Free knitting patterns for shawls, sweaters, scarves, and hats and other projects knit with shell lace. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 5/4/24.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
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Free Patterns
Lacy Baby Blanket
Blanket knit with a 14 row repeat lace and finished with a shell lace border. DK weight yarn. Designed by Bernat Design Studio. Pictured project by norwood739
Simpukat Shawl
Asymmetric triangular shawl bordered with shell lace. Simpukat is Finnish for "shells". Aran weight yarn. Designed by Hanna Kyttä.
Dolden Cowl
Lace cowl with shell or fan lace. It’s a relaxing pattern to knit and is also a great choice for newer knitters. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Katrin Schubert.
Oh My! Vest
This vest is gorgeous! Two rows of lace shells border this cardigan vest. Sizes Finished Bust: 34(38,42,46,51,55)”. Sport weight yarn.Designed by Angeline Webb of Knitrelief Designs.
Shells and Stripes Infinity Scarf
Ocean themed cowl knitted in the round with alternating sections of lace-themed shells and simple nautical stripes. Wear the scarf looped once for a flowing look or wrap it twice for added warmth. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Brownie Knits.
Seashell Lace Wrap
Shawl knit with a lace shells in a stitch described by Barbara Walker. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Purl Soho.
Cockle Shell Moebius Cowl
Lace cowl knit flat with a clustered shell stitch. Designed by Lankakomero. Pictured project by myrnacapurna who has tips on the lace techique.
- Get the free knitting pattern. English instructions are below Finnish.
- See the Ravelry page
- See myrnacapurna's notes
- See more Lace Cowl Knitting Patterns
Evy Christening Dress Set
Gorgeous shell lace baby christening dress with matching lace bonnet and shoes. Sizes 0 (3–6) months. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Hrönn Jónsdóttir .
>More Free Patterns
Little Shells Carseat Blanket
Baby blanket knit with a 4 row repeat shell lace pattern, with only one lace row and 3 rows all knit or purl. Aran weight yarn. 18" wide x 22" long though I'm sure you can adapt the size. Designed by Alka McAndrew. Pictured project by knitgirl118
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Caron Simply Soft Solids on Amazon
- See more 4 Row Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Shetland Shell Lace Scarf
Designed by Shiz-Knits, this lace scarf features a 12 row repeat.
Lucina Shell Cowl
One skein cowl knit with the Lucina Shell lace stitch. Uses one ball 50g of DK weight yarn. F544 Baby Alpaca Cherish Cowl designed by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio.
Lacy Gold Scarf
Scarf knit with a 10 row repeat shell lace stitch. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Ostro Shawl
The Ostro Shawl is knit in three colors using a modular construction. Each “shell” is knit individually, but the following shells are attached as you go, so there is minimal finishing. Designed by the Berroco Design Team
Taunton Top
Lace sleeveless top knit with a shell lace bottom border and eyelet lace front yoke and back. Sizes: Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)". DK weight yarn. Great showcase for self-striping yarn. Designed by Donna Yacino for Berroco.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Medina yarn at Amazon
- See more Lace Top Knitting Patterns
April Showers Scarf
Purl Soho designed this scarf with shell stitch lace that looks like umbrellas as well. Pictured project by Taya
Patterns for Purchase
Shell Border Baby Cardigan
Baby sweater with shell lace at hems and cuffs on a garter stitch background. Sizes Newborn to 18 months. Sport weight yarn. Designed by OgeDesigns
Scalloped Aran Throw
No longer free. Lush garter stitch blanket bordered with shell lace. Size: 45" x 51". Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim. May only be free for a limited time. A kit is also available.
Cornelia Shawl Knitting Pattern
Lace triangular shawl knit with shell lace. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by BernioliesDesigns
Anglebury Cowl Knitting Pattern
One ball cowl sculpted with cables and scalloped shell lace that looks gorgeous with collar up or with the top edge folded down. Instructions are provided in both with fully charted and written instructions. Uses one skein 100g of DK weight yarn. Designed by Tess Young
Bliss Shawl Knitting Pattern
Shell lace bordered shawl with a delicate curve is formed by working short rows. Wear as a shawl or scarf. Sport weight yarn. Designed by AmandaLilleyDesigns
Primrose Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
Lace baby blanket pictured in light blue or turquoise with chevron eyelet lace and bordered with shell lace. DK weight yarn. Finished size, on 5mm needles, is approx 30x30ins/ 77x77cms Designed by HoneyBeeBears
Nautilus Shell Hat
Fun cloche style hat knit with modular lace. Pictured hat is in 5 colors of 55 yards each, making this a great hat for stashbusting or mini skeins. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Amy Loberg (FiberWild!)
Baby Girl Romper
Baby onesie with lace shells and ruffled edges worked flat in just two pieces. Sizes: 0-1 months, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months. Designed by Rasa of VelvetNorth. DK weight yarn.
Conchiglia Market Bag
Conchiglia (means shell in Italian) tote is knitted in the round from bottom up in a shell stitch and garter stitch. 15" (38 cm) deep x 13" (33 cm) circumference. DK weight yarn. Designed by arianna frasca
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