Ready to learn the crochet shell stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make one of the most beautiful stitches for blankets and give you tips for using this stitch in patterns.
UPDATED: JULY 18, 2024 BY BRITTANY
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The crochet shell stitch is a classic crochet stitch that creates a beautifully textured fabric. It’s perfect for making blankets, home decor and a cozy sweater!
The shell stitch is also very versatile. You can pair it with your favorite light or medium-weight yarn and let your imagination run wild. The stitch will highlight the color and texture of the yarn, in a way that no other crochet stitch will.
It has a simple repeat so it’s simple enough for new crocheters to learn, but it’s also perfect for when you just want to tune out and enjoy the process of stitching.
In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of the crochet shell stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best for. Plus I’ll answer some questions you may so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Crochet Shell Stitch
- Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial
- Shell Stitch Multiple
- Crochet Shell Stitch Abbreviations
- Crochet Shell Stitch Step-by-Step Video
- Crochet Shell Stitch Project Ideas
What is the Crochet Shell Stitch?
The crochet shell stitch is a classic crochet stitch that’s been used for decades to create a gorgeous, shell-like pattern in crochet projects. This easy-to-crochet stitch is as easy to crochet as it is beautiful to look at.
Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial
The crochet shell stitch offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to yarn selection, but it truly shines withe a light or medium-weight yarn.
To showcase the stitch pattern to its fullest, opt for a sleek and smooth yarn that accentuates every intricate detail of the design. Chic Sheep yarn is one of my favorites to pair with this stitch for the best stitch definition. Or if you want a little texture in your project, Patons Classic Wool Worsted and Lion Brand Wool Ease are some of my favorite “lightly textured” yarns to use with the shell stitch.
Supplies
- Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
- 6 mm Crochet Hook
Pattern Notes
- There is no right or wrong side: the crochet shell stitch is considered a reversible stitch, which means it looks the same on both sides.
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
Stitch Multiple
The crochet shell stitch multiple is 6 + 7. This means that you should crochet your starting chain in groups of 6, and then add 7 stitches at the end.
Stitch Abbreviations
- Ch Chain
- Dc Double Crochet
- Hk Hook
- Rem Remaining
- Rep Repeat
- Sc Single Crochet
- Sk Skip
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Additional Notes: The chain 3 at the beginning of rows counts as a double crochet stitch. The ch 1 at the beginning of rows doesn’t count as a stitch.
Row 1: Ch any number of sts divisible by 6 and add 7 at the end. 5 dc in 4th ch from hk. *Sk 2 ch. 1 sc in next ch. Sk 2 ch. 5 dc in next. Rep from * to end of row. End with sc in last ch. Ch 3and turn.
Row 2: 2 dc in same st as ch. *Sk 2 sts. 1 sc in next st. Sk 2 sts. 5 dc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. End with 3 dc in turning ch. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: 1 sc in first st. *Sk 2 sts. 5 dc in next st. Sk 2 sts. 1 sc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. End with a sc in 3rd turning ch.
Repeat: Rep rows 2 and 3 for the entire pattern.
Crochet Shell Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
Crochet Shell Stitch Project Ideas
The shell stitch is one of the most practical stitches you can learn. It’s mostly solid, yet not too thick qualities make it perfect for a variety of projects. Here are a couple quick and easy (free) patterns that use the shell stitch.
