Wrap yourself in everyday warmth and ease with the Shell Stitch Crochet Duster, featuring Katia Azteca! Long lines, tapered sleeves, and handy pockets make it as practical as it is beautiful. Perfect for every skill level, it's a versatile layering piece you'll reach for again and again. Make your own with the Moogly crochet pattern below!
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Ready for Winter - and Your Special Touch!
Lightweight enough to wear indoors, warm enough to wander out into the world, and stylish enough to turn a simple outfit into something special - that's the Shell Stitch Crochet Duster! Pick your size based on the fit you desire, and make the sleeves in your favorite style and length.
Pockets? Only if you want, and right where you want them. You'll end up with that perfect blend of comfort, flow, and polish. Cozying up at home or heading out into the world, this duster moves with you, wraps around you, and becomes an instant favorite. Katia Azteca keeps you motivated with lots of color changes and beautiful thick and thin effect.
This pattern features a double shell stitch pattern through the body, for texture and breathability. Then, the sleeves are made in simple double crochet - for warmth and everyday ease. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to someone special, or adding a standout piece to your handmade wardrobe, the Shell Stitch Crochet Duster is a project you’ll remember - and a finished piece you’ll reach for again and again.
Shell Stitch Crochet Duster
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US - L, 8.0 mm crochet hook - Lykke shown
1340 - 2450 yards Katia Azteca (Aran; 53% wool, 47% acrylic; 3.5 oz)
Colorway: Grey (7801) - 7(8, 10, 11, 13) balls
Gauge: 12 sts (3 double V reps) = 6"; 8 rows = 7"
Sizes: XS/S(M/L, XL/2X, 3X/4X, 5X/6X) - M/L shown
Actual Bust/Hip Measurement: 44"(52", 60", 64", 72")
HELPFUL LINKS AND TUTORIALS
Shell Stitch Crochet Duster Tutorial
CSDC - Chainless Starting Double Crochet
STDC - Standing Double Crochet
NOTES
The body of the pattern is made in one piece and then seamed along the sides. Then, we add the sleeves and some edging.
There are many opportunities here for customization. If you'd like a vest, leave off the sleeves. Or if you'd prefer short sleeves, stop whenever you have the length desired. Instructions for both straight and tapered sleeves are included (tapered shown). If you want it longer or shorter, add or remove rows from the body - just make sure to remove or add them to each front section as well.
The sleeves are worked in turned rounds. This keeps the seam straight under the arm. Use a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each round for easier crocheting.
Stitch Substitutions: Instead of CSDC, you can chain 3 or use another double crochet turning chain substitute. To avoid the STDC, join with a slip stitch and chain 3 or use your preferred double crochet turning chain substitute.
Shell Stitch Crochet Duster Instructions
Starting at the back bottom edge…
Row 1: Ch 44(52, 60, 64, 72), dc in the 5th ch from the hook (skipped sts count as dc and skip 1), dc in same ch, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, *2 dc in each of the next 2 chs, skip 2 chs; rep from * across, dc in the last st; turn. (42(50, 58, 62, 70) sts)
Row 2: CSDC in first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from * across, dc in the last st, turn.
Rows 3 - 38(40, 41, 43, 44): Rep Row 2. Do not break the yarn.
Split for the first front panel…be sure to follow the instructions for your size!
Size XS/S(M/L, XL/2X) ONLY:
Row 1: CSDC in first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from * 3(4, 5) times, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. (21(25, 29) sts)
Row 2: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip the next st, dc in last st; turn.
Row 3: CSDC in first st, skip next st *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from until 3 sts rem, dc in next st, dc in each of last 2 sts; turn.
Rows 4 - 38(40, 41): Repeat Rows 2 and 3, break yarn. Go to “Crochet the Other Front Panel” Instructions.
Size 3X/4X(5X/6X) ONLY:
Row 1: CSDC in first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from * 6(7) times, 2 dc in next st, turn, leaving rem sts unworked. (31(35) sts)
Row 2: (CSDC, dc) in first st, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip the next st, dc in last st; turn.
Row 3: CSDC in first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from *until 3 sts rem, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in last st, turn.
Rows 4 - 43 (44): Repeat Rows 2 and 3, break yarn. Go to “Crochet the Other Front Panel” Instructions.
Crochet the Other Front Panel
Size XS/S(M/L, XL/2X) ONLY:
Row 1: STDC in next unworked st of last row before the split, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip next st, dc in last st; turn. (21(25, 29) sts)
Row 2: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip the next st, dc in last st; turn.
Row 3: CSDC in first st, skip next st *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from until 3 sts rem, dc in next st, dc in each of last 2 sts; turn.
Rows 4 - 38(40, 41): Repeat Rows 2 and 3. Do not break yarn. Go to “Edging” Instructions.
Size 3X/4X(5X/6X) ONLY:
Row 1: (STDC, dc) in next unworked st of last row before the split, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip next st, dc in last st; turn. (31(35) sts)
Row 2: (CSDC, dc) in first st, *skip 2 sts, 2 dc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip the next st, dc in last st; turn.
Row 3: CSDC in first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from *until 3 sts rem, skip 2 sts, 2 dc in last st, turn.
Rows 4 - 43(44): Repeat Rows 2 and 3. Do not break yarn. Go to “Edging” Instructions.
Edging [RS]:
Ch 1, sc evenly around entire piece working 1 st in each st, 2 sc in the side of each row, sc2tog where front panels meet at the back of the neck, and ch 2 at each corner; join and break yarn.
