Shell Stitch Crochet: Adorable Baby Pants

The shell stitch is a beginner-friendly crochet technique that looks more complicated than it is to make. It is a great way to add texture and interest to any crochet project, and it can be used to make a range of items, including baby blankets, clothes, and afghans.

To make a shell stitch, you work 3 or more stitches into the same space to create a fan, shell, or scallop shape. The most common type of shell stitch uses double crochets, but you can also use treble crochet stitches or half double crochet stitches. You can also add chains or spaces between the shells to create a lacy effect.

You can use any type of yarn and crochet hook to make a shell stitch, but it is important to use the recommended hook size for your chosen yarn.

If you want to make crochet baby pants using a shell stitch, you can find free patterns online that will guide you through the process.

How to start crocheting baby pants using a shell stitch

To start crocheting baby pants using a shell stitch, you will need to select your yarn and crochet hook. The yarn you choose is up to you, but make sure to select an appropriate crochet hook size for your yarn—this can usually be found on the yarn label.

For a shell stitch, you will need to know how to double crochet (dc) and single crochet (sc). These are both beginner-friendly stitches. The shell stitch is created by working 3 or more stitches into the same space to create a fan, shell, or scallop crochet stitch look. The most common shell stitch uses double crochets, but you can also use treble crochet stitches (tr) or half double crochet stitches (hdc).

To start the baby pants, you will typically begin by crocheting a chain that fits the waist of your baby, keeping in mind that the number of chains will vary depending on the yarn you use. You will then join the first stitch with the last stitch using a slip stitch (sl st). The next few rows will consist of double crochets and slip stitches to create the waistband of the pants.

For the legs of the pants, you will attach your yarn to the first stitch in the crotch and work a double crochet in the first stitch of the opposite side. Then, you will work a double crochet all around. Repeat the same steps for the first leg to create the second leg.

From here, you can continue to follow a baby pants crochet pattern, adjusting the size as needed.

Recommended yarn type and weight for shell stitch baby pants

When making shell stitch baby pants, the type and weight of yarn you use is important. The yarn you choose will depend on the desired thickness of the pants, the ease of stitching, and the overall look you want to achieve.

The weight of the yarn is a crucial factor in determining how much yarn you will need. Thicker yarn will result in a bulkier stitch and will require more yarn to complete the project. For shell stitch baby pants, a lightweight or medium-weight yarn is recommended. This will ensure the pants are not too thick and bulky, allowing for ease of movement for the baby.

The type of yarn you choose can vary depending on your preference. Cotton yarn is a popular choice for baby clothing as it is soft, breathable, and easy to work with. It is also machine washable, which is ideal for baby items that require frequent washing. Acrylic yarn is another option, known for its durability and affordability. Wool yarn can also be considered for a natural, warm option, although it may require more care and gentleness when washing.

When selecting the weight and type of yarn, it is important to consider the stitch pattern. The shell stitch is created by working 3 or more stitches into the same space, forming a fan or shell pattern. This stitch can be adjusted by varying the number of stitches in each shell, typically ranging from 3 to 6 stitches. The chosen yarn should complement the stitch pattern, allowing for ease of stitching and a neat finish.

Additionally, the size of the crochet hook will impact the overall look and tension of the stitches. It is recommended to follow the suggested crochet hook size specified on the yarn label to achieve the desired stitch tension.

In summary, when crocheting shell stitch baby pants, it is recommended to use a lightweight or medium-weight yarn, such as cotton or acrylic, to ensure the pants are comfortable and breathable for the baby. The type of yarn can be selected based on your preference for texture, ease of care, and stitching. Remember to consider the stitch pattern and crochet hook size to achieve the desired look and tension.

The crochet hook size needed for baby pants

When making crochet baby pants, the hook size you need will depend on the yarn you are using. The yarn label will usually recommend a hook size, as well as the yarn weight and fibre content.

For example, if you are using Brava Sport, a size 2/baby weight/sport weight, 100% acrylic yarn, a 4mm crochet hook is recommended for the main body, and a 3mm crochet hook for the edging. If you are using Bernat Softee Baby yarn, a 5mm crochet hook is suggested.

The thickness of your yarn will determine the size of the hook you need. The thicker the yarn, the larger the hook. Most crochet hooks are labelled in US sizes or metric sizes, and a comparison chart is useful for switching between them.

It is also worth noting that the type of crochet hook you use is also important. Inline hooks are good for beginners as they make it simpler to pull through yarn loops, whereas tapered hooks usually work better with yarns that easily split.

How to add ribbing to the waist and legs of the baby pants

To add ribbing to the waist and legs of the baby pants, you can follow these steps:

For the legs:

• Start by chaining 11.
• In the second chain from the hook, make 1 single crochet, then 1 single crochet across the next 9 chains.
• Join with the last row of the leg using a slip stitch.
• Work back through the back loop only of the 9 stitches, then repeat this process around the leg's edge.
• Fasten off and weave in the ends.
• Repeat these steps for the other leg.

For the waist:

• Attach your yarn to the centre of the side that you want to be the front of the pants, so the join will be at the back.
• Follow the same process as for the legs, but start with 13 chains.
• Leave small holes for the i-cord by working 5 stitches, then chaining 1 and skipping a stitch every 6 rows.
• If you are working from the top, work 6 stitches, then chain 1 and skip a stitch.
• Sew the join and your baby pants are ready!

Alternatively, you can add ribbing to the waist and legs of the baby pants by using a no-sew method such as adding a drawstring or a suspender belt, or a sewing method such as adding buttons and using buttonhole elastic, or using elastic to adjust the waist length.

How to increase the size of the baby pants

To increase the size of the baby pants, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to understand that the size of the baby pants will depend on the waist measurement of the baby. The number of chains you create will need to match the desired waist circumference. The type of yarn used will also impact the number of chains, so keep that in mind. For example, for 3-month-old pants, you might use 100 grams of Merino yarn, while for 6-month-old pants, you would need 150 grams, and so on.

Secondly, when starting the chain, you can increase the number of chains to match the desired waist size. For instance, the pattern might instruct you to start with 84 chains for a 3-month size, 96 for 6 months, and 108 for 12 months. So, if you want to make the pants bigger, you can add more chains to the foundation chain.

Additionally, you can continue to increase the size of the pants by following the pattern's instructions for larger sizes. For example, the pattern might instruct you to work a certain number of double crochets (dc) in each stitch for a specific number of rows, and then provide different instructions for larger sizes. Following the instructions for the larger sizes will help you achieve a bigger pair of pants.

Moreover, you can adjust the length of the pants by adding more rows. The pattern might specify a certain number of rows for the smaller sizes and then instruct you to repeat those rows for the larger sizes. By adding more rows, you can increase the length of the pants to your desired size.

Finally, remember that the increase in size will also depend on the type of yarn and hook size you are using. Different yarns will have different weights and recommended hook sizes, which can impact the final size of the pants. So, make sure to consider the yarn and hook size recommendations when adjusting the size of the baby pants.

Frequently asked questions