How to Crochet a Shell Cluster

Crocheting is a relaxing hobby that can be wonderfully calming at the end of a stressful day.

Crocheting is a creative, relaxing hobby, and you can enjoy a beautiful, handmade item at the end of the process. There are many different crochet stitches you can master to make outstanding clothing items or items of home décor. A Shell Cluster is one such piece. To make it, you’ll need to know a couple of basic crochet techniques such as single crochet stitches, double crochet stitches and making a chain, but once you get started, the Shell Cluster is easy to create.

Things You'll Need

• Size K crochet hook
• 4-ply yarn

Instructions

Creating the First Cluster

1. Make a chain. Then work one single crochet into the second chain stitch from the hook.

2. Count three more chain stitches over and wrap the yarn around the hook. Then insert the hook into the forth chain loop.

3. Pull the hook through two loops.

4. Wrap the yarn around the hook and put it through two loops again. You’ve now got three loops on your hook.

5. Wrap the yarn around the hook and put it through two loops again. You’ve now got three loops on your hook.

6. Wrap the yarn and pull it through both sections of three loops. You’ve got your first cluster ready.

Creating the Shell

1. Make two chains and repeat the cluster steps to make two more clusters.

2. Make three double stitches.

3. Wrap the yarn and pull it through them all. This will make your first shell.

4. Count over three loops on your base chain and insert the hook into the third one. Make a single crochet there.

5. Make two more chains on your hook, wrap the yarn and insert the hook into the base chain. You are ready to start the second shell and its first cluster.

Connect the Clusters

1. Make two chains on your hook. They’ll serve as the start of the first and second cluster of the second shell.

2. Make two clusters, one on each chain.

3. Count over three loops on the first chain, pull the hook through and make a single stitch there.

4. Create a full shell by making two stitches in the first chain then pull the hook through a loop on the first row of the second chain.

5. Wrap the hook and pull it through the third chain. Make a single stitch on that row. Continue this process to create the shells in between the chains.

References

• Crochet Geek; Crochet Cluster Shell; Teresa Richardson; July 2009