Transcription
Hi everyone! Welcome to Lentomaniya tutorial. My name is Anna Sakhno. Today we are going to crochet this interesting decorative shell with a hook. It is about 36 cm long. The widest part is about 18 cm.
This tutorial is for those who already know how to crochet and are familiar with such basic elements as single and double crochets, increases and decreases. If you do, the tutorial won't seem difficult. But if you are a newcomer, I would not advise starting with this pattern. It has, in my opinion, an average level of complexity, closer to advanced even.
To make such a shell, we'll need 2 skeins of yarn. I'm using polyester yarn. It is 5 mm wide. Each skein is about 80 meters long. The yarn is rather thin, resembles a shoelace a bit. I've chosen purple color. You will also need a crochet hook. I have decided to use a 6 mm hook, but if you want your shell to be very thick and hold its shape really well, you might use a 5 mm hook. I also recommend using a stitch marker. It would make your life easier and help navigate within the rows.
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Now, let's get to work. First, make a slipknot. Insert the hook, draw the thread and make 6 single crochets. You may stop once you can have 6 braids like that on top; this is enough for the slipknot. Find a tail, tighten the slipknot and make a circle. Now, we need to join the beginning with the end of the row. We can do it using a standard technique. Slip the hook under both loops of the first stitch and make a slip stitch through the last stitch of the row. Here is our circle.
Now, make 3 chain stitches and then let's move on to single crochets. Yarn over, slip the hook under both loops of the first stitch, draw the yarn, crochet 2 stitches together and then another pair. Yarn over, draw the yarn. Crochet 2 stitches together, then another 2. Thus, we are crocheting each stitch without increases. In the end, we need this circle to start resembling a small cup. Turn the cup inside out. Here are the chain stitches we've made in the beginning. Now, we need to join the first with the last stitch again. Slip the hook under both loops of the chain stitch. Like that. And join. Pull this loop through the last stitch. We've got this cup now. It is made of 6 single crochets and 6 double crochets.
Now, let's start making the whorls of our shell. Let me show you what I am talking about. Here is the cup that we've made. The whorls will be positioned straight across. So, now, we'll gradually turn and start making these whorls in spiral rounds at right angles. We are going to turn our work gradually and make single crochets back and forth with half-stitches only. I will show you later. Looking at the shell, you may see that we'll be gradually adding the number of stitches in the rows. The broadest part will consist of 11 single crochets. We'll join each part to the rest of the work using a particular technique. In general, the crocheting principal is not very complicated once you understand it. The most challenging part is probably this first whorl, the smallest one, because the pattern is not visible yet and the crochet principle is new. Once the first whorl is ready, you'll quickly grasp the idea and will be able to move on without any prompting; you won't need any guidelines.
First, make 2 chain stitches and a single crochet into the first chain stitch that we've made. It will be the very first row of the first whorl. Then we need to join this row with the cup. Slip the hook under both loops of the first single crochet and make a slip stitch. That's how it looks. Make a chain stitch, turn the work around. Then, move the chain stitch to the right. There are 2 braids, one of which is a slip stitch, another one is a single crochet of the previous row. Now, slip the hook under the back loop of the slip stitch. Not under the whole stitch, just its back loop. Just under one thread. Pull out the yarn and make a single crochet. Then, slip the hook under the back loop of the next stitch but crochet it as a slip stitch. Like that. Make a chain stitch and turn the work around again. Now simply repeat after me; do not try to understand the principle yet. It won't be clear at this stage. The first part is the smallest yet the most difficult one. It is better to just memorize and repeat. The overall pattern will start to make sense a bit later.
So, again we've made 2 braids and a chain stitch. Slip the hook under the back loop of the first braid and crochet a slip stitch. Make a single crochet out of the next braid. Another row is done. We need to join it to our cup. To do that, find the next stitch without a single crochet in it. Here it is. Slip the hook under both loops of the stitch and make a slip stitch. Turn the work around. Make a chain stitch again. Look, now we've got 3 braids in a row. The first one is the slip stitch, the second is the single crochet and the third is the slip stitch we've made in the beginning of the row. Make a single crochet out of the first braid. Same for the next braid, and a slip stitch out of the third braid. Like that. Then make a chain stitch and turn the work around. Here are the 3 braids again. Make a slip stitch out of the first braid, make single crochet out of the other two. Slip the hook under the back loop. Join the row to the cup. Slip the hook under both loops of the stitch and make a slip stitch. Make a chain stitch and turn the work around. Now there are 4 braids in a row. We are going to make single crochets out of the first 3 of them and a slip stitch out of the fourth one. Three single crochets are ready. Now, we are making a slip stitch. Make a chain stitch and turn the work around. Here are the 4 braids again. Make a slip stitch out of the first braid. Make single crochets out of the remaining 3. Join this row to the cup, but do not insert the hook into the next free stitch, insert into the same again. Insert the hook into the same stitch for the second time and join the row. Make a chain stitch and turn the work around. We have made the first and the most complex part of our shell. We've ended up with the row consisting of 3 single crochets and 1 slip stitch. There is a slip stitch in every row of this part. If you turn the work around like that, you'll see the first whorl. That's how it looks on a finished shell. The rows of the second part will consist of 4 single crochets and 1 slip stitch.
