Shell Mesh Stitch | Crochet Blanket Project Part 28
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Welcome back to Part 28 of our Crochet Blanket Project!
This week, we are creating a beautiful piece of openwork lace. This square uses repeating rows of striking 5-double crochet shells and long chain-5 loops, creating a sophisticated staggered diamond texture that feels both airy and incredibly satisfying to stitch.
The elegant structure is easier than it looks, relying mostly on a simple two-row repeat once the foundation is set. It’s the perfect, meditative project to settle into that yields a stunning, light fabric.
Ready to add this gorgeous texture to your blanket? Grab your yarn and hook, and let's begin this week's square! 🧶
📌 Pin this post to come back to it anytime.
Weekly Pattern Sampler: A Square at a Time! -
PART 28
✵ How It Works:
Each week, you'll receive a brand-new square pattern straight to your inbox (make sure you're on the mailing list so you never miss a pattern!).
Crochet two squares in complementary colours to practice the technique—and by the end of the week, you’ll have two finished pieces that show off your progress and growing confidence. 🌟
With every new square, your collection grows—adding texture, skill, and beauty to your future blanket. It’s a fun and relaxed way to improve your crochet skills, stay creatively inspired, and craft something truly one-of-a-kind, all at your own pace. ✨
✵ Are you new to crochet?
Start your crochet journey with A Beginner’s Guide to Crochet: Starting Your Journey to a More Relaxed You and discover the calming power of crafting! Followed by this this post - for a step-by-step guide to get started with the basic crochet stitches.
✵ Materials You’ll Need
Yarn Recommendations
Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn is ideal—easy to work with and great for beginners.
Fiber: Go for organic cotton or wool for softness, durability, and crisp stitch definition.
Colours: Use two complementary shades per square for contrast and texture.
Inspiration combos:
🌿 Forest green & cream
❄️ Smoky grey & pale blue
🌼 Yellow & muted lavender
Using two colours really makes your stitches shine!
Yarns to Avoid
Skip slippery yarns like silk blends or super thin lace-weight cotton—they can be tricky to control and might cause frustration. Go for something soft, smooth, and easy to work with.
✵ More on the topic: Colour Therapy in Crochet: Choosing Yarns for Mood
🧶 Yarn & Hook Tips for This Pattern
Recommended Yarn
Try Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn in a light color. It’s beginner-friendly, doesn’t split easily, and the stitches show up clearly—perfect for practice. Plus, it holds up well wash after wash.
Best Hook to Use
Start with a G-6 (4mm) hook for worsted weight yarn. Metal or plastic hooks work great for beginners—they help the yarn glide smoothly.
If you're looking for a full set, the Yarniss Crochet Hook Set on Amazon is a great choice. It includes 14 sizes (2mm–10mm), has comfy rubber grips, and smooth aluminum tips to help keep your tension just right.
✵ More about crochet hooks: Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes and Types
Joining our Crochet Blanket Adventure? 🧶
Get your FREE Crochet Blanket Planner.
Designed especially for this weekly blanket adventure. This planner keeps everything in one beautiful, organized place.
▶ Pin this patter to Pinterest to save for later!
Crochet Pattern
Skill Level – Easy
Pattern Notes
This pattern uses US crochet terms.
I used a chunky yarn with a 6 mm hook.
Crochet Stitch Abbreviation & Conversion Chart
▶ Note: In the following instructions, I’ll spell out the abbreviations to make it easier for beginners who are just learning to read crochet patterns.
🪡 How This Square Is Worked
This lace square pattern is formed by a simple two-row repeat that uses 5-double crochet shells and long chain-5 loops to create an openwork mesh. The unique texture is achieved by strategically staggering the placement of the shell and loop rows to create an interlocking, tiled effect as the piece grows.
New to crochet? Start here: How to Master Basic Crochet Stitches
Pattern Instructions
Foundation Chain
Chain 25.
(To adjust the width of your square, increase or decrease the foundation chain in multiples of 12 + 4)
Row 1:
Make 2 double crochet (UK: tr) in the 4th chain from the hook.
* Skip next 2 stitches.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) in next stitch
Chain 5, skip next 5 stitches
Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) in next stitch.
Skip 2 stitches
Work 5 double crochet (UK: tr) in next stich*
Repeat from * to * across.
For the final repeat, work 3 double crochet (UK: tr) in the last stitch instead of 5.
Turn.
Row 2:
Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) in the first stitch.
* Chain 5, work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop.
Chain 5, work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd stitch of the next 5-dc shell. *
Repeat from * to *.
Work the final single crochet [UK:dc] into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
Turn.
Row 3:
Chain 5
* Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop.
Work 5 double crochet (UK: tr) into the next single crochet (UK: dc) stitch.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop. *
Repeat from * to *.
End with: ch 2, 1 double crochet (UK: tr) in the last stitch.
Turn.
Row 4:
Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) in the first stitch.
* Chain 5, work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd stitch of the next 5-dc shell.
Chain 5, work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop. *
Repeat from * to *.
Turn.
Row 5:
Chain 3
Work 2 double crochet (UK: tr) in the first stitch.
* Work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop.
Chain 5, work 1 single crochet (UK: dc) into the 3rd chain of the next chain-5 loop.
Work 5 double crochet (UK: tr) into the next single crochet. *
Repeat from * to * across.
End the last repeat with 3 double crochet (UK: tr) instead of 5 in the final stitch.
Turn.
To Continue:
Repeat Row 2 & 5 until your square reaches the desired size.
To Finish:
Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.
Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure.
Weave in all ends with a yarn needle.
Block your finished square to smooth out the edges.
Tips for Success with This Crochet Pattern
▶ Master the Center Placement: The key to this beautiful staggered pattern is placing your stitches in the exact center of the previous row's motifs. Always work your single crochet (sc/dc) into the 3rd chain of the Chain-5 loops and the 3rd stitch (the middle stitch) of the 5-double crochet shells.
▶Mark Your Shell Centers: The five-double crochet shells (5-dc/tr) are the main feature of this design. Place a stitch marker into the 3rd (center) stitch of each shell immediately after you finish it. This simple step eliminates guesswork and makes it much easier to find the correct center stitch when you work into the shell on the next row.
▶Prioritize Chain Tension: Maintain consistent, relaxed tension when creating the long Chain-5 loops. If your chains are too tight, the square will pucker and pull in; if they are too loose, the edges will look uneven and floppy. Even chain tension is essential for a beautiful, draping lace fabric.
✨Take the Next Step
Now that you've mastered the foundational rows, it's time to let your square grow! Relax into the rhythm of the repeating rows and enjoy the moment as the intricate, beautiful fabric comes to life beneath your hook. This project is a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness and create something truly stunning, one satisfying repeat at a time.
Make something beautiful this weekend. 💛
What’s Next?
📌 Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so you can easily come back to it later.
💬 Leave a comment: We love hearing your feedback. Tell me in the comments below—how did this square go for you? This simple pattern works beautifully as a standalone design element or as part of a larger project.
🧶 Download the Classic Free Granny Square Pattern: Ready to take your project to the next level? Click here to download the free pattern/
✨ Get the Crochet Pattern Customization Kit: This download it full of tips, techniques and cheat sheets to help you make each project uniquely yours. Get it here.
More inspiring posts
Add sophisticated texture to your blanket with this gorgeous openwork square. Featuring staggered 5-double crochet shells and long chain loops, this easy two-row repeat results in a stunning diamond lace mesh that works up quickly and beautifully.