78. Openwork shell earring

Openwork Shell Earring by Oksana Volytska

What is Being Made

These are delicate crocheted earrings designed with an openwork shell motif, often referred to as "Beige wings earrings." The design creates lightweight, decorative jewelry pieces featuring an intricate lace-like pattern. Each earring is constructed by crocheting directly onto a metal base, then embellished with beads and finished with professional earring hardware for wearability.

Craft and Technique

This project uses crochet as the primary construction method, classified at an intermediate difficulty level. The technique involves working in rows to build dimensional texture using varying stitch heights, which creates the characteristic openwork or shell-like appearance. The pattern begins by securing 32 single crochet stitches around a metal base ring, establishing the foundation for the earring shape. Subsequent rows employ a strategic combination of stitch types to gradually increase in height and create visual interest through the interplay of shorter and taller stitches.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a comprehensive range of crochet stitches to achieve its openwork aesthetic:

• Chain (ch) – creates the foundation and turning chains between rows
• Single crochet (sc) – the shortest stitch, used for the initial base and structural elements
• Double crochet (dc) – a medium-height stitch that begins the gradual increase in stitch elevation
• Treble crochet (tr) – a taller stitch that contributes to the dimensional shell effect
• Double treble (dtr) – an even taller stitch that creates prominent peaks in the pattern
• Triple treble crochet (trtr) – the tallest stitch used, adding dramatic height variation
• Slip stitch (slst.) – used to join rounds and secure stitches without adding height
• Picot – a decorative element that adds delicate detail to the edges

Additional abbreviations referenced include space (sp), previous row (pr.), and skip (sk.) for pattern navigation.

Materials and Tools

The earrings are crafted using lace weight yarn, specifically Madame Tricote Almina cotton yarn (50g/170m or 1.76 oz/185 yards). Cotton is an excellent choice for jewelry as it provides structure while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. A steel crochet hook size 1.6 mm (UK 4, US 7) creates the fine, delicate stitches necessary for openwork jewelry. Additional materials include a pair of metal earring hooks for attachment, two eye pins for connecting components, two decorative beads of your choice, and a metal base such as a simple key-chain ring to anchor the initial stitches. Round pliers are required to manipulate and secure the eye pins and earring hardware.

Finished Dimensions

Using the specified materials, each completed earring measures approximately 2.36 inches by 1.38 inches, creating a substantial yet lightweight accessory suitable for everyday or special occasion wear.