What an easy to crochet, shell stitch beanie! There are two different crown options and two different brim options. This is a great hat to crochet in school or favorite team colors.
You may have small amounts of yarn from previous projects that you can use to crochet this hat, using this free crochet pattern. The premium ad free pdf also includes a tutorial on how to make that Fur ball. Purchase the premium pattern at RAVELRY or ETSY.
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Using the shell crochet stitch to make a beanie creates an easy yet beautiful hat.
The crochet pattern will give you instructions on how to add a Single Crochet “Striped” brim or a “Ribbed” brim. There are times I like the ribbed brim better than a SC brim. Usually when I am changing the colors to match a favorite sports team is when I want to use the ribbed brim.
The crown of this easy shell stitch beanie can be solid or striped.
I like the striped crown the best. If you are making a team colored shells beanie I think that option is the most fun. Which combination do you think you will choose? I live in West Virginia, so Blue and Gold colors run deep!
I have designed a few other Shell Stitch Crocheted hats.
There is a matching Messy Bun Hat crochet pattern that is free on this blog. Both of these hats were designed at the same time I was designing and making the Lumber Jack Slipper Socks. They are truly a lot of fun to crochet.
There is a Shell Stitch beanie that I designed using a (6) Bulky Yarn.
It is so fast to crochet. You can read about the process HERE or you can purchase the pattern at RAVELRY or ETSY.
Free Crochet Pattern For The Shell Stitch Beanie
Yarn
I used Red Heart yarn, but you can use any worsted weight yarn of your choice. For pleasing results and good fit, please check gauge and measurements throughout the pattern, as some worsted weight yarns are smaller than Red Heart.
Hook: J/10/6mm (solid crown beanie and body of striped crown beanie) Note: Gauge swatches were made using a J/10/6mm hook.
K/10.5/6.5mm (striped crown)
Gauge for HDC swatch using J/10/6mm hook: HDC = 4” x 4” = 9 rows x 11 stitches
Gauge for Shells: 4” x 4” = 7 shells x 4 shells
Notes:
Beg. CH 1 does not count as a stitch, unless otherwise noted
Beg. CH 2 will count as a stitch during the ribbing rounds. It will recess and become a faux or mock BP HDC
Special Stitch
Shell Stitch (Shell): 5 DC in stitch indicated in the pattern
Stitch Guide
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrasting Color 1
CC2 = Contrasting Color 2
join w/ = join with
st = stitch
SLP ST = Slip Stitch
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
FP HDC = Front Post Half Double Crochet
BP HDC = Back Post Half Double Crochet
nxt = Next
* * = Repeat between the stars the number of times stated; x = Times; example Repeat 2 x or 2 times; 3 x or 3 times and so on;
in = example “in nxt st” means you will be inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch to complete the stitch or sequence of stitches stated.
beg. = beginning
Code for sizes (Tween/S, M/L, X L)
Adult Tween/S Solid Crown
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring;
Round 1: CH 1; 11 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (11 HDC)
Round 2: 2 HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (22 HDC)
Round 3: HDC in joining st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (33 HDC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (44 HDC)
NOTE: SC stitches will be used in Round 5
Round 5: SC in joining st; SC in nxt st 9x; 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st 10x, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 3x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (48 SC) Measurement across 5 ¼”
Shell Rows follow
Round 6: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 7x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (8 SC 8 Shells)
Round 7: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 8x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (8 SC 8 Shells)
Note: If you would like to change colors during the Shell Rows, you will be changing the color at the beginning of the round; SLP ST in nxt st 3x, and Drop MC and pull up CC at last pull through of 3rd SLP ST, you should be at the peak.
Round 8-12: Repeat Round 7 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (48 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 14 – 16: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (48 ST) (At the end of Round 16, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim)
Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (48 ST)
Round 14-15: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC1 and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 15; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (48 ST)
Round 16: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (48 ST)
Round 17-18: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST in beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (48 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =18-19” Height = 7 ½” – 8”
Adult Tween/S Striped Crown
NOTE: Since the stripes on the crown are made using SC stitches, please use a K/10.5/6.5mm hook for the crown and two rounds of shells. This crown is different from the solid crown.
