What are the sizes for changing the middle of blankets to accommodate your needs? This article has the square version plus four other sizes common for babies, kids, and multiple bed sizes. Those in hospitals or seated positions such as wheelchairs must keep their legs warm.
I have provided a crochet diagram. Written instructions for the square version, initially supplied by Yarnspirations, are also included. The four rectangle swatches used Caron One Pound.
Even with a striping colour like Red Heart Super Saver Stripes, this type of stitch is fun to watch and see what happens.
This article features the Small Crochet Interlocking Shells perfect for Baby Blankets. Below is the medium-size, and the colour is changed every four rounds instead.
Sizing
Each size has been checked to see how it will grow. For example, the XL has to have a long enough centre so that when it grows outward, it can reach the width and length of a twin bed.
The square can be made as big as you need. Written instructions for this size are available here.
This size Small (with yellow centre) is the base for baby blankets, child-size blankets, teenager blankets, throws, queen-size with drape, and king-size for both mattress tops and drapes.
Medium (with blue centre) is for wheelchairs, baby blankets, child-size and teenager blankets.
Large (with green centre) is for child-size and teenager-sized blankets.
X-Large (with orange) is for twin-size, cribs, cradles and queen-size with no drape.
Square Size Version
Match the hook to the ball band recommendation if you prefer a square size. A free tutorial was included. The original square version was completed with Caron Chunky Cakes yarn.
Small Sizing
This size is very versatile in sizing.
Yarn Used In Sample
Caron One Pound (454g / 16 oz, 742 meters / 812 yards)
- A - Any Colour
- B - Any Colour
Use size 6 mm, U.S. J/10 crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Match the hook to the yarn ball band recommendation if substituting.
Gauge 13 sc and 14 rows = 4” [10 cm]
- Approx = Approximately
- Beg = Beginning
- Ch(s) = Chain(s)
- Cont = Continue
- Corner st = (Vst, ch 3, vst) all in same st.
- Dc = Double crochet
- Pat = Pattern
- Prev = Previous
- Rep = Repeat
- Rnd(s) = Round(s)
- RS = Right side
- Sc = Single crochet
- Shell = 7 dc in same sp.
- Sk = Skip
- Sl st = Slip stitch
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Sp(s) = Space(es)
- Vst = (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in same ch or st.
Instructions - Small Size
With A, ch 17 (multiples of 6 chs + 11).
1st rnd: Vst in the 5th ch from hook. Sk 4 chs, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch, vst in next ch, 1 dc in next ch. Sk 4 chs, ch 1, (Vst in last ch, ch 1) 3 times. Rotate the project to continue to work on the underside of the chain. Sk 4 chs, 1 dc in next ch, vst in the next, 1 dc in next ch. Sk 4 chs, ch 1, vst in next ch, ch 1, 1 dc in same st as the last vst. Ch 1, join with sl st to top of beg ch 3.
2nd rnd: Sl st to next ch-1 sp. Ch 1, 1 sc in same sp. (Shell into the ch-1 sp of next vst. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp.) 7 times. Shell into next ch-1 sp. Join with sl st to beg sc. Break A. 8 shells and 1 sc between each around.
3rd rnd: With B, join with sl st to same st as join. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch-1 sp), 1 dc in same st as join. Ch 3 - corner sp, vst into same st as join. Ch 5, (vst in next sc, ch 5) twice. Corner st in next sc. Ch 5. Corner st in next sc. Ch 5. (vst in next sc, ch 5) twice. Corner st in next sc. Ch 5. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch 4. 4 vsts on long sides and 2 vsts on the shorter sides.
4th rnd: Sl st to next ch-1 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 6 dc in same ch-1 sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell in next ch-1 sp. (Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp) three times. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell into next ch-1 sp, Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell in next ch-1 sp. (Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp) three times. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell into next ch-1 sp. Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Break B. 4 shells on long side, 2 shells on short side.
TIPS:
- The yarn must be stopped entirely and restarted again in the single in corner space to look consistent.
- Mark corner stitches with a stitch marker to make it easier to follow.
- In 5th round, we are skipping the shells and working with single crochet stitches only.
- The 5th and 6th rounds repeat the 3rd and 4th rounds. The rounds are getting bigger between corners. The 5th and 6th rounds do not show how many shells or vsts there are between corners, as the pattern will become obvious. Each time you repeat, you will have increased by 1 vest or shell per side.
