The Shell Stitch Cowl with Crochet Ruffle Edging is quick to make, simple to follow along, and can be worked in 3 different sizes!

This design is worked in rows using basic crochet stitches like chain, single and double crochet, so it is really easy for beginners.

The shell cowl is finished with a crochet ruffle edging which is very easily worked with double crochet stitches.

The Shell Cowl with Crochet Ruffle Edging is a great pattern because:

  • Accessories are quick projects to work up!
  • The cowl is fastened with buttons, giving lots of style options!
  • Cowls make great gifts!
  • You’ll get to practice a lot of crochet skills: Rows, stitch tension, gauge & size, specialty stitches (like the shell and half shell), applying a border, working ruffles, finishing techniques & more!

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Little girl wearing blue shell stitch cowl with crochet ruffle edging

Policy for Individual Use

Pattern Designed By: Salena Baca Crochet. This pattern is copyright protected; it is unlawful to distribute this pattern in any form (free, sale or trade).

Click Here to purchase a downloadable PDF version of this pattern!

Shell Cowl with Crochet Ruffle Edging – Resources

Finished Shell Cowls

Need some inspiration? Check out other finished Shell Cowls with Crochet Ruffle Edging projects on ravelry today, right here:

YARN

Lion Brand Yarn Cotton-Ease, medium weight #4 yarn (50% Acrylic + 50% Cotton; 207 yds/189 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein): Terracotta x 1 skein (all sizes)

For even more information about yarn, including how to substitute yarn in a crochet project, here are all my best tips to follow: Understanding Yarn Substitution: An Easy Reference For Crocheters

HOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS 

  • US Size H/8 5.00 mm Crochet Hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle
  • 1” buttons x 2

GAUGE

  • 2 pattern shells = 4” 
  • 7 pattern rows = 4”

SIZES / FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (without ruffles)

  • Child: 22” long x 6” wide
  • Teen: 24” long x 6” wide
  • Adult: 26” long x 6” wide

STITCH KEY

SPECIALTY STITCHES / TECHNIQUES

  • Shell = Work 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch.
  • Half Shell = Work 3 double crochet stitches into the same stitch.

PATTERN NOTES:

  • Cowl is worked in one piece and written in two sections: Cowl (rows), Border (rounds).
  • Either side of fabric can be right side (reversible). Right side of ruffles determines right side of piece.
  • Ruffles add 2” length and width to fabric.
  • Stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 6 + 1 (+1 for starting Ch), and any row multiple.
Woman leaning on tree wearing white shell cowl with crochet ruffle edging

Shell Cowl with Crochet Ruffle Edging Pattern

Cowl – Child (Teen, Adult)

Row 1: Ch 20, skip 1 Ch (not a St), Sc, [skip 2 Sts, Shell into next St, skip 2 Sts, Sc into next St] 3 times – 19 Sts; 4 Sc + 3 Shells

Row 2:  Ch 3 (not a St), turn, Half Shell into Sc, [Sc into 3rd Dc of next Shell, Shell into next Sc], 2 times, Sc into 3rd Dc of next Shell, Half Shell into last Sc – 19 Sts; 2 Half Shells + 3 Sc + 2 Shells

Row 3: Ch 1 (not a St), turn, Sc into first Dc of Half Shell, [Shell into next Sc, Sc into 3rd Dc of next Shell]  2 times, Shell into next Sc, Sc into last Dc of Half Shell – 19 Sts; 4 Sc + 3 Shells

Repeat row 2 and 3 until 40 (44, 48) rows are complete. Do not fasten off.

Crochet Ruffle Edging – All Sizes

Round 1 (Right Side): Ch 1 (not a St), Turn to work across Left side of Cowl. Work 1 Sc into each Sc row end and 2 Sc into each Dc row end. Turn to work across Row 1 of Cowl. Work 1 Sc into each St across. Turn to work across Right side of Cowl. Work 1 Sc into each Sc row end and 2 sc into each Dc row end. Turn to work across last row of Cowl. Work 1 Sc into each St across, Sl St into top of first Sc to join – 158 (170, 182) Sc

Round 2: Ch 3 (not a St), work 3 Dc into each St around, Sl St into top of first St to join, fasten off – 474 (510, 546) Dc

Finishing

  • Thread yarn needle with 20” of yarn. 
  • Sew buttons onto first Sc St of row 2 and row 8, along Right edge of cowl. 
  • Sew in ends, trim excess.

Shell Stitch Chart

This shell stitch chart follows the pattern through the first three rows, which can be followed with the written instructions exactly.

crochet pattern diagram with stitch key

Video Chat

Learn more about the Shell Cowl with Crochet Ruffle Edging from the author – Salena Baca – in this quick video chat today:

Click Here to share your finished project in our community!

Peace + Love + Crochet

Salena

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