12 Loop Shell

This 1892 Butterick shell edging pattern is quite unusual with its long loops. The edging starts with 13 stitches and has 12 pattern rows. Only rows 11 and 12 are weird. In row 11, 3 loops around the needle are worked in each of 12 knit stitches. In row 12, two of every 3 loops are dropped and the remaining 12 loops are knitted together (k12tog). As unusual as this pattern is, it’s surprisingly quick to complete a repeat due to the small number of stitches and the 10 plainer rows. I used one size larger than my usual U.S. #2 (2.75mm) needles as I’m a tight knitter and this pattern looked better with slightly looser stitches. Skills needed: cast on, slip, knit, purl, k2tog, k12tog, double YO, triple YO and bind off. Gauge is **not** important in this pattern. Any block-able yarn/thread will work. Make a swatch to check gauge and appearance. 25 yards of Aunt Lydia’s Classic 10 crochet thread will make 10 inches of this edging at gauge.