The crochet piece shown in the image is an eye-catching 3D Puff Shell Wave Stitch, a richly textured pattern made of layered puff shells that create a dramatic “wave” effect. This stitch is perfect for blankets, baby afghans, scarves, cushion covers, and winter accessories, thanks to its thick, cozy, and dimensional structure.
The alternating colors—grey, white, and teal—enhance the 3D shells by making each row visually pop. The stitch uses puff clusters arranged in wave-like curves, giving the finished fabric both softness and bold geometric movement. Although it looks complex, it is built from simple stitches: chains, double crochets, and repeated puff clusters.
🌿 Why This Stitch Is Special
✔ Thick, plush texture
Ideal for warm blankets and winter projects.
✔ Beautiful color striping
Different colors on each puff row make the waves stand out.
✔ Beginner-friendly structure
You only need to know:
- Chains (ch)
- Single crochet (sc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Puff stitch (explained in pattern)
✔ Repetitive and relaxing stitching
Once you complete one repeat, the entire blanket grows effortlessly.
🌿 Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors
(Example: Grey, White, Teal) - Hook: 5.0 mm (H) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
🌿 Special Stitch: Puff Stitch
Puff Stitch:
Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop.
Repeat 4–5 times (until you have many loops).
Yarn over, pull through all loops.
Ch 1 to close the puff.
🌿 3D PUFF SHELL WAVE STITCH PATTERN
🔹 Foundation Chain
Chain a multiple of 6 + 2.
(Example: 6 × 20 = 120 + 2 = 122 chains.)
⭐ Row 1 – Double Crochet Base
- Dc in 2nd chain from hook.
- Dc across the row.
- Turn.
⭐ Row 2 – Setup for Puffs
- Ch 1, sc in each stitch across.
- Turn.
This row stabilizes the base for the puff shells.
⭐ Row 3 – Puff Shell Row (Color A)
- Attach Color A.
- Ch 2.
- Skip 2 stitches.
- Work 1 puff stitch in next stitch.
- Ch 2.
- Skip 2 stitches.
- Sc in next stitch.
Repeat steps 3–7 across the row.
End with a sc. Turn.
This creates the 3D puffy shells.
⭐ Row 4 – Backing Row
- Ch 2.
- Dc in every stitch and in every ch-2 space.
- Turn.
This row fills in the fabric and strengthens the structure.
⭐ Row 5 – Puff Shell Row (Color B)
Repeat Row 3, but place puff stitches between the previous row’s puffs:
- Work puffs into the sc between two puffs of the earlier puff row.
This creates the staggered wave effect.
⭐ Row 6 – Dc Row
Repeat Row 4.
⭐ Row 7 – Puff Shell Row (Color C)
Repeat the puff pattern again, continuing the color changes.
🌿 Repeat Rows
Continue repeating:
- Puff Row
- Dc Row
…switching colors every puff row for the wave effect.
🌿 Optional Finishing
- Add a simple sc or shell border
- Add tassels or fringe
- Block lightly for even texture
🌿 Suggested Projects
This thick, cozy stitch is perfect for:
- Baby blankets
- Winter throws
- Sofa blankets
- Cushion covers
- Scarves & cowls
- Rugs (with sturdy yarn)
