The Shelly Crochet Cardigan has a pretty, lacy shell stitch. It’s open, airy, girly, and the perfect summer accessory!
It has a feminine, lacy look. And with an easy two row repeat, it works up rather quickly! I will say that after all was said and done, I’m not a fan of my yarn choice. I like the silver sheen, but it was splitty and hard to work with. Now after wearing it a couple times, it’s become rather fuzzy. If I make one again, I’ll most likely choose a cotton yarn instead.
This cardigan can be dressed up or down… either way I’m in love with this piece! I really enjoy making clothing pieces. This cardigan is definitely one of my favorite pieces so far.
Shelly Crochet Cardigan
– Get the free pattern below or this pattern is also available as an inexpensive, clearly formatted, PDF instant download in my Etsy Shop or Ravelry Shop!
– PIN for later HERE
– Add to your Ravelry Queue HERE
Materials
198 – 396 yards worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn (I used a little over 1 skein (198 yards) of Yarn Bee Soft Secret in Mist for a small)
5.0 mm hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Level
Intermediate
Pattern notes & stitches to know
Sl st – slip stitch
Ch – chain
Dc – double crochet
Sc – single crochet
Special Stitches
V stitch – dc, ch 3, dc
Shell – (dc, ch 1) 4 times + dc
Pattern is written in small, medium is noted in ( ), and large is noted in [ ]
Finished Size—measurements are approximate
Small – pictured (I’m 5’0″)
Width: 17.5 inches
Length: 19 inches
Medium – noted in ( )
Width: 20.5 inches
Length: 21 inches
Large – noted in [ ]
Width: 23. 5 inches
Length: 24 inches
CARDIGAN
Ch 61 (71) [81]
Row 1: in 8th chain from the hook work (dc, ch 3, dc), *ch 1, skip 4 stitches, (dc, ch 3, dc)* repeat from * to * to last 3 ch, skip 2, ch 1, dc in last chain (11 v stitches, (13 v stitches), [15 v stitches])
Row 2: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into next chain (11 shells, (13 shells), [15 shells])
Row 3: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * to last shell, dc in top of ch 3 from previous round (11 v stitches, (13 v stitches), [15 v stitches])
Repeat rows 2 & 3
For small: to row 22
For Medium: to row 24
For Large: to row 26
***Or until desired length***
Now you will start working on one of the front panels
Row 23 (25) [27]: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across the next 5 shells (6 shells) [7 shells], dc3tog across last dc in current shell and first 2 dc’s in next shell (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])
Row 24 (26) [28]: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into last stitch (5 shells, (6 v shells), [7 shells])
Row 25 (27) [29]: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous round, (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])
Repeat pattern
For small: to row 44
For medium: to row 48
For large: to row 52
***Or until desired length***
Ch 4, turn, *sc in 3rd dc in next shell, ch 3*, repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row
Fasten off, weave in the ends.
Now you will work on the second front panel.
Turn work so the finished front panel is on the right. You will work in the center shell with your dc3tog in row 22, (24), [26].
Row 23 (25) [27]: Skip one stitch, join yarn, ch 3, dc2tog, ch 1, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])
Row 24 (26) [28]: ch 3, turn, shell in each ch 3 space across to the last v stitch, skip ch 1, dc into next chain (5 shells, (6 v shells), [7 shells])
Row 25 (27) [29]: ch ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across, dc in last stitch, (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches])
Repeat pattern
For small: to row 44
For medium: to row 48
For large: to row 52
Ch 4, turn, *sc in 3rd dc in next shell, ch 3*, repeat from * to * across, dc in top of ch 3 from previous row
Fasten off, weave in the ends.
Fold front panels down on top of the back, wrong side out (there isn’t technically a “right” side, just whichever side you like best)
Using a piece of yarn twice the length of the area you want to stitch and your yarn needle, whipstitch the sides closed. Leave room at the top for armholes.
Fasten off, weave in all the ends.
Turn right side out.
Looking for more patterns? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Please share a pic of your finished product with me. I’d love to see it!
NEVER MISS A PATTERN!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a FREE ebook with 3 of my favorite patterns PLUS patterns straight to your inbox. You’ll also get a heads up about upcoming giveaways, events, and crochet alongs.
>>>HOOKED ON HOMEMADE NEWSLETTER<<<
This is beautiful! My daughter has been wanting me to crochet her a vest and this is perfect. I will make one for here and one for me. Love all you work !!!
Awesome!!! 😀
Is there a video tutorial for this please?
Hi! No, I don’t have a video for this pattern.
I purchased the pattern for the Shelly Crochet Cardigan a couple days ago. Super easy to make with great instructions!
That’s great! Thank you ?
Hi,,quick question….when you describe the shell stitch, and you say (dc, ch 1) 4 times + dc…what is that dc at the end? Is that just at the end of the row? Or is that between each shell stitch? Thanks…
It’s the last dc in the shell 🙂 The shell is (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc)
Thanks for letting us know about your experience with the yarn you used. I’m going to look thru the yarn I have and see if anything is suitable. Otherwise I guess I can order something online since I don’t want to go to a store. Im in that high risk for the virus. I’m going to make this for a close friend of my son and daughter-law. Her name is Shelly and we all love her. She’s always there to help in any situation.
If I want to make a larger size could I add more chains and adjust the pattern accordingly?
Yes 🙂 The chain needs to be a multiple of 10 + 1
I’m having trouble trying to figure out where I’m supposed to crochet together. Specifically this:
Row 23 (25) [27]: ch 4 (counts as dc + 1), turn, *v stitch in 3rd dc of next shell, ch 1* repeat from * to * across the next 5 shells (6 shells) [7 shells], dc3tog across last dc in current shell and first 2 dc’s in next shell (5 v stitches, (6 v stitches), [7 v stitches]) Can u help me with this?
Hi! When you make your last V stitch across the row you will be working in the middle of a shell. Insert your hook in the last dc of that same shell, start a dc, then in the next shell finish the dc3tog in the next 2 dc of the next shell
Is the pattern in UK or US terms?
US
I’m trying to make the large size and I keep getting only 13 v stitches. What am I doing wrong? Too bad you don’t have a video.