Shells have been used in crochet patterns from the very early days of crochet. Traditionally shells were used in lacy designs and thread crochet, but they work very well in modern designs and in thicker yarn.

Shells are made simply by working several stitches in one place. This pattern uses shells and clusters and in traditional lace crochet the two stitches are often used together. This generous scarf combines shells with crochet clusters, to create a more intricate looking design. Clusters are worked by gathering several stitches together in one place, it’s like the opposite of a shell stitch.

The yarn I’ve used is double knit. A blend from Hobbi (you could substitute Cascade superwash, wave) and two colours that pick out colours from the blended yarn, both from Cascade yarns.