Now I will explain the basic principles of creating this pattern. For convenience's sake, we'll split the shell into sections so that you could understand how many single crochets to make in each of them. But the principle will remain the same. We'll always be slipping the hook under the back loop of the stitch and turning the work. The edge that is not joined to the cup will always end up with a slip stitch plus a chain stitch, and start similarly with a chain stitch, then a slip stitch. Every row will be the same, no exceptions. The number of single crochets will depend on the section we are working on. The finished rows will be joined to the rest of the work with the help of a slip stitch. So, based on this simple principle, we are going to crochet the rest of the whorls adding one single crochet within each section. The second section will consist of 5 pairs of rows with 4 single crochets. It is really convenient to count pairs of rows because they are rather bulky. We will need to count quite a lot as we move on. So, we are starting the second section. Here, we are making 4 single crochets with 1 slip stitch. Make a single crochet out of this stitch to increase the number of single crochets from 3 to 4. You may count them one, two, three, four single crochets. Then, a slip stitch, a chain stitch and turn the work around. A slip stitch again and, since we are now crocheting in the opposite direction, 4 single crochets. The first pair of rows in the second section is ready. I highly recommend to mark the beginning of the section with the stitch marker. Overall, there will be 5 pairs of rows in this section. We've already made one. But before we continue, I'll explain how to join the rows. We'll be using a certain technique to join the rows to the rest of the shell. We will be alternating. We joined 2 rows to the previous stitch. To the next stitch we'll be joining 1 row. 2 rows again to the next stitch, then 1 row, and so on. Thus, always alternate 2 rows in one stitch, then 1 row in one stitch, 2 rows in one stitch, then 1 row in one stitch. We'll come back to this later, so don't worry if you have not fully understood. Now, join the row with a slip stitch, make a chain stitch and turn the work around. Like I said, the rows of the second section will consist of 4 single crochets and 1 slip stitch. It means, we won't have to make this slip stitch now. We won't be increasing the number of single crochets. We will make 4 single crochets back and forth. All in all, 10 times. That's why, in this section we are not making the slip stitch. Note that here I mean that we are not making the slip stitches within the rows, those stitches that join the section to the rest of the work. But we do make the slip stitches that are near the edge in every single row. Make 4 single crochets and one slip stitch. Check yourself, count again if you are afraid of making excess crochets. There should be 4 single crochets that look like checkmarks plus 1 slip stitch that does not look like a checkmark. Make a turning chain, turn the work around, make a slip stitch again so that the edges become a bit shrunk. These slip stitches are here for a reason. Thanks to them, the whorl looks bulky and curled. Now, make 4 single crochets again. When they are ready, we'll have the second pair of rows in this section ready. We are approaching the spot where the row joins the cup. The previous row we joined to the next empty stitch. This row we'll also join to an empty stitch, but will later add another one. Make a turning chain, turn the work around. Make 4 single crochets again. 4 checkmarks are ready. Slip stitch, chain stitch, turn the work around. Slip stitch, 4 single crochets, always slip the hook under the back loop. 4 checkmarks are ready. Now we need to join the row to the main part. Look. We've joined 1 row to that stitch, which means we'll need to join 2 rows to this stitch. One is already joined. Now, insert the hook into the same slot and join the row. Make a turning chain, turn the work around. Make 4 single crochets with a slip stitch again. After that, a chain stitch, turn the work around and now again a slip stitch and 4 single crochets. Let me show you how to calculate pairs of rows. We've begun the second section with this pair. The first pair, second, third, and now we are finishing the fourth one. The fifth pair will be the last in this section. Let me show you a bit more of how I join the rows. We've joined 2 rows to the previous stitch, which means we need to join just 1 to the next stitch. Starting to crochet the last pair of rows in this section. One, two, three, four, five. The fifth pair of rows in the second section is ready. Like I said, we are joining just 1 row to this stitch, so, I'm inserting the hook into the next one now. We are joining 2 rows to it. Make a turning chain and start to crochet the third section. It will consist of the rows with 5 single crochets and 1 slip stitch. Overall, there will be 6 pairs of rows. First, we need to add 1 stitch because the previous row only has 4 single crochets. To do that, insert the hook into the outermost slip stitch, closest to the chain stitch. As