The Dune Drift Criss Cross Shells Throw: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Desert-Inspired Blanket

Wrap Yourself in Desert Warmth: The Dune Drift Criss Cross Shells Throw

Imagine the gentle, rolling curves of desert sand dunes, captured in a cozy, modern throw for your home. The Dune Drift Criss Cross Shells Throw is a free crochet pattern that brings this vision to life. Using a rhythmic, textured stitch and a warm, earthy color palette, this blanket is designed to be both a stunning piece of home decor and a comforting heirloom. The alternating stripes of sandy beige and sunset clay create a visual rhythm that mimics the natural landscape, while the dense, plush texture offers a soft, cozy drape. Perfect for beginners looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is easy to follow and produces a professional-looking result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Sand Dune): 1200 yards (shown in Lion Brand Heartland "Badlands")
  • Color B (Sunset Clay): 800 yards (shown in Lion Brand Heartland "Grand Canyon")
• Crochet Hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm)
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, tape measure

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: 14 stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches in Criss Cross Shells pattern (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure your blanket matches the intended size.
• Finished Size: Approximately 48 inches wide x 60 inches long.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in rows. The Criss Cross Shells stitch is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, textured fabric. Read through all instructions before starting.

Pattern Notes

• The blanket is worked flat in rows.
• The Criss Cross Shells stitch is a 4-row repeat.
• A chain 3 (ch 3) at the beginning of a row counts as a double crochet (dc).
• When the pattern says "(dc, ch 1, dc) in next stitch or space", this forms a "V-stitch".

Foundation Chain

With Color A (Sand Dune), chain 120 (or any multiple of 6 + 2 for your desired width). For a 48-inch wide blanket, 120 chains is ideal. Do not twist the chain.

Row 1 (Right Side - RS)

Double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from your hook. This counts as 2 dc (the skipped chains count as the first dc). Now, work the following across the row: *skip 2 chains, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next chain (this creates a V-stitch), skip 2 chains, dc in the next chain*. Repeat from * to * across the row. You will end with a dc in the last chain. Turn your work. You should have a series of V-stitches separated by single dc stitches.

Row 2

Chain 3 (counts as first dc). *Dc in the next dc (the single dc from the previous row), (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 space of the next V-stitch, dc in the next dc*. Repeat from * to * across the row. End by making a dc in the top of the turning chain (the chain 3 from the previous row). Turn.

Row 3

Chain 3. *Skip the next dc (the first single dc after the V-stitch), (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 space of the next V-stitch, skip the next dc, dc in the next dc (the single dc after the V-stitch)*. Repeat from * to * across the row. End by making a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Row 4

Chain 3. *Dc in the next dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 space of the next V-stitch, dc in the next dc*. Repeat from * to * across the row. End by making a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Row 5 (Color Change to Color B)

Join Color B (Sunset Clay) by pulling a loop through the last stitch of Row 4. Chain 3. *Skip the next dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 space of the next V-stitch, skip the next dc, dc in the next dc*. Repeat from * to * across the row. End by making a dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.

Repeat the Pattern

Now, repeat Rows 2 through 5 for the entire blanket. This creates a 4-row color repeat: 2 rows of Color A (Rows 2 and 3), then 2 rows of Color B (Rows 4 and 5). Continue alternating colors every 4 rows until your blanket measures approximately 60 inches from the foundation chain. End with a Row 4 of Color A (the row that has "dc in next dc, V-stitch, dc in next dc" pattern).

Final Row (Edging)

With Color A, do not turn after the last row. Chain 1, then single crochet (sc) in each stitch and each chain-1 space across the row. This creates a neat, finished edge. Fasten off and weave in all ends using a yarn needle.

Optional Border

For a polished, professional look, add a simple border. With Color B, join yarn in any corner. Work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire blanket. At each corner, work 3 sc in the same stitch to turn the corner smoothly. When you return to the starting corner, join with a slip stitch to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Your Dune Drift Criss Cross Shells Throw is now complete! Block it gently to open up the stitch pattern and even out the edges. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of your handmade desert-inspired blanket.