The Shell Stitch is one of the most eye-catching and timeless crochet stitches you can add to your toolbox. Scroll down for the free stitch pattern BELOW!
The Shell Stitch: A Beautiful and Fun Crochet Classic
The Shell Stitch is one of the most eye-catching and timeless crochet stitches you can add to your toolbox. It’s perfect for anyone looking to create elegant, lacy designs without the complexity of advanced techniques. With its combination of simple single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches, the Shell Stitch is not only beginner-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re crafting delicate scarves, baby blankets, or even cushion covers, the Shell Stitch adds a beautiful, wavy texture that will bring your projects to life!
Why You’ll Love the Shell Stitch
The Shell Stitch is the perfect blend of simplicity and beauty. It creates a gorgeous, scalloped pattern that resembles rows of seashells or fan shapes, instantly giving your projects a decorative flair. And the best part? It’s super easy to learn! Once you get the hang of alternating between single and double crochet stitches, you’ll be able to crochet stunning shell patterns with ease. This stitch is great for relaxing projects where you want to crochet something special without needing to follow a complicated chart.
Beginner-Friendly but Looks Advanced
One of the great things about the Shell Stitch is that it looks much more intricate than it actually is! While the stitch involves only basic crochet techniques—single and double crochet—the finished look has a detailed effect that makes it seem like a more advanced pattern. This makes it ideal for beginners who want to build their confidence and create pieces that look sophisticated and professional.
Endless Possibilities with the Shell Stitch
The Shell Stitch isn’t just for one type of project—its versatility opens up endless creative possibilities! It works wonderfully for any crochet items like scarves, shawls, or beach cover-ups, but it can also be used to add decorative touches to home décor like blankets, cushion covers, or even table runners. Its scalloped edge gives a delicate, feminine touch to any piece, making it perfect for baby blankets or any project where you want to add a little charm and whimsy.
Have Fun with Yarn and Color
While the Shell Stitch looks gorgeous in any yarn, it truly shines when you play with color. You can create stunning stripes by changing yarn colors between rows or use ombré or variegated yarn to add a flowing, multicolored effect that blends beautifully with the shell pattern. Whether you’re going for bold, vibrant shades or soft, muted pastels, the stitch pattern enhances the yarn’s texture and color transitions, giving your project a polished, professional look.
Why You Should Try the Shell Stitch
The Shell Stitch is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves crochet! It’s easy enough for beginners to pick up, yet creates a textured look that even experienced crocheters enjoy. Whether you’re looking to make an elegant scarf, a cozy blanket, or a stylish throw, this stitch adds flair to any project without the hassle of learning complicated techniques. Plus, it works up relatively quickly, so you can see the beautiful results of your hard work in no time!
Start Your Crochet Journey with the Shell Stitch
With its graceful, wavy design and simple pattern, the Shell Stitch is a true crochet classic. Whether you’re a crochet newbie or someone with years of experience, this stitch is the perfect way to elevate your projects with minimal effort. So, grab your yarn and hook, get cozy, and enjoy the fun of creating beautiful shell-shaped stitches that will impress anyone who sees your work. It’s time to dive into the world of crochet shells—happy stitching!
The Shell Stitch
Stitches broken down into easy steps:
Ch – Chain
- Make a slip knot, insert your hook into the slip knot loop.
- Yarn over and pull up a new loop.
- The first chain stitch is now complete.
- Keep repeating the above steps to make the next chain stitch and the rest of the foundation chain.
Sc – Single Crochet
- Insert hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
Dc – Double Crochet
- Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over, and pull through two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.
Written In:
This pattern is written using American standard crochet terminology.
Notes:
- This crochet pattern is worked in rows starting from the bottom working towards the top, turn your piece over at the end of each row.
- Ch1 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch throughout the pattern.
- Repeat what is in between the stars from * to * until the end of the round.
- If you have a ** in your row you need to follow the pattern from * to * across the entire row and then when you get near the end of the row you will finish your last repeat at ** because you can no longer complete the entire repeat then follow what it says to do to complete the row.
- Read each row carefully before starting the row.
Multiples:
- 6 + 2
Yarn & Hook:
Written Instructions for the Shell Stitch:
- You can find my other free crochet stitches here.
- Save this tutorial to your Pinterest crochet board here.
R1. Chain your desired width using the multiples above, 1sc in 2nd ch from hook * Skip next 2 chains, 5dc in next chain, skip next 2 chains, 1sc in next chain * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row, turn
R2. Ch1, Work 3dc in very first sc * Skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc, skip next 2dc, 5dc in next sc * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row until 6sts remain, skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc, skip next 2dc, 3dc in last sc, turn
R3. Ch1, 1sc in very first dc * Skip next 2dc, 5dc in next sc, skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row, turn
Repeat rows 2 + 3 until you reach your desired length.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Photo Tutorial for the Shell Stitch:
R1. Chain your desired width using the multiples above, 1sc in 2nd ch from hook * Skip next 2 chains, 5dc in next chain, skip next 2 chains, 1sc in next chain * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row, turn
- Place your first sc stitch in the 2nd ch from the hook – the arrow is pointing to it.
- Picture shows your first sc stitch made in 2nd ch from the hook. Skip next 2chs – see peach arrows. 5dc in next chain – see white arrow.
- After you have completed row 1 this is what it should look like.
R2. Ch1, Work 3dc in very first sc * Skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc, skip next 2dc, 5dc in next sc * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row until 6sts remain, skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc, skip next 2dc, 3dc in last sc, turn
- Ch1, Work 3dc in very first sc – the arrow is pointing to it.
- Once you have made 3dc in the very first sc, skip next 2dc – see peach arrows. 1sc in next dc – see white arrow.
- Skip next 2dc – see peach arrows. 5dc in next sc – see white arrow.
- This is what row 2 should look like so far.
- When you get to the last 6sts, skip next 2dc – see peach arrows. 1sc in next dc – see white arrow.
- Skip next 2dc – see peach arrows. 3dc in last sc – see white arrow.
- After you have completed row 2 this is what it should look like.
R3. Ch1, 1sc in very first dc * Skip next 2dc, 5dc in next sc, skip next 2dc, 1sc in next dc * Repeat from * to * all the way across the row, turn
- Ch1, 1sc in very first dc – see peach arrow. Skip next 2dc – see white arrows. 5dc in next sc – see blue arrow.
- Skip next 2dc – see peach arrows. 1sc in next dc – see white arrow.
- Close up of what the end of row 3 will look like.
- This is what row 3 will look like once completed.
Repeat rows 2 + 3 until you reach your desired length.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
More Crochet Stitch Tutorials
If you liked this article, you might be interested in these related crochet stitch tutorials:
Where To Next?
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