The Ember Glow Shell Stitch Throw: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Gradient Blanket

Introducing the Ember Glow Shell Stitch Throw

Wrap yourself in the cozy warmth of the Ember Glow Throw, a stunning crochet blanket that uses a classic shell stitch in a modern, ombre gradient. This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking to create a luxurious, textured heirloom piece. The repeating shell stitch creates a beautiful scalloped surface, while the warm color transition from deep burgundy to soft cream adds a contemporary, gradient effect. Whether draped over a sofa or used as a bed topper, this throw brings a touch of handmade elegance to any room.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 4 colors:
  • Color A: Deep Burgundy – 400g
  • Color B: Burnt Orange – 350g
  • Color C: Golden Yellow – 300g
  • Color D: Cream – 250g
  • Total approximately 1300g
• Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• Gauge: 2 shell repeats (6 stitches) and 4 rows = 4 inches in shell stitch pattern
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pattern Notes

• The blanket is worked flat in rows.
• The shell stitch pattern creates a beautiful scalloped edge.
• To create the gradient effect, you will change colors every 10 rows.
• Chain 3 at the beginning of each row counts as the first double crochet (dc).

Foundation Chain

With Color A (Deep Burgundy), chain 120. This gives a width of approximately 40 inches. Ensure your chain is not twisted.

Row 1 (Right Side)

Skip 3 chains (these count as your first dc). Work 2 dc into the same chain (this forms the first half of a shell). Skip 2 chains, single crochet (sc) into next chain, skip 2 chains, work 5 dc into next chain. Repeat from * across until you have 4 chains remaining. Skip 2 chains, sc into next chain, skip 1 chain, work 3 dc into the last chain (this forms the last half-shell). Turn your work.

Row 2

Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc into the first stitch (the sc from previous row). Skip 2 dc, sc into the next dc (the center dc of the shell), skip 2 dc, work 5 dc into the next sc. Repeat from * across. At the end of the row, skip 2 dc, sc into the top of the turning chain from previous row, skip 1 dc, work 3 dc into the same top of the turning chain. Turn.

Rows 3-10 (Color A)

Repeat Row 2 for rows 3 through 10. After completing Row 10, fasten off Color A and join Color B (Burnt Orange) by pulling a loop through the last stitch of Row 10.

Rows 11-20 (Color B)

With Color B, repeat Row 2 for rows 11 through 20. Fasten off Color B and join Color C (Golden Yellow).

Rows 21-30 (Color C)

With Color C, repeat Row 2 for rows 21 through 30. Fasten off Color C and join Color D (Cream).

Rows 31-40 (Color D)

With Color D, repeat Row 2 for rows 31 through 40. Fasten off Color D.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. To add a border, join Color A to any corner of the blanket. Work a round of single crochet evenly around the entire blanket, working 3 sc into each corner to help the corners lie flat. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends. Your Ember Glow Shell Stitch Throw is complete!