Cape of Shells

Cape of Shells by Fuzzbutt Farms

Project Overview

The Cape of Shells is an intermediate-level crochet garment designed by Fuzzbutt Farms and crafted using the Aran weight yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a decorative cape featuring a shell stitch motif that repeats throughout the design, resulting in an elegant draped garment suitable for layering.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a wearable cape with a neckline measuring approximately 23 inches from end to end and a length of about 24 inches from top to bottom. The cape is fastened with 4 buttons positioned along the neckline, allowing for adjustable fit and secure closure. The shell stitch construction creates an open, lacy fabric with dimensional texture that drapes beautifully.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 7 skeins of Bernat Satin Rouge, each 3.5 oz (100g) with 200 yards (182 meters) per skein, totaling approximately 1,400 yards of Aran weight yarn
• Hook: Size G crochet hook
• Notions: 4 buttons for closure
• Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches across and 13 rows high, measuring 4 inches by 4 inches. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions of the cape.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Cape of Shells employs several fundamental crochet techniques combined to create its distinctive shell pattern. The construction begins with a foundation chain of 281 stitches worked loosely to establish the proper width.

Special Stitches

V-stitch: This special stitch is a key component of the pattern, consisting of one double crochet, one chain, and another double crochet all worked into the same stitch or space. This creates the characteristic V-shaped element that forms part of the shell motif.

Pattern Structure

The cape is constructed using a repeating four-row pattern sequence that builds the shell stitch design:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Single crochet stitches alternate with groups of 9 double crochets separated by skipped chains, creating the foundation for the shell pattern
• Row 2: V-stitches are worked into the single crochet stitches from the previous row, with chain-5 spaces skipping over the double crochet groups, establishing the open lacy structure
• Row 3: Double crochet clusters are worked over the chain-5 spaces from the previous row, with single crochets positioned into the chain-one space of the V-stitches, reinforcing the dimensional shell effect
• Row 4: The pattern repeats with V-stitches and chain-5 spaces, continuing the established motif

Construction Notes

The pattern employs a chain-3 turning chain that counts as one double crochet throughout the work, a standard technique in crochet garment construction. The shell groups are consistently spaced with skipped stitches between them, allowing the lace pattern to develop evenly across the width of the cape. Working over chain spaces from previous rows creates the dimensional, three-dimensional quality characteristic of shell stitch patterns.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches including single crochet, double crochet, and chain stitches, as well as comfort working with repeating pattern sequences and tracking stitch placement across multiple rows. The shell stitch construction and the need to work over previous row elements add complexity beyond beginner-level projects.