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Welcome to part two, week two of the 2025 Make it your Way Crochet Along where we will learn to work the Sidesaddle Shell Afghan Square crochet pattern.
Our blanket squares in the crochet along thus far have been thick in texture. Our square this week is a little more subtle on the texture side and works up more quickly!
The sidesaddle crochet stitch has been a popular crochet stitch through the ages. It features some basic stitches that are great for a crocheter at any skill level. When worked, the pattern has an easy rhythm to it. It’s works wonderfully in blankets and reversible projects as it is the same on both sides and not too heavy. In our stitch sampler blanket, it provides a little break from the more heavy textures.
Is this your first time hearing about the Make it Your Way Crochet Along:
This is the second week in the 2025 Make it Your Way Crochet Along. This is a fun event where each week I will present you with two stitch options. Using those stitches you will make an afghan square. At the end of the event you will join your squares together, add an edging and you will have your own unique stitch sampler blanket!
The past weeks posts and squares are as follows:
The Make it Your Way Crochet Along Introduction and Materials
Week One:
November 5th: Option A: 564 yards total (141 yards per square): Herringbone Ribbing Afghan Square
November 7th: Option B: 488 yards total (122 yards per square): The Boxed Bead Afghan Square
Week Two:
November 12th: Option A: 716 yards total (179 yards per square): Raised Diagonal Square Crochet Pattern
Today, the Sidesaddle Shell Afghan Square is the second option for week two and can be found in the finished Pumpkin Spice Blanket.
The Materials:
For the crochet along I have encouraged you to choose a favourite medium/worsted weight yarn – it can be new to your or from your stash, but choose a favourite! For my blanket I used two different colours, working two squares in each colour. For your finished blanket you will need a total of four squares. This square will be found in the final pattern for the Pumpkin Spice Blanket.
Each square will be designed in a worsted/medium weight yarn. For my blanket I will be using the Pound of Love yarn by Lion Brand Yarn. You will also need a 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
HAVE YOU HEARD? I have a new book out including 102 crochet stitches focused on texture and colour! If you love learning new crochet stitches, this book is for you! It is available on Amazon in ebook, paperback and hardcover formats. Learn more about it here: Intermediate Crochet Stitches
PDF Copies are now available:
The crochet patterns for each of the squares in these blankets can be found here on Rich Textures Crochet and will always remain free to follow here on my website. However, if you wish to follow a PDF of the blankets and wish to add the patterns to your library, you can find them to purchase in my Etsy and Ravelry Shops linked below:
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE PDF FOR THE TRANQUIL BLUE BLANKET ON ETSY
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE PSD FOR THE TRANQUIL BLUE BLANKET ON RAVELRY
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE PDF FOR THE PUMPKIN SPICE BLANKET ON ETSY
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE PDF FOR THE PUMPKIN SPICE BLANKET ON RAVELRY
Sidesaddle Shell Afghan Square Crochet Pattern (Make 4 for blanket):
Stitches and Abbreviations:
Blo – Back Loop Only
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Rpt – Repeat
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Yo – Yarn Over
Yarn Amount: 128 yards per square = 512 yards total (If you make 4)
Gauge: 3 shell stitches x 7 rows = 4 inches
Special Stitches:
Shell: Shell Stitch (3 dc, ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc] around the post of the last dc worked. Shell Stitch made.)
Ch 46 (To change the size of your square, you will need a multiple of 6 sts, plus 4)
Row 1: 3 dc in the 4th ch from your hook, sk the next 2 sts, sc in the next st, *sk the next 2 sts, shell (See “Special Stitches” above) in the next st, sk the next 2 sts, sc in the next st; Rpt from * across until 3 sts remain, sk the next 2 sts, 4 dc in the final st. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in the 1st st, *sk each of the next 3 sts, shell in the next sc, sk the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-1 sp; Rpt from * across working the final sc in the turning ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: 3 dc in the 1st st, sk the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-1 sp, * sk the next 3 sts, shell in the next sc, sk the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-1 sp; Rpt from * across to the final st, 4 dc in the turning ch. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 4-17: Repeat rows 2 and 3 for a total of 7 times.
Row 18: Sc in the 1st st, *sk the next 3 sts, 5 dc in the next sc, sk the next 3 sts, sc in the next ch-st; Rpt from * across ending with an sc in the final st.
Continue with square edging as follows:
Edging (WORK AROUND EACH OF THE 20 SQUARES IN THE BLANKET):
Join yarn with a sl st in any corner.
Ch 1, 3 sc in the 1st st, evenly work 36 sts across the top of the square, work 1 sc in the corner, evenly work 37 sc across the 1st rough edge, work 1 sc in the corner, evenly work 37 sc across the bottom of the square, work 1 sc in the corner, evenly work 36 sc across the final rough side, join with a sl st in the 1st st. (152 sts)
Fasten off, weave in your ends and block your square to the desired measurements (In the case of my blanket: 12 x 12 inches).
Fasten off. Weave in your ends.
Barn Quilt Blankets is a collection of five blanket crochet patterns that feature a beautiful geometric designs. The book is now available in both paperback and ebook formats on Amazon! You can read about it here: BARN QUILT BLANKETS
