Shell Stitch Crochet {How to Crochet Shell Stitch 4 Easy Ways}

The shell stitch crochet is one of those stitches which can be worked in a number of ways. The most common, and easiest way, is to work multiple stitches into the same stitch of the previous row. This makes the stitches spread out to form a fan or a shell shape.

It is also possible to use stitches of different heights to form the shell shape. Another choice to make is to decide whether you want open, lacy shells, or a more solid-looking fabric. Let's look at these variations in more detail.

Shell Stitch Crochet Tutorial

What is a Shell Stitch in Crochet? Definition

A shell stitch in crochet is a type of crochet stitch that looks like a shell or fan shape. It makes beautiful borders and attractive baby blankets, full-sized blankets, beanies, and all kinds of clothing. It is a beautiful stitch, particularly when done in rows of contrasting colors.

Materials

• Yarn in the thickness and color of your choice. Read more about yarn weight and types of yarn.
• Crochet hook in a suitable size for your yarn. It is easiest to use the recommended crochet hook size that can be found on the label of the yarn.
• Scissors.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends after color changes.

Abbreviations Used in Shell Stitch

All instructions are written in US crochet terms.

• sc = single crochet stitch
• hdc =half double crochet
• dc = double croche stitch
• ch = chain stitch
• tr = treble crochet stitches
• sk =skip
• st(s) stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• rep = repeat

How to Do Shell Stitch Patterns

Here I will show you 4 types of shell stitch pattern. The most common are the double-shell stitch (1) and the solid shell stitch (2).

1. Double Shell Stitch
2. Solid Shell Stitch Crochet
3. Shell Stitch Crochet with Chain Stitches
4. Shell Stitch with Double Crochets

How to Crochet Shell Stitch for Beginners

1. Double Shell Stitch Pattern

These are the easiest and most commonly used types of shell stitch crochet. Each shell is made up of 5 double crochet stitches with skipped stitches in between to keep the stitch count and the width the same.

Because you are working 5 double crochet into 1 stitch, you need to balance that out by having 4 stitches between the base of each shell.

Foundation:

Start with a foundation chain, of a multiple of 6+2 stitches.

First Shell Stitch:

• Chain 4 (This is a turning chain - 3 chains counts as 1 double crochet)
• 2 double crochet in the 4^th chain from hook

• *Skip 2, 1 double crochet, skip 2, 5 double crochet into next stitch

First Row of Shell Stitches:

• Repeat from * to the last stitch
• Do 3 double crochet into the last stitch

This will make a row of 5 double crochet shells, separated by individual double crochet posts. You start and finish the row with a smaller half shell of 3 double crochet stitches.

Row 2: Continue Shell Stitch

• Turn and chain 3, skip 3
• * 5 double crochet in the next dc, skip 2, double crochet, skip 2
• Repeat from * to the last stitch
• End with 1 double crochet on top of the turning chain

In this row, the crochet shells are framed by just 1 double crochet on each side of the row. This creates a staggered pattern of shells. The shells are worked into the individual double crochet stitches of the row below.

Row 3:

•  Turn and chain 3, 2 double crochet into the top of the first double crochet
• *Skip 2, dc, sk2, 5 dc into next stitch
• Repeat from * to end of row.
• 3 double crochet into the last stitch

This row is worked in the same way as row 1, but instead of working into chain stitches, you will be working into shells.

Rows 4 Onwards:

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your fabric is the required length.

2. How Do You Do a Solid Shell Stitch?

For those crocheters who don’t want all those ‘holes’ in their fabric, and prefer a more solid look to their crochet fabric, this is how to make a solid shell stitch. In this variation, you will skip that single double crochet between shells, and simply anchor each shell with single crochet. It goes like this:

Foundation:

• The Foundation chain must be a multiple of 6+2.

Row 1:

• 1 single crochet (first sc) in the second chain from the hook.
• 1 single crochet into each chain to the end (This is not essential to the pattern but it gives you a nice firm base.)