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring;
Round 1: CH 1; 11 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC;
CH 1 (11 HDC)
Round 2: 2 HDC in joining st and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (22 HDC)
Round 3: SC in joining st; 2 SC in nxt st; * SC in nxt st, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 10x; Drop CC and pull up MC on last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (33 SC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; Drop MC and pull up CC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (44 HDC)
Round 5: SC in joining st; SC in nxt st 9x; 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st 10x, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 3x; End off CC and pull up MC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (48 SC) Measurement across 5 ¼”
Shell Rows follow
Round 6: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 7x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (8 SC 8 Shells)
Round 7: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 8x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (8 SC 8 Shells)
Use J/10/6mm hook throughout the rest of the pattern
Round 8-11: Repeat Round 7 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat
Round 12: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of the 3rd SLP ST. This will be at the peak. CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 8x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (8 SC 8 Shells)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (48 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 14 – 16: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (48 ST) (At the end of Round 16, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim)
Round 13-14: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC1 and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 14; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (48 ST)
Round 15-16: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; End Off CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of round 16; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (48 ST)
Round 17-18: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (48 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =18-19” Height = 7 ½” – 8”
Adult M/L Solid Crown
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring;
Round 1: CH 1; 11 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC;
CH 1 (11 HDC)
Round 2: 2 HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (22 HDC)
Round 3: HDC in joining st, 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (33 HDC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (44 HDC)
Round 5: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st 2x; 2 HDC in nxt st; *HDC in nxt st 3x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 9x; HDC in last 4 st’s; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (54 HDC) Measurement across 6”
Shell Rows follow
Round 6: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 8x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (9 SC 9 Shells)
Round 7: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (9 SC 9 Shells)
Note: If you would like to change colors during the Shell Rows, you will be changing the color at the beginning of the round; SLP ST in nxt st 3x, and Drop MC and pull up CC at last pull through of 3rd SLP ST, you should be at the peak.
Round 8-12: Repeat Round 7 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (54 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 14 – 16: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (54ST) (At the end of Round 16, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim)
Round 13: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (54 ST)
Round 14-15: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC1 and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 15; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (54 ST)
Round 16: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (54 ST)
Round 17-18: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST in beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (54 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =19-20” Height = 8”- 8 ½”
Adult M/L Striped Crown
NOTE: Since the stripes on the crown are made using SC stitches, please use a K/10.5/6.5mm hook for the crown and two rounds of shells. This crown is different from the solid crown.
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring,
Round 1: CH 1; 11 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC;
CH 1 (11 HDC)
Round 2: 2 HDC in joining st and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (22 HDC)
Round 3: SC in joining st, 2 SC in nxt st; * SC in nxt st, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 10x; Drop CC and pull up MC on last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (33 SC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 10x; Drop MC and pull up CC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (44 HDC)
Round 5: SC in joining st; SC in nxt st 2x; 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st 3x, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 10x; End Off CC and pull up MC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (55 SC)
Round 6: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st 9x; 2 HDC in nxt st; *HDC in nxt st 10x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 4x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (60 HDC)
Measurement across 6”
Shell Rows follow
Round 7: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (10 SC 10 Shells)
Round 8: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (10 SC 10 Shells)
Use J/10/6mm hook throughout the rest of the pattern
Round 9-12: Repeat Round 8 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat).
Round 13: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of the 3rd SLP ST. This will be at the peak. CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (10 SC 10 Shells)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 14: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (60 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 15 – 17: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (60 ST) (At the end of Round 17, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim)
Round 14-15: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 15; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 ST)
Round 16-17: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; End Off CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of round 17; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 ST)
Round 18-19: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (60 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =19-20” Height = 8”- 8 ½”
Adult X/L Solid Crown
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring
Round 1: CH 1; 10 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC;
CH 1 (10 HDC)
Round 2: 2 HDC in joining st, and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (20 HDC)
Round 3: HDC in joining st; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (30 HDC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; *HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt st;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (40 HDC)
Round 5: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st 2x; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 3x, 2 HDC in nxt st;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (50 HDC)
Round 6: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st 3x; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 4x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (60 HDC) Measurement 6 ½”
Shell Rows follow
Round 7: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 9x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (10 SC 10 Shells)
Round 8: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in the peak st; Shell in nxt SC of the previous round;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (10 SC 10 Shells)
Note: If you would like to change colors during the Shell Rows, you will be changing the color at the beginning of the round; SLP ST in nxt st 3x, and Drop MC and pull up CC at last pull through of 3rd SLP ST, you should be at the peak.
