The shell stitch is one of my favourite borders to put around things. Once I made an absolutely beautiful baby blanket and edged it with the shell stitch. Check back to see how it turned out. I just love that it adds an elegant finish to the project and it's so simple to do. If you look at my Ice Queen Hat Pattern you will notice that my crown is made of shell stitches. I also used it on the Baby Blueberry Beanie I made for my friend's new baby. As you can see, I use it frequently.
Here are the instructions to create a simple shell stitch border:
For a basic shell stitch edging you need to have a row that is divisible by 5, i.e. 250 stitches by 10 rows.
With the RS (right side) of your work facing you, join into the top right corner.
ch1, sc in same space, sk 1 stitch, complete 5dc in the next st, sk next st, *sc in the next st, sk next st, 5dc in next st, sk next st, rep from * until you have reach the end of your row.
Turn your work
sc in first space, sk st, 5dc in next st, sk st, sc in next st.
It's very simple to understand once you get the hang of it. It's mostly interchanging sc and 5dc between skipped stitches. If you want a bigger shell you can add more double crochets. Or for a different look try adding chains between the double crochets. For a beginner edging it's quick and easy to pick up. One variation I have seen on scarves is that only on edge has the shell stitch border. I really liked how it turned out. Try this one out for yourself. Who knows, maybe it will become your new favourite border?
Your turn:
What was the first border you tried?
What is your favourite border to put on afghan projects?
For a basic shell stitch edging you need to have a row that is divisible by 5, i.e. 250 stitches by 10 rows.
With the RS (right side) of your work facing you, join into the top right corner.
ch1, sc in same space, sk 1 stitch, complete 5dc in the next st, sk next st, *sc in the next st, sk next st, 5dc in next st, sk next st, rep from * until you have reach the end of your row.
Turn your work
sc in first space, sk st, 5dc in next st, sk st, sc in next st.
It's very simple to understand once you get the hang of it. It's mostly interchanging sc and 5dc between skipped stitches. If you want a bigger shell you can add more double crochets. Or for a different look try adding chains between the double crochets. For a beginner edging it's quick and easy to pick up. One variation I have seen on scarves is that only on edge has the shell stitch border. I really liked how it turned out. Try this one out for yourself. Who knows, maybe it will become your new favourite border?
Your turn:
What was the first border you tried?
What is your favourite border to put on afghan projects?