The shell stitch is a classic and versatile crochet technique that adds elegance and texture to your projects. It uses groups of stitches that create a shell-like pattern. The shell stitch can be used to create various items ranging from blankets and scarves to shawls and more. Additionally, the shell stitch is perfect for adding decorative borders or edgings to your projects. You can use it to embellish the edges of blankets, afghans, or even clothing items like cardigans or ponchos, giving them a polished and professional finish.
One of the beauties of the shell stitch is its simplicity. Typically, it involves basic stitches like double crochet and single crochet. You can create different shell shapes and sizes by adjusting the number of stitches and spacing between them.
In this blog post, we are going to create a shell stitch using 2 basic crochet stitches – Single crochet and Double crochet. The use of these basic stitches makes shell stitches very beginner-friendly. This 2-row repeat pattern is made using a single crochet and a cluster of double crochet stitches. I’ve included easy-to-follow written instructions and a video tutorial for those who prefer visual learning.
Video –
Give it a shot and share your results with me on Instagram or you can also pin it for later on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your finished work!
Stitches used and Abbreviations –
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sc – single crochet
- sk – skip
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
Shell Stitch Pattern (US Terms) –
- Start with a multiple of 6 ch plus 2 ch.
- Row 1 – 1 sc in the second ch from the hook. * sk next 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, sk next 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch* Repeat * till the end of the row.
- Row 2 – ch 3 (counts as first dc) and turn around the work, 2 dc in the first st, *sk 2 sts, 1 sc, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st* Repeat * until last 3 sts are remaining. sk 2 sts, 3 dc in the last st.
- Row 3 – ch 1 and turn around the work. 1 sc in the 1st st. * sk next 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st, sk next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st* Repeat * until last 3 sts are remaining. sk 2 sts, 1 sc in the top of the 3 ch at the end.
- Repeat rows 2 and 3 as needed for the pattern.
