Create a timeless piece with the Ric Rac Shells Crochet Afghan, a stunning design featuring alternating wavy stripes in bold merlot and cozy cream. The varying stripe widths and rippling shell pattern create a visual rhythm reminiscent of classic ric rac trim, lending this afghan a unique and stylish flair. The result is a cozy, eye-catching throw that adds warmth and charm to any room in your home.

The shell stitch pattern is both fun and relaxing to crochet, making it an enjoyable project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. With its striking color contrast and inviting texture, this afghan is sure to become a favorite accent in your living space or a treasured handmade gift for someone special.

Skill Level: Easy

Size: 43” x 53”

Gauge: 4 rows = 3”; 4 V Sts = 3 ¼”

Materials

Yarn: Red Heart with Love (100% acrylic; 230 yards [211 meters]/198 grams): #1915 Merlot (2 skeins), #1303 Aran (2 skeins)
Hook: US size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook or size needed for gauge

Special Stitches

Shell: (2 dcs, ch 1, 2 dcs) in space or stitch as indicated.
V Stitch (V St): (dc, ch 1, dc) in space or stitch as indicated.

Pattern

Row 1 (RS): With merlot ch 152, V St in 5th ch from hook, *skip 2 ch, V St in next ch, rep from * across to last 2 chs, skip 1 ch, dc in last, fasten off and turn. (49 V Sts)
Row 2 (WS): Join aran with a sl st in first dc, ch 2, V St in each ch 1 space of V St across, dc in last dc, turn and fasten off.
Row 3: Join merlot and continue with Row 2, fasten off and turn.
Row 4: Join aran and continue with Row 2, turn and do not fasten off.
Row 5: Ch 3, [Shell in ch 1 sp of V St, ch 1, skip 1 V St] across, Shell in last ch 1 sp of V St, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 6: Ch 3, [V St in ch 1 sp of Shell, V St in ch 1 sp] across, dc in last dc, ch 3 and turn.
Row 7: Ch 3, dc in same st, [ch 1, skip 1 V St, Shell in ch 1 sp of next V St] across to last V St, ch 1, skip V St, 2 dc in last dc, fasten off and turn.
Row 8: Join merlot in first dc and continue with Row 2, fasten off and turn.
Row 9: Join aran and continue with Row 2, fasten off and turn.
Row 10: Join merlot and continue with Row 2, turn and do not fasten off.
Rows 11-13: Repeat Rows 5, 6 and 7, fasten off after Row 7 and turn.
Row 14: Join aran and continue with Row 2.
Continue pattern as established for a total of 70 rows.

Edging

With merlot work along top edge Shell in ch 1 space of first V St, [ch 2, sc in ch 1 space of next V St, ch 2, Shell in ch 1 space of next V St] across, ending ch 2, Shell in ch 1 space of last V St.
Work along side edge ch 2, sc in first dc, [ch 1, 3 dcs in next dc, ch 1, sc in next dc] across.
Work along bottom edge ch 2, Shell in first bottom V St, [ch 2, sc in next V St, ch 2, Shell in next V St] across ending ch 2, Shell in last V St.
Work along side edge ch 2, sc in first dc, [ch 1, 3 dcs in next dc, ch 1, sc in next dc] across, join to beginning Shell and fasten off.
Weave in all ends and trim.