Shell Stitch

This week the Stitch of the Week is the shell stitch. It is a pattern in which multiple stitches are worked into the same stitch from the previous row or round. As an advanced beginner crochet stitch, it adds decorative appeal to any project. It also adds unique texture to your project. This stitch is great for borders or worked in rows. Using a single color adds beautiful texture, but changing colors from row to row makes for more intricate design and contrast.

The shell stitch is very popular and comes with many different variations. The basic stitch uses single crochets and double crochet stitches to create a fan or shell pattern. It typically uses 5 double crochet stitches, but can be modified to use less or more stitches. This basic pattern creates a dense fabric, although a lacier fabric can be made by simply using a two row repeat with the second row made with single crochets in the top of each shell from the previous row. In the single crochet of the previous row a double crochet is made. This technique gives the fabric a lacey design.

Shell stitch

5 double crochets in the same stitch.

Making a swatch

FOUNDATION CHAIN

multiples of 6 + 1

ROW 1

Sc in the 2nd ch from hook. Skip 2 chs, 5 dc in the next ch. Skip 2 chs, sc in the next chain. Repeat to last 3 chs. Skip 2 ch, sc in last ch. Turn.

ROW 2

Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) 2 dc in the 1st sc. *sc in the center dc (3rd dc of the shell stitch in previous row). Work 5 dc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * across to last sc. 3 dc in the last sc of the row. Turn.

ROW 3

Ch 1. Sc in the 1st dc. *Work 5 dc in the next sc. Sc in the center of the next shell.* Repeat across, working last sc in the top of the turning chain.

Repeat rows 2-3 for pattern.

Video tutorial for shell STITCH

FInal NOtes

Also, be sure to check out my other stitch tutorials in my Stitch Library. Once again, thanks for stopping by DulceBella Designs! In the meantime, be sure to check out the patterns below using the shell stitch. Until next time, sit, relax, and stay a while and always glorify God by creating beautiful crochet art!.

my favorite patterns using the shell stitch

Because the shell stitch lends itself to many different styles of patterns, the possibilities are endless. Simply working the shell in combination with double crochets and chains, changes the look of the pattern tremendously. Although, I have linked some different patterns here that use this stitch, I encourage you to try creating your own project. So, here is your chance to start with trying something small like a hat or scarf.