usual, make a single crochet out of the back loop of the stitch. Keep on crocheting as usual up to the slip stitch. You should be able to count 5 checkmarks in the first row. Now, make a slip stitch, turn the work around and then make a slip stitch and 5 single crochets in the opposite direction. Done. Let's do the joining. We've joined this 1 row to this stitch, so we are going to join two rows to the next one. One is already joined. Add another one with a slip stitch and make a turning chain. This is the first pair of rows in the third section. Indicate it with the stitch marker; it will help you count. So, the first pair of the third section is ready. Overall, there will be 6 of them. Here are 5 checkmarks. Check yourself from time to time. You may notice that you've crocheted something extra and got the wrong amount of stitches. Now, join the row to the rest of the work. We've joined the two previous to this stitch, it means, we need to find the next one, which is free. At this point, we are starting to join the rows to the whorls and not to the cup anymore. Let me show you how we'll be joining our rows. There are these slots between the pairs of rows that originated from the chain stitches. We will be joining the next rows to these slots between the pairs of rows. Insert the hook into the first slot, make a slip stitch and a chain stitch. The rest is the same. Turn the work around. I think, you've already understood how to make the third section. You need to make a certain amount of single crochets, a slip stitch, a chain stitch, slip stitch again and 5 single crochets. One, two, three, four, five. We joined 2 rows to this slot, 1 row to the next one, and 2 rows again to the next free slot. I've already joined one; the next pair of rows I'll join to the same slot again. I've already made three pairs of rows in the third section. There are three left. The third section is ready. Here's our stitch marker. The first pair of rows, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth. We are moving on to the fourth section. The rows of the fourth part will consist of 6 single crochets and 1 slip stitch. Overall, we'll make 8 pairs of rows. First, we need to increase the number of single crochets to 6. For that, make this slip stitch as a single crochet. Follow the usual pattern and turn the work around in the end of the row. In total, you should get 6 single crochets. One, two, three, four, five, six checkmarks plus one slip stitch. Slip stitch, chain stitch, turn the work, a slip stitch again and 6 single crochets. Look for the slot to join our row to. 2 rows here, 1 row here, so, we need to join 2 rows to this slot. Make a slip stitch, a chain stitch and insert the marker into the first pair of rows in the fourth section. The crocheting principle remains the same. The fourth section consists of 8 pairs of rows. Do not add additional single crochets. 8 pairs of rows 6 with single crochets plus 1 slip stitch. The fourth section is ready. I've crocheted 8 pairs of rows. Let's move on to the fifth section. Here as usual we'll add 1 single crochet, so, rows in this section will consist of 7 single crochets plus 1 slip stitch. 9 pairs of rows in the section. At this point, I think, you've already understood how to crochet the shell. Even now its shape is already quite distinguishable. There is already a small shell. We won't be adding anything principally new to this pattern. Just go on by the same principle. Depending on a section, simply increase the number of single crochets within the rows. The width will increase. Join the rows to the rest of the work by the same principle. 1 row to 1 slot, then 2 rows to 1 slot, 1 row, 2 rows. Join 2 pairs of rows to one slot, one pair to one slot, the 2 pairs again, then one and so on. Make all other whorls of your shell based on this principle. That's why now you'll see just a list of sections on the screen. I indicated the number of single crochets in each section and the number of pairs or rows. If you follow this list, after a while you will go all the way through and make all the whorls in your shell. After that, I'll show you how to make a hook, finish the work and make the lines between the whorls more defined and contoured, make the whorls puffier. You may stop adding whorls any time you want. As soon as you are satisfied with the size of your shell, simply stop adding new whorls and move on to the part where I explain how to crochet the hook and make the shell look puffier.
So, this is my shell. I've made 8 sections and stopped on the 9th one having made 6.5 pairs of rows. and make the shell look puffier. So, this is my shell. I've made 8 sections and stopped on the 9th one having made 6.5 pairs of rows. This number, 6.5, is because I need this loop for the hook I'm going to make. I do not see any point in crocheting in the opposite direction and then artificially join the hook to the rest of the body. Let's stop at this point and start making our hook. If you want a bigger shell, finish the ninth section, make 21 pairs of rows. In the same way, you may think up new additional sections, calculate the necessary number of rows and make a bigger shell.
