Watch how to crochet the post and shells stitch (video & written instructions)

The post and shells pattern is a must for your afghan repertoire. This beautiful design combines the shell and post stitches, creating throws with a lovely airy feel and a stretchy, snuggly texture.
This pretty pattern is also great for shawls and scarves and will give all your projects a pleasing vintage look.
Advertisement
Watch how to crochet the post and shells stitch by Hopeful Honey:
Materials
You can use any yarn for this stitch. However, a light to medium yarn suits the airy texture of the crochet best. A light worsted or DK yarn is ideal. Pick a hook that's suitable, checking the manufacturer's band for suggestions. You'll also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends.
Abbreviations
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
BPdc - back post double crochet
hdc - half double crochet
FPdc - front post double crochet
* - repeat as many times as asked
sk - skip
Special stitches involved in this pattern
Shell Stitch
5 dc into same stitch
FPdc
Insert hook around back of stitch in previous row to push post outwards, finish dc as usual
BPdc
Insert hook across post of stitch in previous row, pushing post backward, finish dc as usual.
Advertisement
Written instructions
Create a foundation ch in multiples of 6, plus four.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and continue across row.
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next sc, skip next 2 sc, shell in next sc, skip next 2 sc. Repeat from * across, dc into last 2 sc, turn.
Row 3: ch 2, *BPdc around next st, ch 2, sk next 2 dc, sc in center dc of next shell, ch 2, sk next 2 dc. Repeat * across until last 2 sts, BPdc around first st, hdc in last st, turn.
Row 4: ch 3, * FPdc around next st, sk next ch-2 sp, shell in next sc, sk next ch-2 sp. Repeat * across until last 2 sts, FPdc around first st, dc in last st, turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have reached your desired size. Finish off on a repeat of row 4.
Resources Hopeful Honey