Row 2:

• Chain 1. 1 single crochet in the base of that chain.
• * Skip 2 single crochets, 5 double crochet in the next single crochet
• Skip 2 single crochet, 1 single crochet in the top of the next single crochet (This last single crochet ‘anchors’ the shell.)
• Repeat from * to end

Row 3:

• Turn, chain 3. 2 double crochet (dc) in the base of the 3 chains
• * Skip 2 dc, 1 sc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc
• Repeat from * to the last 5 stitches
• Sc, sk2 dc, 1 sc in next double crochet
• Sk2 dc, 3 dc in the last stitch

Row 4:

• Chain1, 1 sc in base of the ch1
• *Skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, 1 sc in next dc
• Repeat from * to last shell
• Skip 2 dc, work 5 dc into the next sc
• Skip 2 dc,1 sc into top of the turning chain

• Repeat rows 3 and 4 until your item is the required length.

I think the shells look more defined with this version!

3. Shell Stitch With Chain Spaces (Fan Stitch)

This version of crochet shell stitch is also known as fan stitch. It is a kind of double V-stitch. Instead of placing a dc or sc between the shells, you will place a chain stitch.

You are not limited to just 1 chain stitch. If you want a light and lacy effect, you can use 2 or 3 chain stitches.

Foundation:

Make a foundation chain in a multiple of 3

Row 1:

• Work dc into 3^rd chain from hook, then 1 more dc into the same stitch
• * Skip 2 chains
• In the next stitch, work (2dc, ch1, 2 dc) This grouping is your ‘shell’.

• Repeat from * to last 3 stitches
• Skip 2 stitches
• Work 3 dc into the last ch stitch

You can see in this picture that my foundation chain was crocheted too tightly. I should have used a larger hook for it!

Row 2:

• Turn work, chain 3
• Work 2 dc into center stitch of of the 3dc in the last row
• Make the 1^st shell of this row (2dc, ch, 2dc) into the 1^st chain space of row 1
• Continue making shells into each chain space across the row
• At the end of the row, work 3 dc into 1^st dc of previous row (i.e. The center stitch)

Repeat row 2 until you have reached the required length of your crochet fabric. This pattern will give you vertical rows of shells rather than the staggering effect that the others give.

4. Crochet Shells with Double Crochet

Another very attractive pattern, using a variation on the V-stitch shell, is to alternate a shell and a band of double crochet stitches.

Foundation:

• Make a foundation chain in a multiple of 10 + 3 stitches

Row 1:

• (2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) into 6^th chain from the hook (This is your shell)
• *Skip 2 chains, 1 dc in each of next 3 stitches
• Skip 2 chains, shell in the next stitch
• Repeat from * to end
• End off with skip 2 chains and dc in the last chain

Row 2:

• Chain 3, and turn
• * Shell in the chain 1 space of previous shell
• Skip 2, dc into each dc, skip 2
• Repeat from * to end of row, dc in last stitch
• Turn                                                                       
• Repeat row 2 until your item is the desired length

Experiment with a different number of dc between each shell. You are not bound to the 3 double crochets mentioned here! Once again, you will have vertical rows of shells with this pattern, not staggered shells.

How Do You Do a Shell Stitch Border?

Shell stitch can be used for borders to give a particularly attractive scalloped edge. Read my full tutorial on crochet borders to see how to add shell stitches along edges.

Shell Crochet Stitch - In Conclusion

All of these shell stitch ideas are simple stitches that give decorative results. They are all useful as pretty borders for any crochet pattern or make distinctive designs when used for the entire fabric.

As usual, your color choices will definitely affect the final look of your item. The shell stitch is most effective (i.e. the shells stand out beautifully) when it is worked in two or three colors, one color for each row.

The shell crochet stitch varieties are all excellent choices for any type or size of blanket or throw. They also make good scarves, shawls, wraps, and cowls.

If you would like to practice each variety to see which one you like best, find some cotton or bamboo yarn, (anything absorbent) make up a 10” (25cm) square of each variation, and use them as facecloths or dishcloths. It is so satisfying making something useful out of your experiments!