In order to gradually transition from the shell to the hook, and make the hook look nice, make 5 single crochets in this direction. Start here, between the 2 pairs of rows. Insert the hook and make 1 single crochet. Again, search for the stitch between the rows, insert the hook. According to this rule, make 4 single crochets. 4 single crochets are ready. Like that, the top of the shell has a slightly cockled edge and follows the shape of the shell. Insert the hook between rows again, make a slip stitch to smooth out the junction point. Make a turning chain, turn the work around. Now, of course, skip this stitch with a chain stitch in it, and insert the hook into the next one, make a single crochet, keep on making single crochets until you reach the corner. Here we are. I'm going to make a single crochet out of this stitch as well. That's how it looks. We've made 6 single crochets. You may count 6 checkmarks. Now, we need to make 7 chain stitches for our hook. Turn the work again and crochet in the opposite direction. Again, single crochets. I am not crocheting the last chain stitch that I've picked up; it will serve as a turning chain. Then, simply make single crochets. That's how our hook looks like. Again, we are making single crochets. That’s where we started the previous row. This time let's add two single crochets to smooth out this transition to the body of the shell. We've reached the place to which we joined the first row of single crochets. Make a single crochet in it as well. Make 2 additional single crochets in the slots between pairs of rows. Make a connection stitch out of the third stitch between the rows. A chain stitch again, turn the work around, and crochet in the opposite direction. Skip the first stitch to further smooth the transition from the hook to the main body of the shell and make single crochets. We've reached the extension and now let's make 4 chain stitches. So, now, we'll be gradually making the slot in our hook. We've made 4 chain stitches, so, proportionally skip 4 single crochets on the lower part, under the chains. Insert the hook into the fifth stitch, make a single crochet. Thus, we've made a slot. Do not forget to make a single crochet out of the last stitch as well. Make a turning chain, turn the work around. Continue making single crochets in the opposite direction skipping the stitch with the turning chain in it. Of course, do not forget about the chain stitches. Here is our hook. Continue making single crochets. This is our last row. Once we get to the edge, we'll crochet round the shell until we get to the connection of whorls. Let me explain. This is a transition point between our rows and the edge of the shell. Make single crochets here as well.
That's how it looks. Continue to crochet along the edge in the same way. Insert the hook in between pairs of rows and make single crochets. Once again, insert the hook between the rows and make a single crochet. Go on until you get to the connecting point.
At that point, we won't cut the yarn off, but continue crochet round the whorls. Thus, the shell will shape up, have a sharper contour, and the whorls will look puffier. That's how it looks after I've crocheted round the edge and added the hook.
Now, we need to finish the connecting lines between the whorls. My hook is in the last stitch of the edge. Now, we'll need to insert the hook into the same slots between the pairs of rows in the bottom whorl. There are pairs of rows here as well, but they are positioned differently. We need to insert the hook between the rows of the bottom whorl. Otherwise, the looks will change; it won't be so smooth.
So, insert the hook between the rows, pull out the working thread, that you should hide inside the shell in advance, and make a slip stitch. Then again insert the hook between the rows and make a slip stitch. Do not make them too loose. The slip stitches should be tight. Make sure they are of the same size. These stitches will be on the outside of your shell; the overall appearance of will depend on them.
Keep on crocheting round the connecting line. Do not be afraid that the shell gets a bit crumpled. Once you finish crocheting round the whorls, it will get its shape back. Besides, you may use an iron to correct the shape. Keep on crocheting until you get to the cup. I've reached the cup, made my last slip stitch, and cut the thread inside the shell. Pull this thread out. Insert the hook the other way around, pull the tail inside the shell. Weave the tail in.
That's all; we are done crocheting round the shell. The only thing I would recommend is to steam the hook off. Thus, the work will shape up and look neater. So, this is our shell. It is about 36 cm long. The widest part is about 18 cm. I've used almost 2 skeins of polyester yarn. The threads are 5 mm wide and rather thin. They resemble shoelaces. I used a 6 mm hook, but you may choose a smaller one. In this case, your shell will also be smaller. And you should absolutely use a stitch marker.
Thanks for watching my tutorial, and I'd appreciate it if you'd left your comments below. You may contribute to the channel by donating or translating the subtitles to your language. Wish you all a great day and beautiful decorative shells. Bye-bye!