5th rnd: With B, attach with sl st same st as join. Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch-1 sp), 1 dc in same st as join. Ch 3 - corner sp, vst into same st as join. Ch 5, (vst in next sc, ch 5) Rep ( ) to corner st. Corner st in next corner sc. Ch 5. (Vst in next sc, ch 5). Rep ( ) to corner st. Corner st in next corner sc. Ch 5, (vst in next sc, ch 5). Rep ( ) to corner st. Corner st in next corner sc. Ch 5, (vst in next sc, ch 5) Rep ( ) to corner to beg ch 4. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch 4. 5 vsts on long sides and 3 vsts on the shorter sides.
6th rnd: Sl st to next ch-1 sp. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 6 dc in same ch-1 sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell in next ch-1 sp. (Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp). Rep ( ) to corner sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell into next ch-1 sp, (Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp). Rep ( ) to corner sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell in next ch-1 sp. (Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below, shell into next ch-1 sp). Rep ( ) to corner sp. 1 sc in ch-3 corner sp. Shell into next ch-1 sp. Sc over the ch-5 of prev rnd in the 4th dc of the shell below. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 3. Break B. 5 shells on long sides, 3 shells on short sides.
Rep 5th and 6th rounds until the desired size. Each colour is used for just two rounds before switching to the next.
The crochet diagram shows the small size. The red chain and double crochet are the repeating segments when the chain is longer for medium, large, and extra large.
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Crochet Diagram
This is the basic structure of the interlocking shell blankets. In red, you will see a repeating sequence. You can download this diagram for your reference. This is a small size, for example. The medium, large, and x-large versions, the chain and starting round 1 have a more extended centre, as shown in the tutorials below.
More Ideas
- Crochet Interlocking Beginner Pattern Tutorial
- Crochet Heart Mosaic Baby Blanket Pattern
- 31 Days of Hats Series - Day 6
Tutorials
Edna Slate says
Hi how many chains do you need for the xtra large blanket for interlocking shells? Or how do I get a copy of the pattern?
Sincerely
Edna
Mikey says
I had instructions written but my testers disagreed with them. Several testers didn't agree with each other. So I didn't provide the words and just kept it to the video tutorials only.
Karen Armstrong says
grid
Mikey says
THanks
Candi Watren says
How do we get the written pattern to test the baby blanket?
Wendy Maruna says
We have taken the written pattern down at this time. We will need to revisit it later in the year when time is plentiful to devote to correcting the issues. Thank you
Sandi Grandberry PhD says
I know you have plenty of notes, but I just finished the large and extra large. Only one more comment. I hope you got my others ?. Shell set up 2nd round: Sl st to next ch 1 sp. Ch 1 , 1 sc in same sp. Shell into next ch 1 sp. (1sc into next ch 1 sp) 9, 11, 19 …
Those numbers need to be added for each size.
Mikey says
I did get your others. I have taken down the pattern. 3 testers have 3 different recommendations on the same instructions which conflict with each other. So I need to revisit this pattern another time and retest again. I lost my train of thought and was super confused. It's best I recrochet again and figure out which tester is right. I don't know at this moment.
Liz Ring says
Hi there! I have now tested the Medium to row 6. I have done it with only the pattern since I'm just learning to follow a chart(thanks Mikey!) Found several errors which will follow into the large and extra large sizes I'm sure. round one: You forgot the opening bracket for the repeats, and repeat count is in error, or, there is a missing instruction. I would say it should read: Vst in 5th ch from hook, ch 1, sk next 4 chs, (1 dc in next ch, vst in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1,) sk next 3 ch, rep ( ) 1, 2, 6 times. Sk next 4 chs..........and then the next repeat numbers should be 1,2,6 again.
2nd round should be 9 times instead of 7 times.
4th round the first rep ( ) should read once instead of twice.
5th round *Ch 5, sk next 7 dc, vst in next sc, ch 5) 4, 5, ? times. (sorry, didn't check the math for the extra large size.
Mikey says
Excellent. The way you typed out the corrections was really helpful. Appreciate that. I have updated.
Gwen Burnham says
Mikey, I am working on the medium size, having problems but see now you have updated pattern. Can't find the pattern. Is there a link?
Gwen
Mikey says
I have taken down the pattern. Three testers disagreed with each other in the results. So I need to recrochet this again and see which tester is right on. I got so confused, I took down the pattern.
