Stitch Explanations:
Shell Stitch: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in indicated stitch.
BPDC (Back Post Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front and then to back, going around the dc post, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook twice. Skip the stitch in front of the BPDC.
FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back and then to front, going around the dc post, draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook twice. Skip the stitch behind the FPDC.
Pattern Instructions
Afghan:
Using the larger hook (I-9), chain 111.
Row 1: Shell in 5th chain from hook, skip next 2 chains, *dc in next chain, skip next 2 chains, shell in next chain, skip next 2 chains; repeat from * across to last 2 chains, skip next chain, dc in last chain—18 shells.
Row 2: Chain 3, turn, shell in ch-1 space of first shell, *skip next 2 dc, FPDC around next dc, shell in ch-1 space of next shell; repeat from * across, dc in top of turning chain.
Row 3: Chain 3, turn, shell in ch-1 space of first shell, *skip next 2 dc, BPDC around next dc, shell in ch-1 space of next shell; repeat from * across, dc in top of turning chain.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.
Rows 5–66: Continue repeating the last two rows. Do not fasten off.
Border:
Switch to the smaller hook (H-8).
Round 1: Without turning, work around the edges of the afghan. Work 131 sc evenly spaced across each long edge and 107 sc evenly spaced across each short edge. Add 3 sc in each corner; join with slip stitch in first sc (488 sc).
Round 2: Chain 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with slip stitch in first sc (496 sc).
Round 3: Chain 4, skip next sc, dc in next sc, *(chain 1, skip next sc, dc in next sc) across to corner, shell in corner sc; repeat from * 3 more times, chain 1, skip next sc, dc in next sc, chain 1; join with slip stitch in 3rd chain of turning chain.
Round 4: Chain 1, sc in each dc and chain-1 space around, working 3 sc in each corner chain-1 space. Join with slip stitch in first sc.
Round 5: Slip stitch in next sc, chain 1, sc in same sc, *(skip next 2 sc, shell in next sc, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc) to 1 sc before next corner, skip next sc, shell in corner sc, skip next sc, sc in next sc, skip next 2 sc, shell in next sc; repeat from * around. Join with slip stitch in first sc. Fasten off.
Weave in all ends with a large-eye blunt needle to create a smooth finish.
Abbreviations:
- ch(s): chain(s)
- ch-space: space previously made
- dc: double crochet
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp(s): space(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
This Classic Coverlet Blanket is an heirloom-worthy piece that will impress anyone who sees it. The intricate post stitches create a textured and classic design, while the shell border adds a touch of elegance. Perfect for a special gift or as an addition to your home, this blanket will be cherished for years to come.