How to Crochet a Delicate Shell Border Baby Blanket

Here is a clear, step-by-step DIY tutorial based on the video transcript provided.

# How to Crochet a Delicate Shell Border Baby Blanket

This tutorial will guide you through creating a beautiful, soft baby blanket using a simple one-row repeat stitch pattern. The finished blanket is perfectly sized for a newborn (approximately 28.5 inches wide by 30.5 inches long) and features a lovely shell border. This project is a great way to use a single skein of yarn.

• Yarn: 1 skein of Premier Just Yarn Value Yarn (or any #4 Medium Weight/Worsted Weight yarn). The sample uses 875 yards (800 meters) of Light Blue (color 2125-11).
• Crochet Hook: Size I/9 (5.5 mm).
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers: Optional, but highly recommended for keeping track of rows.

The blanket is worked in rows from the bottom up, and then a border is added in the round.

Step 1: Create Your Foundation Chain

Start by making a slip knot on your hook. Chain 84 stitches. Remember, the loop on your hook does not count as a chain.

Step 2: Work Row 1 (Base Row)

This row establishes the stitch pattern.

1. Skip the first chain from your hook.
2. Insert your hook into the second chain.
3. Work a Single Crochet (sc) into that chain.
4. Work a Double Crochet (dc) into the same chain. You now have a (sc, dc) cluster in one chain.
5. Skip the next chain.
6. In the next chain, work a Single Crochet (sc) and a Double Crochet (dc) in the same stitch.
7. Repeat this pattern (skip a chain, then sc + dc in the next chain) all the way across the chain.
8. When you have 2 chains left, skip the next chain and work 1 Single Crochet (sc) into the very last chain. This is your final stitch.

Step 3: Repeat Row 2 (The One-Row Repeat)

This is the pattern you will repeat for the entire body of the blanket. You will work this row a total of 81 times.

1. Chain 1 and turn your work.
2. Skip the chain-1 turning chain from the previous row.
3. Insert your hook into the first stitch (under the top two loops).
4. Work a Single Crochet (sc) and a Double Crochet (dc) into the same stitch.
5. Skip the next stitch (which will be a Double Crochet from the previous row).
6. In the next Single Crochet stitch, work a Single Crochet (sc) and a Double Crochet (dc) .
7. Repeat this pattern (skip a dc, then sc + dc in the next sc) across the row.
8. At the end of the row, you will have two stitches left. Skip the Double Crochet stitch and work 1 Single Crochet (sc) into the last Single Crochet stitch.
9. Repeat this row until you have a total of 81 rows. Using stitch markers every 10th row will help you count.

Step 4: Begin the Border (Round 1)

Fasten off your yarn after row 81. We will now work a border in the round.

1. Join your yarn in the top-right corner stitch with a slip stitch.
2. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
3. Work 1 Half Double Crochet (hdc) into each stitch across the top edge. You should have 83 hdc stitches.
4. At the corner, Chain 2.
5. Work 1 Half Double Crochet (hdc) into each row-end stitch down the left side. You should have 81 hdc stitches.
6. At the next corner, work a hdc into the first chain of the foundation row, then Chain 2. Work another hdc into the same chain to complete the corner.
7. Work 1 Half Double Crochet (hdc) into each chain across the bottom edge. You should have 83 hdc stitches.
8. At the next corner, Chain 2.
9. Work 1 Half Double Crochet (hdc) into each row-end stitch up the right side. You should have 81 hdc stitches.
10. At the final corner, work a hdc into the last row-end stitch (at the base of the first hdc of the round), Chain 2, and join with a slip stitch to the top of the first hdc of the round.

Step 5: Work the Shell Border (Round 2)

1. Slip stitch into the next two stitches to move your starting position.
2. Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
3. In the same stitch, work: 2 hdc, Chain 2, 2 hdc. This is your first Shell Stitch.
4. Skip the next 2 stitches.
5. In the next stitch, work another Shell Stitch (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc).
6. Repeat this pattern (skip 2 stitches, shell stitch in the next stitch) all the way across the top edge. You should have 2 stitches remaining before the corner.
7. At the corner chain-2 space: Work 4 hdc, Chain 2, 4 hdc.
8. Continue the pattern down the side: Skip 2 stitches, work a Shell Stitch in the next stitch. Repeat until you have 3 stitches remaining before the next corner.
9. Skip all 3 stitches and work the corner (4 hdc, ch 2, 4 hdc) into the corner chain-2 space.
10. Repeat the pattern across the bottom edge (skip 2 stitches, shell stitch in the next) until you have 2 stitches left before the corner.
11. Work the corner (4 hdc, ch 2, 4 hdc) into the corner chain-2 space.
12. Repeat the pattern up the final side (skip 2 stitches, shell stitch in the next) until you have 3 stitches left.
13. Skip the last 3 stitches and work the final corner (4 hdc, ch 2, 4 hdc) into the corner chain-2 space.
14. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first hdc of the round.
15. Fasten off and weave in all ends securely with a yarn needle.

• Stitch Count: For the body of the blanket, use a stitch multiple of 2. For example, a chain of 84 stitches will give you 41 (sc, dc) clusters + 1 final sc.
• Row Counting: Place a stitch marker every 10th row. This makes it much easier to count your progress and ensures you reach the correct 81 rows.
• Identifying Stitches: In the one-row repeat, you only work your (sc, dc) clusters into the Single Crochet stitches from the row below. The Double Crochet stitches are always skipped.
• Border Tension: When working the border down the sides of the blanket, work into the row-end stitches evenly. Pulling your work gently will help you see the stitches more clearly.
• Corner Adjustments: The special corner technique in Round 1 of the border helps prevent the corners from pulling and distorting. Follow the instructions carefully for a neat, flat finish.