Clamshell Cuffs

Clamshell Cuffs

The shell stitch is one of my favorite stitch patterns. It has such a pretty look. Last summer, after finishing a shell stitch hat, I thought it would be fun to use the last of the skein to make a little something to match the hat. These cuffs are the happy result.

Sizes and Materials List …

Size: Adult- One size fits most
Hook(s): US J/10 (6 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Plymouth Encore Worsted #1232 was used in the sample, 75% Acrylic, 25% Wool, 200 yds/100g ball)
Colors &
Approx. Yardage:
Any color, 90 yds
Notions: Yarn Needle
Gauge: 3 shells and 3 sc = 3.5 inches
Always take time to check your gauge
Skill Level Easy Download pattern in PDF format

Notes …

Stitches Used Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Back Post Half Double Crochet (bphdc)
Front Post Half Double Crochet (fphdc)
Abbreviations Repeat (rep)
Skip (sk)
Stitch(es) (st / sts)
Special Stitches

Back Post Half Double Crochet (bphdc)

Yarn over, insert hook from back to front around post of indicated st on previous row, continue with hdc.

Front Post Half-Double Crochet (fphdc)

Yarn over, insert hook from front to baci around post of indicated st on previous row, continue with hdc.

Instructions …

Clamshell Cuffs (make 2)
Base Chain Loosely ch 28, join with sl st to first ch. (Be careful not to twist the chain when joining.)
Round 1 Ch 2 (beg hdc here and throughout), hdc in next ch and in each ch around, join with sl st to second ch of beg hdc. (28 sts)
Round 2-3 Ch 2, fphdc in next st, *bphdc in next 2 sts, fphdc in next 2 sts,* repeat from * to * 5 times, bphdc in next 2 sts, join with sl st to second ch of beg hdc. (28 sts)
Round 4 Ch 1, sc between first and second hdc (between the raised ribs), sk next st, 5 dc in next st (shell created), sk next st, *sc between next 2 hdc ribs, sk next st, 5 dc in next st, sk next st* repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first sc. (42 sts)
Round 5 Ch 3 (beg dc), 4 dc in same sc as joining, sk 2 dc, *sc in next dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, sk 2 dc,* repeat from * to * 5 times, sc in next dc, sk 2 dc, join with sl st in 3 ch of beg dc. (42 sts)
Round 6 Sl st in next 2 dc, ch 1, sc in same dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, *sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, sk 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc,* repeat from * to * 5 times, join with sl st to first sc. (42 sts)
Round 7 Ch 2, hdc in same sc as joining, sk 2 dc, 2 sc in next dc, *sk 2 dc, 2 hdc in next sc, sk 2 dc, 2 sc in next dc,* repeat from * to * 5 times, join with sl st to second ch of beg hdc. (28 sts)
Round 8-9 Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), fphdc in next hdc, *bphdc in next 2 sts, fphdc in next 2 sts,* repeat from * to * 5 times, bphdc in next 2 st, join with sl st to second ch of beg hdc. (28 sts)
Round 10 Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st around, join with sl st in second ch of beg hdc. (28 sts)
Finishing …
For a finished look, sc in each st around. Fasten off. Sc in each chain at the base of the cuff. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Pattern and images © Jennifer Stark
Photos by: Jennifer Stark