Errata: For the full shell pattern, Row 15 should have 13 stitches, not 7 as stated. Row 19 is where it decreases to 7 stitches.

This light-weight waistcoat was inspired by the myriad colours and shapes of cockleshells washed up on my local beach. It is modular and requires only a tiny bit of sewing at the end. It is also easily adjustable to many different sizes and shapes. The size of individual shells can be adjusted by altering the yarn weight and/or the needle size, and the size and shape of the whole garment can be altered by working differing numbers of shells both lengthwise and widthwise.

The sizes below give some approximate measurements and amounts of yarn required. Other weights of yarn may also be used.
Small: 81-86 cm (32-34”) chest, approximately 53 cm (21”) shoulder to waist length. Requires approx. 200 g of fingering or sport weight yarn.
Medium: 92-96 cm (36-38”) chest, approximately 55 cm (22”) shoulder to waist length. Requires approx. 250g of fingering or sport weight yarn.
Large: 102-106 cm (40-42”) chest, approximately 57 cm (22.5”) shoulder to waist length. Requires approx. 300 g of sport or DK weight yarn.
Larger sizes (XL and above) can be obtained either by working larger shells or using a different arrangement of shells. For larger sizes you may need at least 300 g of lighter weight yarn or more for heavier weights.

The skill level required is easy-intermediate - you need to be able to pick up stitches along edges, do simple yarnovers, increases and decreases. There is also an optional row of crochet around the bottom to finish.