Seam the Sides to Create the Sweater Shape
Fold the piece in half so that the two front pieces (after the split) are on top of the back (before the split).
Use the mattress stitch, sew 24” seam on each side, starting at the ch-2 corners at the bottom. Adjust as needed for desired fit.
Add Tapered Sleeves (Optional - Shown)
Rnd 1 [RS]: Join with sc to first st after the seam, at the bottom of the arm opening, sc in next 9 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, dc in each st until 20 sts rem, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in last 10 sts; join and turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first 5 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, dc in each st until 15 sts rem, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in last 5 sts; turn.
Rnds 3 - 17: CSDC in first st, dc2tog, dc around until 3 sts rem, dc2tog, dc in last st; join and turn.
Rnds 18 - 21: Ch 1, fpdc in first st, blo hdc in next st; rep from * around, join, do not turn,
Rnd 22: Ch 1, hdc in blo of each st around; join and break yarn.
Add Straight Sleeves (Optional - Not Shown)
Rnd 1 [RS]: Join with sc to first st after the seam, at the bottom of the arm opening, sc in next 9 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, dc in each st until 20 sts rem, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in last 10 sts; join and turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first 5 sts, hdc in next 10 sts, dc in each st until 15 sts rem, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in last 5 sts; turn.
Rnds 3 - 17: CSDC in first st, dc in each rem st around; join and turn.
Rnds 18 - 21: Ch 1, fpdc in first st, blo hdc in next st; rep from * around, join, do not turn,
Rnd 22: Ch 1, hdc in blo of each st around; join and break yarn.
Add the Front Opening Border/Hem
Rnd 1 [RS]: Join with dc in blo of any st at bottom of sweater, dc in blo of each st around opening including the chs at the seams, working 5 dc in each ch-2 sp at the front bottom corners; join.
Rnds 2 and 3: Ch 1, hdc in blo of first st, fpdc in next st, *hdc in blo of next st, fpdc in next st; rep from * around working 3 sts in the center st at each corner, maintaining pattern; join.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, hdc in blo of each st around, working 3 hdc in the center st at each corner; join and break yarn.
Make and Add the Pockets (2) (Optional)
Row 1: Ch 20, dc in the 5th ch from the hook (skipped sts count as dc and skip 1), dc in same ch, 2 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, *2 dc in each of the next 2 chs, skip 2 chs; rep from * until 2 chs rem, skip next ch, dc in the last ch; turn. (18 sts)
Rows 2 – 9: CSDC in the first st, skip next st, *2 dc in each of the next 2 sts, skip 2 sts; rep from * until 2 sts rem, skip next st, dc in the last st, turn.
Edging: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire piece, ch 2 at the corners; join to first st of edging and break yarn leaving a long tail. Use long tail to sew pockets to the sweater in the desired location - shown centered on each front panel, with bottom of pocket approximately 6 rows of shell stitch up from the hem. (Note - in retrospect, I would have located the pockets just a bit higher, about 7 rows up from the hem.)
Need to Keep Your Fingers Moving?
All done with the Shell Stitch Crochet Duster and looking for your next project? Check out the Moogly Free Patterns Page or Ravelry!
If any Moogly pattern inspires you to make your own project, and you post a photo on social media, be sure to tag me @mooglyblog or #mooglyblog so I can check it out too!
The Fine Print
Follow Moogly on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram! Thank you to Katia Yarns for providing the materials shown in this post. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern. Please do link to this page to share this pattern with others. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern or translate it to another language, please visit the About page for details.
Ester says
Beautiful.
Is there a tutorial. I'm a first timer
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much! There isn't one yet, but there will be as soon as we have a chance to get it filmed and posted - planned for December 12. 🙂
barbara stephens-mason says
Good evening! What yarn can I use instead of what you used. I cant afford to spend 16.99 for a skein of yarn. Your help is greatly appreciated. This will be my 1st project of 2026.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Barbara! I recommend bookmarking YarnSub.com - they are the best resource I've found for yarn swaps! Here's what the recommend as swaps for Azteca: https://yarnsub.com/yarns/katia/azteca
Elizabeth Rivera says
That is really very pretty.
Debra says
Yes!!! Just ordered the yarn...will be making this soon I hope.... thank you 🙏💖
(I crochet baby Afghans for Project Linus in my county)
V says
Beautiful job on this and your other crochet works! Thank You for sharing! This is one to make. It looks easy to wear and comfortable and a good classic color look to it!!!
Looking forward to making a few of your item's. This sweater, the Pointed Cowl and the Browns and Greens Mittens (forgot their name). Good colors in all of them.
Keep up the good works, they are appreciated!!! Have a good night! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much, V! ♥
Julee Seeley Mooney says
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern of your sweater!I can’t wait to get started on it !
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy it!
Debra says
Thank you for the pattern! Just ordered the yarn for it. ( I crochet baby Afghans for Project Linus) Hope to get to this sweater soon.
Tamara Kelly says
Thank you so much!
Sue Chesnut says
I appreciate that you used the Katia yarn for your demonstration - but you failed to give the size. (4, 5 ,6 )of the yarn. If someone tries to duplicate in years to come - they wont know where to begin. searching for yarn.
Tamara Kelly says
Hi Sue! In the materials list above, this yarn is noted as Aran. This is a European yarn that doesn't use the number system, but Aran is equivalent to a heavy 4. 🙂 If you need to find a substitute, I like to recommend yarnsub.com - you can type in almost any yarn and it will give you a list of good substitutes.