Crochet Shell Stitch Shawl

Instructions

Tap a section when you finish it.

1. 1Foundation chainChain 242 with the 5 mm hook so the chain stays loose. Place a locking marker every 20 chains to make counting easier. The chain must be a multiple of 6 + 2 (6 x 40 + 2); 40 shells fit it exactly.
2. 2Row 1Change to the 4.5 mm hook. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, *skip 2 ch, shell in next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in next ch* 40 times. (40 shells, 41 sc) Turn. This is the top (neck) edge of the shawl and the longest row.
3. 3Decreasing rowsRow 2: without chaining, sl st in each of the first 3 sts (the sc and the first 2 dc of the shell); sc in the 3rd (centre) dc of the shell. *Skip 2 sts, shell in next sc, skip 2 sts, sc in centre dc of next shell* to end. After the sc in the centre of the last shell, leave the remaining stitches unworked and turn. (39 shells) Work every following row like Row 2; each row loses 1 shell and the shawl narrows by half a shell at each side.
4. 4BodyContinue the decreasing rows to Row 40: Row 3 has 38 shells, Row 10 has 31, Row 20 has 21, Row 30 has 11 and Row 40 has 1 shell. Count your shells every 5 rows; the number must drop by exactly 1 each row. After Row 40, cut the yarn leaving 15 cm.
5. 5Top edge borderJoin the yarn at one end of the foundation chain. Working along the other side of the chain, sc in each ch across the top edge. (241 sc) This row stabilises the neck edge and keeps it from stretching. Fasten off.
6. 6Finishing and blockingWeave in all ends. Soak the shawl, remove excess water, pin the top edge in a straight line and pin out the curved edge of each shell individually. Remove the pins when dry; the shells will be neatly fanned out.