Free Pattern – Spiral Seashell Motif

both shells verticalThis is an easy and quick seashell pattern, worked mostly in continuous rounds. It has two edging options, to give you more flexibility in how you use it.

As written it makes a great coaster. You could size it up with a larger hook and chunkier yarn to make a nice hot pad / trivet, or you can size it down with a smaller hook and thread for jewelry.

I’m currently working on several patterns that use this motif as a starting point, so look for those to start coming out soon! When they are available, you will be able to find all my spiral seashell related patterns here.


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Spiral Seashell Motif

4-medium

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Materials:

Difficulty:

Intermediate – Techniques include magic circle, working in the round, and some back stitching or straight stitching over the finished piece for the spiral detail.

Size / Gauge:

This pattern works up as quickly as a separate gauge swatch would, so it’s easier to use the shell itself to measure gauge. Without the edging, the shell should measure approximately 4.25 inches (about 10.5 cm) at its widest point.

Abbreviations used:

  • ch = chain
  • sc = single crochet
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side

Notes:

  • Most of the shell is worked in continuous rounds. Do not turn, join rounds, or use starting chains unless specifically indicated.
  • Use a stitch marker or scrap piece of yarn to mark the first stitch of each round (move marker for each new round).
  • Using the magic circle technique instead of the starting chain will result in a more solid center. The samples shown in the pictures were all made using the magic circle technique.
  • Slip stitches are not included in any of the stitch counts that are noted at the end of rounds

Recommended Resources:

Shell:

With beige, ch 2, OR use magic circle technique

Rnd 1 (RS): 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, OR ch 1, work 6 sc in magic circle and pull circle closed. Mark this round as right side.

Rnd 2: 2 hdc in each st (12 hdc)

Rnd 3: 2 dc in each st (24 dc)

Rnd 4: 2 dc in first st, (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 11 times, dc in next st (36 dc)

Row 5: Turn, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 3 times, (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts) twice, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in next st. Fasten off. (24 sts)

Edging:

Option 1: Crocheted edging – thicker outside edge

Rnd 6 (RS): With RS facing, join brown with sl st in same st that the last st from round 4 was worked into (see Fig 1). Sl st in each st around (do not work into the sides of the stitches on rounds 4 & 5), Fasten off

With yarn needle and brown yarn, and using Fig 1 and the main picture as a guide, embroider the spiral detail with a backstitch or running stitch. Start at the first stitch of the edging rnd and work inwards along the spiral pattern created by the stitches. Do not embroider along the stitches directly below row 5. Working outwards again, add the perpendicular lines, increasing the space between them as you go. Weave in all loose ends.

Spiral Seashell Motif - Figure 2
Click to enlarge

Option 2: Sewn edging – thinner outside edge

With yarn needle and brown yarn, and using Fig 2 as a guide, embroider the spiral detail with a backstitch or running stitch. Start at the top of the first stitch of row 5, work inwards along the spiral pattern created by the stitches. Do not embroider along the stitches directly below row 5. Working outwards again, add the perpendicular lines, increasing the space between them as you go. Weave in all loose ends.

Spiral Seashell Motif Fig 1
Click to enlarge

 


I hope you enjoy the pattern! An ad-free, downloadable pdf of this pattern is also available in my Craftsy store for a $2 fee. The pdf includes the Spiral Seashell bag, square, and motif patterns. The fee for the pdf format is to offset the advertising revenue lost when you print or download the pattern rather than viewing it online.

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