Jen says
I started the large size....on the 1st round you forgot the begining()....and you repeat twice not once. When you finish that round you should join in the 3rd chain not the 4th so you have the ch 1 space to work into.
That's all I caught.
Well done!
Mikey says
Thank you. I have updated.
Melanie Raymond says
I'm always up for a new pattern. I tested the small version with some lightweight yarn. I really dislike finishing off, just to start again, so I played with slip stitching to the corner. At first I sl on back side and then I decided to hdc the first shell and then sl in the stitch to the corner after finishing the round. I like this way the best.
I also, tried this with cotton crochet thread (thinking of a tablecloth). The sl to the corner works for this thread too. Just a thought so you don't have to break yarn every other row. Thank you for all of your work.
Mikey says
Thank you for the suggestions.
Sandi Grandberry, PhD says
Mikey, I am testing the small sample. There is one place I found that was a little confusing. On the 3rd round after the repeat * to ** the instructions were not clear that I needed to do another corner st and ch5. I wrote out the instructions in bullet form to be sure I wasn't missing something, but it doesn't appear to tell you to do that. I have a hard time following written instructions, I am easily lost. So, I may be wrong. I found an app (yarn buddy) that has lines to keep me in place left-right, up-down.
Mikey says
Can you type out what you would change in that statement? I'm not sure I am following you.
Sandi Grandberry PhD says
3rd red: Ch4 (counts as 1 dc and ch1 sp, 1 dc in same st as join, ch 3, vet in same st as join. *Ch 5, (sk next 7 dc, vast in next sc, ch5) twice. Sk next 7 dc, corner st in next sc, sk next 7 dc, ch 5,** corner st in next sc. Repeat from * to ** once, CORNER ST, CHAIN 5. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch 4…..
Sandi Grandberry PhD says
Mikey, I am doing the small sample. On the 3rd round I think one clarification is needed. After the repeat * to ** add that a corner st followed by ch 5 is needed. When I got to the end, following the instructions it was not clear that I needed to do another corner stitch and ch 5. Because I have done this pattern in a square I knew what needed to be done so I could figure it out. I am not good with written instructions, I lose my place so I have an app (yarn buddy) that gives me lines to move left, right, up, down to keep my place. I was still confused so I wrote out the directions and it looks like that added instruction would have helped me. I love testing. Thanks for putting this out there
Colette says
The Netherlands here. Would like to test this but I'm not crocheting fast. Is that a problem? With so much yarn I would like it to do it with mine own stash.
Mikey says
Sorry for the delay. I am just getting back to this pattern now. If you haven't started yet. Don't worry about it. I have plenty of notes at this point to work with. THank you so kindly for volunteering though.
C. Akkermans says
Would like to test this, but I'm don't crochet fast because mine hands are not well.
I will work with mine own yarn. If there is any problem let me know
Mikey says
Thank you.
Norma Santiago says
I started crocheting the blanket. You can work really fast.
Mollie Chase says
Thanks Mikey…… I’ve done your original From the Middle…. That being said, I do not consider myself a “Pattern Reader” although with your help I am getting better. I just tried the small version pattern….. maybe its just me? The first corner reads 3 V stitches….but the last corner to finish only adds one? The starting (after chain 1) is a V stitch, then all is well on the straight away... then its 3 v stitch & slip to join, but that leaves me with only 2 v stitch for that corner? Leaving me with not enough spaces for the shell round? Maybe its just me, as I said I do not consider myself a pattern reader…….
Mikey says
I will take your notes and follow the diagram again and see where I am going off. I don't read it like you are but I am not always right.
Polly says
Mikey - You definitely need to include a picture of the finished product. When I first saw this - it looked like it was going to be like a mile a minute blanket where you join strips. Didn't see it was a work from the middle blanket until I read through the instructions.
I'm going to test the large size, I'll let you know If I find anything else
Mikey says
Noted. Do you think I should pull down the pattern until later this year when I have more time to do an actual sample?
Dalena says
Hi Mikey! I'm absolutely loving this one! Love piecing items together to make something out of nothing. Don't know why you'd be afraid to post your videos! You're always pretty spot on with everything you do! Keep up the awesome job ?
Mikey says
Thank you. YouTube can be a hostile place when people don't get what they want. It's better to hold then to post on a whim.
