Arcade Stitch

Arcade stitch builds a gentle, scalloped lace from alternating rows of chain arcs and little shells. On one row you make arches by working single crochet anchored between chain spaces, and on the next you fill each arch with a small shell of double crochet, which sits on the arc like a fan on a bridge, then the following row throws new chain arcs across the tops of the shells. Repeating those two moves gives soft, regular waves of texture with an airy, open feel that is lacy without being fragile. It drapes beautifully and is a step up from a plain shell because the anchoring single crochet and the chain arcs must line up, but it is far simpler than most true lace and forgiving of yarn choice. That makes it popular for shawls, baby blankets, and light cardigans. Keep the chain arcs an even length and place the shells centred on each arch, and block gently to open the scallops without flattening them.