Crochet Shell Stitch
Go Shell Crazy.

Curious how to crochet shell stitch? Well - I'll tell you all about it. A shell in crochet is basically just a group of stitches worked into one base stitch. See the granny square for an example of a 3 stitch shell, though the granny square stitches are worked into the chain space rather than 1 stitch.

You most often use shells in combination with other crochet stitches to form a more advanced pattern. Shells are usually made up of 3 or more longer length stitches, like double crochet or trebles.

You can also use crochet shell stitch to form a scallop edging. This is a very pretty way to 'fancy up' a project that might otherwise look a little plain.

I worked the above sample using chain and double crochet.

This first option for crochet shell stitch would make a really nice lacy scarf in a glittery yarn or even a soft alpaca for totally different looks.

Try this pattern shown in the picture above...

• multiples of 4 + 1 chains to start, ie. 12 + 1 = 13, or 28 + 1 = 29, etc.
• 5 double crochets in same stitch = 1 shell

Chain 17.

1. 1 shell into 4th chain from hook, *skip 3 chains, chain 1, 1 shell in next stitch, repeat from * to end working 1 double crochet into last stitch.
2. Chain 3, *1 shell in 3rd double crochet, chain 1, repeat from * to end working 1 double crochet in turning chain.
3. Repeat row 2 as necessary for your project.

• Shell is 5 double crochets worked into 1 stitch as before.
• I also used single crochetfor this pattern option.
• Stitch numbers needed are multiples of 6 + 1, ie. 18 + 1 = 19, or 36 + 1 = 37, etc.

Here goes with these instructions...Chain 25.

1. 1 shell into 4th chain from hook, *skip 2 chains, single crochet in next stitch, skip 2 chains, 1 shell in next stitch, repeat from * to end working 1 single crochet into last stitch.
2. Chain 4, turn, *single crochet in top of 3rd double crochet, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, double crochet in top of single crochet, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, repeat to end working 1 double crochet in top of turning chain.
3. Chain 2, turn, 2 double crochet into top of double crochet at base of turning chain, *skip 2 stitches, single crochet in top of single crochet, skip 2 stitches, 1 shell into top of double crochet, repeat to last 3 stitches, skip 2 stitches, 3 double crochets in 3rd stitch of turning chain.
4. Chain 3, turn, *skip 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in top of single crochet, chain 2, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in top of 3rd double crochet,chain 2,repeat to end ending with 1 single crochet into turning chain.
5. Chain 1, turn, *skip 2 stitches, 1 shell in top of double crochet, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in top of single crochet, repeat to end working single crochet in top of single crochet.
6. Rows 2 - 5 form the pattern repeat. Repeat as necessary for your project.

Crochet shell stitch is a very pretty pattern for a lacy throw or afghan. You could easily use it for a scarf and edge it with the scallop edging.

Try a poncho or sweater too if you're a little more adventurous.

Now you can look at a pattern and know what it means to crochet shell stitch. Enjoy your new found skills. What will you crochet next?

Check out the crochet popcorn stitch too.
How about a rope edging for your next project?
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