This red heart chunky shells guide walks through the key details from the source pattern. The Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw is a warm project that blends warmth and style, perfect for chilly evenings. This throw shows a nice blend of shells and stripes, creating a cozy texture that can liven up any living space. Using vibrant colors, you can customize it to fit your home decor or own preferences.
Crocheted using a chunky yarn, this throw is not only soft but also works up relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for both new makers and skilled makers. With clear steps and a sweet pattern repeat, you will be able to enjoy crafting this cozy piece for yourself or as a heartfelt gift.
Red Heart Chunky Shells: Understanding the Construction of the Throw
The build of the throw uses switching rows of shells and stripes, which creates a clearly nice texture. The pattern consists of a series of rows that build upon each other to form the final piece. Each color change is intentional, enhancing the design’s full look. It’s key to pay focus to the right side of the work when joining a new color. This will affect the done look.
As you progress through the rows, you’ll notice that the pattern allows for a rhythmic repetition of stitches, making it easier to memorize as you work. The initial chain sets the base. From there, you will create shells and single crochet stitches that form the unique texture of the throw.
Tips for Managing Color Changes for This Throw
Managing color changes is crucial to getting a neat look for your throw. When you reach the end of a row and are ready to switch colors, fasten off the old color and join the new color at the start of the next row. This ensures clean transitions between colors without visible knots. It may also be helpful to use a stitch marker on the right side of the first row to fast identify the front of your work through the project.
Also, check weaving in loose ends as you go to avoid a lengthy ending process. This approach keeps your workspace tidy and allows you to focus on the crochet itself without the distraction of dealing with many tails at the end.
Pattern Specifications and Measurements
Sizes & fit
Throw measures about 45 x 56” [114.5 x 142 cm].
Gauge & motif dimensions
One pattern repeat = about 2¼” [5.5 cm]; Rows 1–9 = about 5” [12.5 cm]. Note: One pattern repeat consists of a shell GAUGE. Use any size to obtain the gauge. Continued…Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw Cozy up with this chunky weight throw! Crocheted in the colors shown or your own color choices, it is perfect for keeping any member of the family warm on a wintry evening. Throw measures about 45 x 56” [114.5 x 142 cm].
Hook specified in the pattern
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 9 mm [US M-13]
Required Materials for the Throw
RED HEART® Comfort Chunky®: 1 ball each of 4455 Claret A, 4453 Fudge B, 4456 Blue Jeans C, 4452 Cream D Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 9 mm [US M-13] Yarn needle
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw
What is the best way to ensure I have the correct gauge?
To ensure you achieve the correct gauge, it is key to create a gauge swatch before starting the throw. This will help you determine if your tension matches the pattern’s requirements. After making your swatch, measure it well. If your swatch matches the gauge, you can confidently proceed with the pattern. If it does not match, you may need to adjust your tension or try a distinct hook size.
How can I customize the size of the throw?
Customizing the size of the throw can be achieved by adjusting the starting chain length. Make sure your chain is a many of the pattern repeat. Is critical for keeping the design’s integrity. You can add or remove chains based on how large or small you want the done throw to be.
Keep in mind that altering the size may also affect the amount of yarn needed. It is advisable to purchase additional yarn if you plan to make a significantly larger throw to ensure color continuity.
What should I do if I run into issues with my stitches?
If you encounter issues with your stitches, such as uneven tension or missed stitches, don’t hesitate to undo sections and correct them. Crochet is forgiving. Working back to the point of error can help you maintain the quality of your project.
Pay close focus to the stitch counts at the end of each row. This can help you identify where things may have gone wrong. Note, practice makes perfect, and each project is an opportunity to improve your skills.
Detailed Instructions for the Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw
With A, ch 104.
Row 1 (right side): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *skip next 2 ch, shell in next ch, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * across—17 shells and 18 sc.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), turn, sc in ch-2 space of first shell, ch 2, dc in next sc, *ch 2, sc in ch-2 space of next shell, ch 2, dc in next sc; repeat from * across—34 ch-2 spaces, 17 sc and 18 dc.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first dc, *shell in next sc, sc in next dc; repeat from * across working the last sc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5—17 shells and 18 sc. Rows 4 and 5: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
Row 6: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off. With right side facing, draw up a loop of C in first dc.
