Lattice Shells Crochet Afghan in Bernat Velvet - BRC0502-012161M - Downloadable PDF

Lattice Shells Crochet Afghan in Bernat Velvet – Pattern Summary

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Bernat guides crocheters through creating a stunning Lattice Shells Crochet Afghan, a cozy blanket or throw featuring an elegant repeating shell motif arranged in a lattice-style layout. The finished piece measures approximately 45" x 60" [114.5 x 152.5 cm], making it a generous lap blanket or a comfortable full throw — ideal for draping over a sofa, gifting, or keeping warm on chilly evenings.

What Is Being Made

The project is a crocheted blanket or throw worked in a structured stitch pattern that combines classic shell clusters with slip stitch detailing to create a textured, lattice-like visual effect. The design uses two colors — a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (A) — to emphasize the interplay between the shell rows and the background fabric, giving the afghan a rich, dimensional appearance. The finished blanket is both decorative and functional, with a plush, substantial feel.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated Beginner to Easy, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore simple stitch combinations and two-color work. The repeat is straightforward once established, and the pattern includes a helpful stitch diagram to guide visual learners through the construction.

Techniques Used

• Two-color crochet – alternating between a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (A) across rows to create the lattice shell effect
• Shell construction – working 7 double crochet stitches into a single stitch to form a fan or shell cluster
• Back loop and front loop only crochet – working through the back loop (tbl) or front loop (tfl) of stitches to create raised texture and visual definition
• Yarn joining and breaking – color A is joined and broken at specific rows, while MC is carried through, requiring neat yarn management for a tidy finish
• Foundation chain setup – the afghan begins with a foundation chain of 130 stitches, worked over a multiple of 8 chains plus 2, establishing the stitch repeat from the very start
• Reading a stitch diagram – the pattern references a visual diagram to supplement written instructions

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – used for the foundation and turning chains
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining and transitional rows
• Slip stitch through back loop (sl st-tbl) – a key textural stitch that anchors the shell rows and creates the lattice grid effect
• Half double crochet (hdc) – forms the background fabric rows between shell rows
• Half double crochet through back loop (hdctbl) – adds raised texture to the background sections
• Half double crochet through front loop (hdctfl) – used in specific rows to create contrast and depth
• Double crochet (dc) – the building block of the shell clusters
• Double crochet through back loop (dctbl) – used within the 7-stitch shell fans to enhance the three-dimensional quality of each shell

Materials – Yarn and Hook

This afghan is designed for chunky weight yarn, and the pattern is published under the Bernat brand, intended for use with Bernat Velvet yarn. Bernat Velvet is a popular super bulky to chunky yarn known for its incredibly soft, velvety texture and rich color range, which makes it especially well-suited to a plush home décor project like this throw. The combination of the velvet yarn's drape and the shell stitch pattern results in a blanket with beautiful stitch definition and a luxuriously soft hand feel.

The recommended gauge is 10 half double crochet stitches and 9 rows to 4 inches [10 cm], which should be achieved with an appropriately sized crochet hook suited to chunky