Round 9-13: Repeat Round 8 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 14: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (60 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 15 – 18: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (60 ST) (At the end of Round 18, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim)
Round 14: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 ST)
Round 15-16: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC1 and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 16; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 ST)
Round 17: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (60 ST)
Round 18-19: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST in beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (60 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =20-21” Height = 9”
Adult X/L Striped Crown
NOTE: Since the stripes on the crown are made using SC stitches, please use a K/10.5/6.5mm hook for the crown and two rounds of shells. This crown is different from the solid crown.
Using MC; CH 3 join with slp st to form ring
Round 1: CH 1; 10 HDC in ring; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC;
CH 1 (10 HDC)
Round 2: 2HDC in joining st, and in each st around; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1
(20 HDC)
Round 3: SC in joining st; 2 SC in nxt st; * SC in nxt st, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 9x; Drop CC and pull up MC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (30 SC)
Round 4: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st; 2 HDC in nxt st; *HDC in nxt st 2x, 2 HDC in nxt st;* 9x; Drop MC and pull up CC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (40 HDC)
Round 5: SC in joining st; SC in nxt st 2x; 2 SC in nxt st; * SC in nxt st 3x, 2 SC in nxt st;* 9x; Drop CC and pull up MC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (50 SC)
Round 6: HDC in joining st; HDC in nxt st 3x; 2 HDC in nxt st; * HDC in nxt st 4x, 2 HDC in nxt ST;* 9x; Drop MC and pull up CC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. HDC; CH 1 (60 HDC)
Round 7: SC in joining st; SC in nxt st 8x; 2 SC in nxt st; * SC in nxt st 9x, 2 SC in nxt ST;* 5x; End Off CC and pull up MC on the last pull through of this round; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; CH 1 (66 SC) Measurement across 6 ½”
Shell Rows follow
Round 8: SC in joining st; skp nxt 2 st’s; Shell in nxt st; * skp nxt st 2x; SC in nxt st; skp nxt st 2x, Shell in nxt st;* 10x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (11 SC 11 Shells)
Round 9: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x (Note, you should be at the peak stitch of the first shell of the previous round.) CH 1, *SC in the peak st; Shell in nxt SC of the previous round;* 11x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (11 SC 11 Shells)
Use J/10/6mm hook throughout the rest of the pattern
Round 10-13: Repeat Round 9 (Note: you may add more rows here, if you would like a taller slouchier hat)
Round 14: SLP ST in nxt ST 3x; Drop MC and pull up CC on last pull through of the 3rd SLP ST. This will be at the peak. CH 1, *SC in peak st; Shell in the nxt SC of the previous round;* 11x; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; (11 SC 11 Shells)
Brim option number 1 (Ribbed Brim)
Round 15: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/ SLP ST in beg. SC (66 SC)
Note: CH 2 will recede and become a mock BP HDC
Round 16 – 19: CH 2; FP HDC around 1st SC; *BP HDC around nxt SC, FP HDC around nxt SC;* complete sequence between * * around; join w/SLP ST in beg. 2nd CH of beg. CH 2; (66 ST) (At the end of Round 19, End off and weave in all ends)
Brim option number 2 (SC Striped Brim) Round 15-16: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; Drop CC1 and pull up CC2 at the last pull through of round 16; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (66 ST)
Round 17-18: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; End Off CC2 and pull up CC1 at the last pull through of round 18; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC (66 ST)
Round 19-20: CH 1, SC in joining st and in each st around; join w/SLP ST to beg. SC; End off and weave in ends (66 ST)
Ending Measurements (All measurements are approximate for you use as a guideline) Circumference =20-21” Height = 9”
Who doesn’t love a good shell stitch crochet project.
This one is so versatile and is the perfect match to the Mountain Lodge Messy Bun Hat, that is a free crochet pattern here on this blog.
This hat was also meant to coordinate with the Mountain Lodge Boot Slipper Socks and the Lumberjack Rain Boot socks. Both crochet patterns are free here on this blog.
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COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
This pattern is protected by copyright Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet©2024. Do not sell, alter or redistribute this pattern in any way or form. You have my permission to sell your finished product, but you are responsible for the finished product. You may NOT use my photos to sell your product or promote your website.
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Will you be making this hat for you or your loved ones? Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know what yarns and color scheme you used when you making this hat. It was so good to have you on my side of the mountain. I hope you will come again soon.
God Bless,
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