Slanting Shells Wrap

Slanting Shells Wrap by Creations By Courtney

What is Being Made

The Slanting Shells Wrap is a crocheted shawl designed by Creations By Courtney. This wrap measures 68 inches long by 16 inches wide, making it an ideal accessory for layering and warmth. The finished piece features a distinctive slanting shell stitch pattern that creates visual movement and texture throughout the garment.

Craft and Project Type

This is a crochet project classified as a shawl. The design is rated as beginner difficulty level, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who are new to shawl construction or those looking to expand their stitch repertoire with a straightforward, approachable pattern.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Slanting Shells Wrap employs several fundamental crochet stitches and techniques:

• Chain (ch): The foundational stitch used to create the base of the pattern
• Single Crochet (sc): Used throughout the pattern to create structure and definition
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that forms the bulk of the decorative elements
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Foundation Double Crochet (fdc): An alternative method for creating the initial foundation row
• Shell Stitch: The signature stitch of this pattern, created by working 5 double crochets into a single indicated stitch, producing the characteristic shell appearance

The pattern is constructed using a repeating motif of shells separated by single crochet stitches and chain-5 spaces. The slanting effect is achieved through the strategic placement of these shell stitches across rows, creating diagonal lines that move across the finished wrap.

Materials and Tools Required

The Slanting Shells Wrap requires the following materials and tools:

• Yarn: Big Twist Yarns Gradients in the Ocean colorway (100% Acrylic; 580 yards/530 meters total). One kit of 5 skeins is needed to complete the project
• Crochet Hook: US Size I/9 (5.50 mm)
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing
• Stitch Markers: For tracking pattern repeats and row progression
• Measuring Tape: For checking dimensions and gauge accuracy
• Scissors: For cutting yarn
• Ruler: Recommended for measuring gauge; the pattern notes suggest using two rulers positioned perpendicular to each other to accurately count slanted shells

Yarn Weight and Gauge

This project uses aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works well with the US Size I/9 crochet hook specified in the pattern. The gauge for this project is 10 pattern stitches (measured as one complete shell unit consisting of edge of shell, single crochet, chain-5, single crochet, and shell) equals 4 inches in width, with 6 pattern rows equaling 4 inches in height. Maintaining proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions of 68 inches by 16 inches.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized with clear instructions and a pattern key for easy reference. Each row begins with a half shell and continues with a series of full shells separated by single crochet stitches and chain-5 spaces. The pattern is worked in rows, with the final single crochet of each row placed in the third chain of the half shell from the previous row before turning to begin the next row. This construction method creates the slanting effect that gives the wrap its distinctive name and visual appeal.