Row 7 (right side): Ch 1, sc in first dc, *ch 2, sc in next sc, ch 2, sc in next dc; repeat from * across working the last sc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5—34 ch-2 spaces and 35 sc. Rows 8 and 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 2, sc in next sc; repeat from * across. Fasten off. With right side facing, draw up a loop of B in first sc.
Row 10 (right side): Ch 1, sc in first sc, *shell in next sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * across—17 shells and 18 sc.
Rows 11–15: Repeat Rows 2–6. Fasten off. With right side facing, draw up a loop of D in first dc.
Rows 16–18: With D, repeat Rows 7–9. Fasten off. With right side facing, draw up a loop of A in first sc.
Row 19 (right side): With A, repeat Row 10.
Rows 20–36: Repeat Rows 2–18.
Rows 37–72: Repeat Rows 19–36 twice more. Fasten off. With right side facing, draw up a loop of B in first dc.
Row 73: Repeat Row 10.
Rows 74–87: Repeat Rows 2–15. Fasten off.
BORDER
With right side facing and Row 87 at top, draw up a loop of D in first sc (following corner).
Round 1 (right side): Ch 1, sc in same sc, *ch 2, sc in next dc, ch 2, sc in next sc; repeat from * to beginning ch-5, ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in 3rd ch of beginning ch-5 for corner; working in ends of rows across side edge, ch
Pattern skill level: Intermediate.
RedHeart.com Page 2 of 2 2, skip remainder of beginning ch-5, sc in end of next sc row, [ch 2, skip next row, sc in end of next sc row] twice, **ch 2, skip end of next 2 sc rows, sc in end of next sc row, [ch 2, skip next row, sc in end of next sc row] 3 times; repeat from ** across side edge; working across opposite side of foundation ch, (sc, ch 2, sc) in first ch, ***ch 2, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; repeat from *** across working (sc, ch 2, sc) in last ch; working in ends of rows across next side edge, sc in end of first sc row, ****[ch 2, skip next dc row, sc in end of next sc row] 3 times, ch 2, skip end of next 2 sc rows, sc in end of next sc row; repeat from **** to last 5 rows, [ch 2, skip next dc row, sc in end of next sc row] twice, ch 2, skip last dc row, (sc, ch 2, sc) in first dc of Row 87, ch 2; join with slip st in first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc and ch around working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner ch-2 space; join with slip st in first sc. Note: In following rounds, skip more or fewer stitches at corners, as needed.
Round 3 (wrong side): Ch 1, turn, sc in next sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner ch-2 space; join with slip st in first sc.
Round 4 (right side): Ch 1, turn, beginning in next ch-1 space, work sc in each sc and ch-1 space around working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner ch-2 space; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.
Round 5 (right side): With right side facing, draw up a loop of C in 3rd sc following any corner ch-2 space, ch 1, sc in same sc, *skip next 2 sc, shell in next sc, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around working corner-shell in each corner ch-2 space; join with slip st in first sc.
Round 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sc as joining, *sc in ch-2 space of next shell, shell in next sc; repeat from * around working at each corner: skip first 2 dc of corner-shell, sc in next dc, shell in ch-2 space of corner-shell, sc in next dc, skip last 2 dc of corner-shell; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.
Round 7: Slip st in each st to ch-2 space of first shell, (slip st, ch 1, sc, ch 2, sc) in first ch-2 space, ch 2, sc in next sc, *ch 2, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 space of next shell, ch 2, sc in next sc; repeat from * around working at each corner: ch 2, skip next dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in corner ch-2 space, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next dc, ch 2, skip next dc; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
ABBREVIATIONS
A, B, C = Color A, Color B, Color C etc;
| Abbreviation | Meaning in the original pattern |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es); () = work directions in parentheses into same st; [ ] = work directions in brackets the number of times specified; *, **, *** or *** = repeat whatever follows the *, **, ***, or **** as indicated. |
Once you have gathered your supplies and understood the pattern, it’s time to start making your Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to make it your own with color choices that reflect your style!
Save & Print This Crochet Pattern
Prefer working offline or keeping a printed copy in your project bag? Download our formatted Crochet Chunky Shells & Stripes Throw printable PDF guide below, complete with the full materials table, stitch diagrams, color-key charts, and step-by-step assembly instructions prepared for Derecipe.
READER COMMENTS & PATTERN QUESTIONS
Have a question about stitch counts, yarn substitutions, or sizing? Leave a comment below — Mary Ward reads and replies to every maker question!