Free Crochet Pattern - Summer Shells

I'm not normally a pattern writer, so I can't guarantee that this one will be error-free, but it is a very easy pattern I wrote last summer while improvising a top for Ginny. It is sized for a 6-9 month baby, but can be easily made larger/smaller by changing the foundation chain or using heavier/lighter weight yarn. If you use the pattern, I only ask that you leave me a comment telling me how it went and if there are any pattern corrections to be made.

Summer Shells

Materials Used:
J Hook
Yarn: TLC Baby (Sport Weight)
Main Color (MC): 3 ozs.
Contrasting Color (CC): 1 oz.
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Gauge:

15 hdc = 4"

13 rows (in hdc) = 4"

3 shells = 4.25"

Pattern Note:
Pattern begins at waist working down. Do not join rows. Once bottom is finished, pattern works in rounds from waist up to neckline. For a longer top, rows may be added following Row 4 and/or Round 12.

Size: 6-9 mos.

Foundation chain is created in multiples of 6 + 5. To increase, add multiples of 6 ch until desired size.

Pattern:
With MC, ch 95.

Row 1 (mark as right side):
Dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as dc and ch-2 sp); *ch 2, sk next 5 chs, in next ch work (dc, ch2, dc) − V-stich made. Rep from * across. Turn.

Row 2:
Sl st in ch-2 sp of first V-stich. Ch 2 (counts as first dc throughout), 6 dc in same sp − beg shell made. Sk next ch-2 space; *7 dc in ch-2 space of next V-stich − shell made. Sk next ch-2 sp; Rep from * to beg 4 skipped chs; 7 dc in space.

Row 3:
Sl st in next 4 dc, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch-2 sp throughout). Dc in same dc as last sl st made – beg V-stich made. *Ch 2, work V-stich in 4th dc of next shell. Rep from * across. Turn.

Row 4:
Sl st in ch-2 sp of first V-stich, make beg shell in same sp. *Sk next ch-2 space. In Ch-2 sp of next V-stich make shell. Rep from * to beg V-st; make shell in ch-2 sp of beg V-stich. Turn.

Rep Rows 3 and 4 2 times (or for desired length).

Rep Row 3 changing to CC in last st.

Next to Last Row:
Sl st in ch-2 sp of first V-stich. Ch 4 (counts as first trc), 6 trc in same sp. Sk next ch-2 space; *7 trc in ch-2 space of next V-stich − shell made. Sk next ch-2 sp; Rep from * to beg V-stich; 7 trc in ch-4 space. Turn.

Last Row:
Sl st across previous row.

Round 1:
With right-side facing, hold garment upside down, and join MC with sc to first ch-5 sp of foundation. Work 4 sc in same sp. Work 5 sc in each ch 5 sp across. Join with sl st to first sc. (75 sc) Ch 2.

Round 2 and 3:
Hdc in each sc around, joining with sl st at end of each round. Ch 2.

Round 4 (dec round):
Hdc in next 13 st. Dec 1 st. *Hdc in next 14 st. Dec. 1 st. Repeat from * around. (70 hdc)

Rounds 5-12 (or until desired length):
Hdc in each st around, joining with sl st at end of each round. Ch 2.

Round 13:
Hdc in each st around, joining with sl st at end of round. Fasten off.

Smock:
Locate center front 21 stitches.
Row 1:
With right side facing, join MC with hdc and hdc across remaining 20 stitches. (21 hdc) Turn.

Row 2:
Sl st in first hdc. Hdc across next 19. Leave last hdc unworked. (19 hdc) Turn.

Row 3:
Sl st in first hdc. Hdc across next 17. Leave last hdc unworked. (17 hdc)

Edging and Straps:
Join CC with sc in last hdc made. Sc 2 more in same corner stitch. Sc evenly down hdc rows, then sc in each hdc around back and to opposite corner. 2 Sc in corner, then ch 40 and sl st back down to same st. Sc in same st and across to end of row. Before joining with first sc, ch 40 and sl st back down to same st. Join with first sc and FO.

Belt:If desired, with H hook, ch 150 and sc in back ridge of each chain starting with 2nd ch from hook. Weave through first shell row at waistline.