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The Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is one of my favorite crochet stitches because it’s so gorgeous! Best of all, it’s easy to learn! If you know how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you can do the shell stitch!
This versatile stitch will give a beautiful shell- or fan-like look to your crochet projects, and it’s perfect for blankets, scarves, mittens, fun tote bags, and more!
When using the shell stitch in a project, you can do all your rows in one yarn color, or you can switch every row or every other row to create fun designs that really let the shell shapes stand out. If you’re not sure how to change colors at the end of a row, just check out the video tutorial by Naztazia later in this post, because she shows how!
Now, let’s dive in and learn the shell stitch!
How to Crochet the Shell Stitch (Photo Tutorial)
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Yarn (I used worsted-weight Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads)
- Corresponding hook (I used a 5mm hook)
- Knowledge of chain (ch), single crochet (sc), and double crochet (dc) stitches
STARTING CHAIN
Step 1: To begin the shell stitch, create a starting chain by chaining a multiple of six, plus one more chain. You could chain 13 stitches (12+1), 19 stitches (18+1), etc. I chose to chain 25 (24+1).
FIRST ROW
Step 2: Skip 3 chains, and do three double-crochets (3 dc) into the fourth chain from the hook.
Step 3: Skip 2 chains, and single crochet (1 sc) into the next chain.
Step 4: Skip 2 chains, and do five double-crochets (5 dc) into the next chain.
At this point, you should start to see the shell pattern.
Step 5: Continue this pattern (skip 2 chains, 1 sc, skip 2 chains, 5 dc) across the chain. You should end by single crocheting into the last chain.
At this point, you can change colors, but this is optional. I changed colors with each row so that you’ll be able to more clearly see the shell pattern. If you want to learn how to change colors at the end of a row, check out the video tutorial after this photo tutorial.
SECOND ROW:
Step 6: Chain 3.
Step 7: Turn your work and 3dc in the first single crochet (which is the last single crochet from round 1).
Step 8: Sc in the 3rd dc of the first shell (this is the peak/middle of the shell).
Step 9: Skip the next 2 double-crochet stitches and 5dc in the next single crochet (the “valley” between 2 shells).
By doing double crochets in the single crochets from the previous row, and single crochets in the “peak” double crochets of the previous row, you’re offsetting the shell pattern.
Step 10: Repeat this pattern (sc in the middle dc of the previous row’s shell, skip 2 stitches, 5dc in the sc of the previous row, skip 2 stitches) until you’ve reached the end of the row. Your last stitch of the row should be a single crochet in the top of the ch3 from the previous row.
ROWS 3 AND ON:
Continue the steps you used for row 2 until you have as many rows as you want, or as many rows as your pattern calls for. The photo below shows 10 rows of shell stitch, with a color change between each row:
Video Tutorial
If you learn best via video tutorials, make sure to check out this clear and thorough tutorial by Naztazia! The video thumbnail shows what the shell stitch looks like if you change colors every other row instead of every row.
Project Ideas for the Shell Stitch
Now that you know how to do the shell stitch, you can make tons of beautiful crochet projects! Let’s check out some patterns that use this stitch.
Shell Stitch Blanket
This gorgeous blanket can be made in any of your favorite colors, and it’ll work up quickly and easily now that you know how to crochet the shell stitch! My favorite part is the border, which is also made with the shell stitch!
Shell Stitch Crochet Fingerless Gloves
These shell stitch hand warmers are perfect for a chilly fall or winter day! The cuffs are worked in rows, and the hands are worked in rounds using the shell stitch. Just pick up some cozy worsted-weight yarn, and you’ll have the perfect winter accessory in no time!
Shell Stitch Crochet Hat
You’ll want to keep your head warm in crisp weather, too, so why not make this shell stitch hat? You’ll need weight 3 yarn and a 4mm crochet hook. The ribbed brim is made with simple stitches, and you’ll get to show off the shell stitch in the main body of the hat.
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