Michelle says
Hi Mikey
Not sure how "picky" you want us to be 🙂 In the 1st round, you are missing the opening ( for the repeat.
For round 5, are you just starting anywhere at a sc or in the 'corner' sc
Mikey says
I fixed round 5. I don't know what you mean by missing the opening in the 1st round.
Here's the small 1st round. What needs to be changed?
1st rnd: Vst in 5th ch from hook, ch 1, sk next 4 chs, 1 dc in next ch, vst in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next 4 chs, (vst, ch 1) 3 times in last ch. Cont working underside of the chain. Sk next 4 chs, 1 dc in next ch, vst in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next 4 ch, vst in next ch, ch 1, 1 dc in the same ch as the last vst, ch 1. Join with sl st to the 3rd ch of beg ch 5. This will give both ends with 1 shell holding spot in the middle.
Norma Santiago says
I will love to test the the pattern. Will let you know what I find.
Mikey says
Awesome thanks.
Ann says
I'm a lefty and didn't see a written pattern for left handers. I going to jump on the tester wagon regardless, just didn't know if it made a difference.
Mikey says
Only time left handed makes a difference is in graph work. Written patterns like this doesn't matter if it's right or left handed. It's the same instruction.
Jamie B says
Rnd 1 of the M/L/XL section is missing a parenthesis bracket, and is rather confusing without it.
Mikey says
Noted thank you. and updated pattern.
Norma Santiago says
I live in Puerto Rico and have si e yarn lying around. Will test the pattern and let you know.
Mikey says
Thank you.
Norma Santiago says
I’m willing to test this pattern. Will let you know what I find!
Kristina says
How soon do you want the testing done? I'm interested but don't think I could get to it for at least a week, maybe 2.
Mikey says
Whenever you have time. I'm okay with time.
Kristina says
Just got back to this and I'm seeing you're reworking the larger sizes. I'm interested in the XL, to eventually do a queen with no drape. I didn't download the pattern so will hopefully see when you're ready again for a tester, or when it's ready to publish.
Liz Ring says
Hi Mikey! I'm not sure how picky you want us to be with testing. I have completed a small to the 6th row. It worked beautifully. The only problems I found were in the first round, you skip between saying into ch and st. Should all be ch for the first round or it may be confusing for someone just learning to read a pattern. Also, between the 4th and 5th round, I had difficulty with the instructions in red. When I figured it out, I thought, "Oh, start in any corner sc!" Since that sc is worked into the chain 3 space of the "corner stitch" that would be easier to follow, IMO. So far as I can see so far, you've done a fantastic job of working out all the logistics and math for us, thanks so much!
Mikey says
excellent notes. I have made your changes. THank you.
Michelle says
Going to start now, will work in order of size 🙂
Ann Dormer says
Hi Mikey,
I have completed the first 6 rounds of the small. I have a suggestion.... perhaps if you state start round 5 in the sc of ch3 from round 4 it might be easier to find.
Mikey says
Thank you. Noted.
Selene says
I will test for you ASAP. Do you want photos, too?
Mikey says
I don't really need photos but you can send them through email if you wish.
Liz Ring says
I would certainly be willing to test for you. I have never done this pattern so would definitely be fresh eyes. I need to clean up my stash!
Mikey says
Awesome.
Shahanaz Rahaman-Mohammed says
Hi, I'm in the Caribbean. Willing to test the medium or large size with yarn from my own stash.
First time tester though, if that is acceptable 🙂
Mikey says
Absolutely. I would love to hear what your feedback is.
Michelle says
Hi Mikey. Did a large one with regular Bernat premium. And what I noticed mai my was the counts were out. The start round has three repeats in the middle. Round 2 shell count is 11, in round 3 6 on each long side and two on the end, in round 4 count should be same as round 3. I have done the original square middle so I caught on quick. But for me with my tension I used a 5 mm. It worked great not as drapery. Can't wait to try this out on some self striping yarn!!!!
Mikey says
Reviewing. Are you sure Number 2 has 11 shells. It cannot be an odd number? Can you count your sample once again for easing my mind.
I agree with Rounds 3 and 4 should be the same number as they work together.
Nancy Nash says
I would love to test this. I will work on them over the next couple weeks and let you know if I come across anything that might need adjusting.
Mikey says
Thanks so much.
Connie simon says
Wow beautiful beautiful work