The shell stitch crochet pattern is a great way to add subtle texture and intrigue to any project. The stitch may look intimidating but is easy enough for even beginner crocheters!
This tutorial will go over how to crochet the shell stitch in a swatch, which you can then use to make pillows, blankets, scarves - literally anything that can be made flat and in rows. I love this stitch for baby blankets since it doesn't create large holes, and the stitch is easy enough that you can mindlessly crochet it once you get the rhythm down.
If you are looking for a similar stitch that has a bit more texture, I recommend the Sedge Stitch Crochet Pattern. The pattern created is almost like sideways shells and are a bit more visible.
If you are wanting to use the shell stitch as a border, check out my How to Crochet a Shell Border tutorial. I use the shell stitch border on many of my patterns like my Crochet Backpack Pattern and Crochet Tulip Bag Pattern as a trim to add a bit of laciness to the overall design. I also love using it as a border to blankets like with my Crochet Rainbow Baby Blanket Pattern.
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✏️ Things To Note:
- Shell Stitch: The crochet shell stitch can also be called the crochet scallop stitch, but for the simplicity of this video I will continue to refer it as the crochet shell stitch.
- Starting Chain: I will be making a shell stitch crochet swatch for the tutorial, but if you want a larger project you will want to make a chain that is a multiple of 6 then add 2.
- Yarn Type: You can use any type of yarn for the shell stitch, I just suggest nothing that is too textured like boucle yarn.
🪡 Materials Needed
- Any yarn, I am using Red Heart Yarn
- 5mm hook, or a hook that matches the weight of your yarn
- Tapestry needle
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
- Chain - ch
- Single crochet - sc
- Double crochet - dc
- Stitches - sts
🍵Instructions for Shell Stitch Crochet PAttern
This shell stitch crochet swatch will be made in rows not in the round.
Starting Chain: Make a chain that is a multiple of 6 then add 2. I did 32.
Row 1: Sc into the 2nd chain from the hook.
*Skip the next two chains, then dc x5 into the following chain.
Skip the next 2 chains, then sc into the following chain.
Repeat from * for the rest of the row. The last stitch should be a sc into the last ch. Then ch x3 and turn.
Row 2: To get a straight edge on this blanket row 2 will start and end with half shells.
Dc x2 into the first st (the last sc made in the first row).
*Skip 2 sts, and sc into the next dc. (This is the middle dc of the shell below).
Skip 2 sts, and dc x5 into the next sc.
Repeat from * for the rest of the row. The last shell stitch is a half shell stitch.
Skip 2 sts, and dc x3 into the last sc. Then ch x1 and turn.
Row 3: Sc into the first stitch. *Skip the next two stitches, dc x5 into the following sc. Skip the next two stitches, sc into the following dc (again it's the middle dc from the shell below). Repeat from * across the row, ending with a sc into the top of the 3rd chain.
Repeat row 2 and 3 for as long as you would like.
And now you know how to crochet the shell stitch in rows! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and if you are looking for some other fun crochet stitches, check out the Crochet Granny Spike Stitch or the Crochet Berry Stitch tutorials for some other textured stitches!
🐌Expert Tips
- If it is hard for you to see the middle dc of the shell stitch, you can use stitch markers to mark your place.
- The ch x3 at the beginning of every other row counts as a stitch, but the ch x1 for the other rows does not.
- If you want to change your yarn every row for additional visual contrast, make sure your ends are secure so they do not come undone.
🧵Pattern FAQs
In the last stitch of the row I would pull up the new color when I have 2 loops on my hook when completing the sc or halfway done with the dc. Then make chains with the new color yarn.
Typically it is about 5 dc stitches to make a shell stitch, but I have also seen 6 and 7. If you are making rows of shells then you want an odd number so the shell lays flat.
You can do a border of shell stitches or keep it simple with a single crochet border. If you are switching your yarn constantly I also suggest just making a fringe border.
🧶More Crochet Stitch Patterns
If you tried this Shell Stitch Crochet Pattern (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Shell Stitch Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Any yarn I am using Red Heart Yarn
- 5 mm hook or a hook that matches the weight of your yarn
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations (US terms)
- Chain - ch
- Single crochet - sc
- Double crochet - dc
- Stitches - sts
Notes
-
Shell Stitch: The crochet shell stitch can also be called the crochet scallop stitch, but for the simplicity of this video I will continue to refer it as the crochet shell stitch.
- Starting Chain: I will be making a shell stitch crochet swatch for the tutorial, but if you want a larger project you will want to make a chain that is a multiple of 6 then add 2.
- Yarn Type: You can use any type of yarn for the shell stitch, I just suggest nothing that is too textured like boucle yarn.
Instructions
- This shell stitch crochet swatch will be made in rows not in the round.
- Starting Chain: Make a chain that is a multiple of 6 then add 2. I did 32.
- Row 1: Sc into the 2nd chain from the hook.
- *Skip the next two chains, then dc x5 into the following chain.
- Skip the next 2 chains, then sc into the following chain.
- Repeat from * for the rest of the row. The last stitch should be a sc into the last ch. Then ch x3 and turn.
- Row 2: To get a straight edge on this blanket row 2 will start and end with half shells.
- Dc x2 into the first st (the last sc made in the first row).
- *Skip 2 sts, and sc into the next dc. (This is the middle dc of the shell below).
- Skip 2 sts, and dc x5 into the next sc.
- Repeat from * for the rest of the row. The last shell stitch is a half shell stitch.
- Skip 2 sts, and dc x3 into the last sc. Then ch x1 and turn.
- Row 3: Sc into the first stitch. *Skip the next two stitches, dc x5 into the following sc. Skip the next two stitches, sc into the following dc (again it's the middle dc from the shell below). Repeat from * across the row, ending with a sc into the top of the 3rd chain.
- Repeat row 2 and 3 for as long as you would like.
- And now you know how to crochet the shell stitch in rows!
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