This Crochet Shell Scarf Pattern gives you an opportunity to learn a new, fancy shell stitch. It takes you to the next level of crochet creativity.
The scarf is made in a 2-row stitch pattern that you can easily memorize and complete in a weekend. Better yet, there’s a matching hat so you can make a set!
“Stacked Shells Scarf” free crochet pattern by Kim Guzman © May 2023. All rights reserved.
Technique: Regular Crochet.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Crochet Shell Scarf Pattern Free
Designer: Kim Guzman © 2022-24. All rights reserved.Rate the Pattern
Yarn
- Stylecraft “Special DK”, 100% acrylic, 322 yds/295m per 3.5 oz/100g per skein: 2 skeins, approx. 644 yards used, color Aspen
Other Materials
- Suggested Crochet Hook Size G-7 (4.5mm) or hook needed to meet gauge
- Yarn Needle for weaving ends
Instructions
- Work row 1 with a beginning chain count of a multiple of 10, plus 12.
- Work rows 2-3 to set up stitch pattern.
- Repeat rows 2-3 up to the suggested 149 total rows, or repeat until desired length.
Full Free Crochet Pattern Below
Crochet Pattern At A Glance
This is a free crochet pattern and the written instructions are below. If you prefer a printable download, a PDF is also available for purchase.
My Crochet Pattern Notes
I’ve decided to give this an Intermediate skill level. It’s not a difficult pattern to stitch. It simply has several stitches. There are double crochets, clusters, clusters worked into shells, back post and front post.
I think it was the back post double crochet that made me move it up to Intermediate. It’s a little more difficult to work from the back like that. It’s not impossible, of course. Just slow down and learn it then it’s all good.
This is a rectangle scarf pattern worked from short edge to short edge. It is worked on a 2-row repeat and easily memorized. Once the stitch pattern is learned, you can easily finish the scarf in a weekend.
I’ve stitched this project at a tighter tension than I would for something lacy. So, although most projects like this don’t provide much warmth, I’ve used a tighter gauge to give more warmth than a typical lightweight scarf while still maintaining the lightweight drape.
Matching Set Hat and Scarf
If you like making matching sets when making gifts, this scarf is a set with the Stacked Shells Beanie.
To make the full hat and scarf set, you would need 3 skeins of yarn and about 11 hours of crochet time.
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Finished Size
8.5″ wide x 60″ length.
Yarn
Stylecraft “Special DK”, 100% acrylic, 322 yds/295m per 3.5 oz/100g per skein: 2 skeins, approx. 644 yards used, color Aspen.
“Special Double Knit” is classified as a DK weight (size 3) yarn and is currently available in 100 shades.
Available at LoveCrafts (aff link). If you’re in the US, look up at the top right to switch to US Dollars. I’ve purchased from them for years and love the selection.
If you are unable to use Stylecraft Special DK, any acrylic or acrylic blend in size 3 lightweight yarn will be close enough.
Other Materials
Suggested Crochet Hook Size G-7 (4.5mm) or hook needed to meet gauge.
Yarn Needle for weaving ends.
Special Stitches
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Yarn over, insert hook to the side of the indicated stitch, move hook around the back of the stitch and out the other side of same stitch, yarn over, pull loop through, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice.
Note: Once you’ve worked the post stitch around the indicated double crochet (both front post and back post doubles), skip that double crochet; don’t work into it further. Move on to the next stitch with the next instruction.
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Yarn over, with hook in back of work, insert hook to the side of the indicated stitch, move hook around the front of the stitch and out the other side of same stitch with the hook now again on the back of work, yarn over, pull loop through, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice.
Cluster (cl): Yarn over, insert hook in stitch indicated, yarn over, pull loop through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, insert hook in same stitch, yarn over, pull loop through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook.
Shell Cluster (sh-cl): Cluster in stitch indicated, [chain 2, cluster in same stitch] 2 times.
Other Abbreviations
This free crochet scarf pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
ch=chain; dc=double crochet; rep=repeat; RS=right side; sc=single crochet; sk=skip.
All numbers after the colon at the end of an instruction are stitch counts. Use the stitch count to check your work.
Gauge
Worked in stitch pattern, approximately 19 stitches for 10 rows measures 4×4″.
Stitch Multiple
If you would like to make a wider project, make your initial chain any multiple of 10, then add 12.
Free Crochet Pattern Instructions
Row 1: Ch 42, sk 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, *ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in next 5 ch, rep from * to last 8 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in last 3 ch, turn.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 2, sk first dc, dc in next dc, *fpdc (see Special Stitches above) around next dc, sh-cl (see Special Stitches above) in next sc, fpdc around next dc, dc in next 3 dc, rep from * to last dc of 5-dc group, fpdc around next dc, sh-cl in next sc, fpdc around next dc, dc in last 2 dc, turn: 4 sh-cl.
Row 3: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc in next dc, *bpdc (see Special Stitches above) around next dc, ch 2, sc in center cl (see Special Stitches above) of sh-cl, ch 2, bpdc around next dc, dc in next 3 dc, rep from * to last dc of 5-dc group, bpdc around next dc, ch 2, sc in center cl of sh-cl, ch 2, bpdc around next dc, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Rows 4-149: Rep rows 2-3. Fasten off after final row.
Finishing
With yarn needle, weave in all ends securely.
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*Not intended to be blanket permission for mass production.
Clare Revell says
Little confused over the shell cluster. Are there 2 or3 clusters in the same stitch?
Kim Guzman says
Thank you for writing! The Shell Cluster is: cluster, ch 2, cluster, ch 2, cluster. I hope that helps!