Want a “wow” factor without too much of a hassle? Well, look no further than the shell stitch! It has an awesome texture and works up fast once you get it going. Did I mention it’s easy to do to? Interested? Then let me show you how to crochet the shell stitch
What’s the Shell stitch?
The shell stitch, is a 2 row repeat that is made up of double crochets, single crochets, and chains. It has many variations just by changing the amount of double crochets in each shell. I’ll be showing you how to make the most common 5 double crochet shell. The shell stitch works up very quickly since it uses double crochets and has a nice easy repeat. One down side would be that this stitch is a yarn eater.
Uses
I’ve seen this stitch used on just about everything from scarves and sweaters, to blankets and borders. Just using the crochet shell stitch in one you’ll get a beautiful scalloped texture. However, there are so many patterns that do alternating colors, because it makes the stitch look so much more intricate!
Supplies
- Worsted weight Yarn
- I’m using
- I/5.5mm hook
- Snips
- Yarn or tapestry needle
Abbreviations
- Ch = Chain
- sc = Single crochet
- sk = skip
- st = stitch
- Dc = Double crochet
- <> = total number of stitches in row.
If you need a refresher on the chain stitch, single crochet, or double crochet, then try my in-depth tutorials The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Chain Stitch And The Slip Stitch, The Crochet Basics: How To Make A Single Crochet Stitch, The Crochet Basics: How To Make A Double Crochet.
Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial
The multiple for this stitch is 6 plus 2. (i.e. 12,18,24,30,36, Plus 2. So 30 + 2 = 32 chains to start.)
Foundation row. Ch 32.
Row 1. In 2nd ch from hook make 1 sc, make 1 sc in each st. <31>
Note: This first row of sc is is optional, however I feel like it makes the work so much neater.
Row 2. Ch 1, make 1 sc in that same st, sk 2 sts, make a dc in the 3rd st, make 4 more dcs in that same st, sk 2 sts, make a sc in the next st,
Row 2. (Continued) *sk 2 sts, make 5 dcs in the 3rd st, sk 2 sts, make a sc in the 3rd st,* repeat from *-* until you reach the end of the row. < 5 shell sts>
Tip: If you don’t have enough stitches, or you have too many at the end of the row, check your work to make sure you skipped 2 sts between the scs and the dc clusters.
Row 3. Ch 4, turn, this and all other ch 4s count as 1 dc, put 2 dcs in the same st you made your chs from, sk 2 sts put a sc in that 3rds st,
once you get going you get a feel for where the middle Dc and the lower sc are. it becomes second nature.
Row 3. (Continued) *sk 2 sts, make 5 dcs in the 3rd st, sk 2 sts, make a sc in the 3rd st,* repeat from *-* until you reach the end of the row. < 4 full shell sts and 2 half shells>
Row 4. Ch 1, turn, put 1 sc in the first st, *sk 2 sts, make 5 dcs in the 3rd st, sk 2 sts, make a sc in the 3rd st,* repeat from *-* until you reach the end of the row, your last st should be a sc in the top of the ch 4 you started with in row 3. < 5 shell sts>
Rows 5-11. Repeat rows 3 and 4.
Weaving in the ends
Tie off and weave in the ends.
Here’s my in-depth tutorial on how to weave in ends securely. The Crochet Basics: How To Weave In Ends
Tips: Make sure to check your tension/gauge as you go. If your shell stitch is puckering then you’re crocheting too tight. you need to re do them with a looser tension. You could also try one hook size larger if you know you tend to crochet tightly.
Here’s an example of how changing the colors every row can elevate the look and texture of the crochet shell stitch. I used red, black and grey in the swatch on the left and used the exact same pattern otherwise. Which do you prefer? Let’s the texture speak for it self or using color changes with the texture? Let me know in the comments below!
I hope you liked learning How To Crochet The Shell Stitch and found it helpful! If it was, please show your support by liking this post and following my blog, so you’re alerted whenever I make a new one. You can also sign up for The Crocheting Owl Monthly Newsletter for free patterns, updates, yarny bonuses, and more!
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Looking for more stitch tutorials?
Try these!