The Balance Shells Crochet Stitch is a two row repeat that consists of 5 double crochet clusters worked in to the top of the double crochet clusters from the row below.

A fairly easy stitch recommend for advanced beginner to intermediate crocheters. However, if you can work a traditional granny cluster then you can probably work this one easy enough.

Creates a semi airy fabric and works wonderfully for a wide range of projects, but especially blankets. 

Single Crochet (SC) – Insert your hook, YO pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops.

Double Crochet (DC) – YO, Insert your hook, YO pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through remaining two loops.

Double Crochet CLUSTER (DC CL) – Five (5) DC in the same space.

CHAIN: 6, plus 2

FOUNDATION ROW: (RIGHT SIDE)

SC in the 2nd CH from the hook. *SK the next 2 Ch. DC CL in the next CH, SK the next 2 CH, SC in the next CH. REP from * across. Turn.

ROW 1 (WRONG SIDE)

CH 5 (counts as a DC, CH here and throughout). SK the first SC, SK the next 2 DC. *SC in the next DC. CH 2. DC in the next SC. REP from * across, ending with SC in the next DC. CH 2. DC in the last SC. Turn.

ROW 2

CH 1. SC in the first DC. *DC CL in the next SC. SC in the next DC. REP from * across, ending with DC CL in the next SC. Sc in the 3rd CH of the turning CH 5. Turn.

REPEAT ROWS 1 AND 2

**NOTE: Although I didn’t add it to the instructions above, I would suggest working a row of single crochet before working the foundation row. The foundation row is a bit fiddly and this helps a bunch!

CWould you like a FREE printable PDF of these instructions?  The PDF includes an up close, detailed picture of the stitch, the complete stitch instructions and gauging information specific to the stitch! You can download it HERE.