasten off B; join C with a slip stitch in first tr.
Row 5 (RS):
Ch 2 (counts as first st), hdc in next sc and in each stitch across. Turn.
Row 6:
Ch 2, hdc in each stitch across.
Fasten off.
Finishing
Joining the Panels
(Refer to layout photo)
Place one Shell Panel and one Stripe Panel together with wrong sides facing.
Join yarn with a slip stitch through the back loops only of both panels.
Ch 1 and work Rev sc evenly from left to right.
Fasten off.
Repeat until you have five sets of two panels. Join these sets together in the same manner.
Join the final Stripe Panel to the remaining Shell Panel edge, resulting in 11 panels total, with Stripe Panels on both sides and between each Shell Panel.
Weave in all ends using a yarn needle.
Edging
Side Edges
Join C at one side.
Row 1: Working in front loop only, Rev sc evenly along the side. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, working in back loop only, sc evenly along side.
Fasten off.
Repeat on the opposite side.
End Edges
Join C in a corner stitch.
Row 1:
Ch 1, on Stripe Panels, work 9 sc evenly; on Shell Panels, sc in next st, [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts] across.
Repeat across, ending with 9 sc on last Stripe Panel. Turn.
Row 2:
Ch 1, on Stripe Panels, sc in first 2 sts, skip 2 sts, work 10 tr in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts; on Shell Panels, sc across, increasing 1 stitch every fourth stitch.
Repeat across. Fasten off.
The A Soft Shells Baby Blanket is a beautifully textured, thoughtfully constructed project that balances elegance with practicality. Its panel-based design makes it approachable and portable, while the combination of shells and stripes gives it a classic, heirloom look—perfect for gifting or welcoming a new baby.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to the complete free pattern, where you can follow along step by step and begin creating this soft, cozy baby blanket. Happy crocheting! 🧶💛
