The simple shell-stitch is one of my favorite crochet designs. The combination of dc and sc, plus a few slip-stitches here and there, make it the perfect next step for a beginner who wants something more elegant and interesting than your basic sc or dc rounds, but doesn’t have the skills or confidence yet to tackle a more elaborate pattern. Not only that, but shell-stitch certainly is not lost on the more advanced hooker: it provides a fast-finished, low-concentration alternative to the more pithy patterns available, and still turns out a really pleasing finished product. That is why, when I was busy turning out caps to sell at the Relay for Life, I turned to Google in search of a pretty shell-stitch hat. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find one, so I set forth to make my own. My goal was to create a fast hat pattern that was made of soft yarn with no seams, so I chose a simple worsted kitchen cotton and a large hook. I was so delighted with the finished results, I began experimenting with other yarns and slight alterations in the pattern and came up with two very satisfactory designs: a warm/cool-weather style and a cold-weather style.

Belliveau Cove (white):

• Brown Sheep Company, Lamb’s Pride Bulky (100% wool; 125 yds / per 4 oz.), Color M10, 1 skein
• US size K / 6.50mm hook
• Yarn needle

Gulf Shores (blue):

• Lily, Sugar and Cream (100% cotton; 125 yds / per 4 oz.), Color Delft Blue, 1 skein
• US size J / 6.00mm hook
• Yarn needle

Approx. 23" circumference.

Belliveau Cove: 12 sts x 5 1/3 rounds of dc = 4" (10 cm)

Gulf Shores: 16 sts x 8 rounds of dc = 4" (10 cm)