If you’re new to the crochet world, learning how to crochet shell stitch would be a nice move to level up your crochet game. Shell crochet stitch is a fun, easy, and beautiful decorative stitch that you can add to any of your crochet projects that will surely give your project character.
I love learning new stitches so I created my own video library of 45 Crochet Stitches and I want you to be able to use it too. Learn all 45 for FREE.
How to Crochet a Shell Stitch?
Stitching shell stitch looks tricky, but it’s super-duper easy. Trust me, you’ll be able to create and master this stitch in just a few minutes. This beginner-friendly crochet stitch is basically a combination of a single crochet stitch (sc) and 5 double crochet stitches (dc) that creates a “shell” shape, from which the pattern gets its name.
You can also modify your shell stitch by using half double crochet (hdc) to make it denser or you can use treble or triple crochet stitches (tc) to make your shells larger.
A shell stitch can be used in almost any kind of project. This stitch creates a very nice texture and gives projects an elegant and timeless look.
Patterns you can make with the crochet shell stitch include:
- Afghan Blankets
- Tops
- Crochet slippers
- Shawls
- Scarves and cowls
- Hats and gloves
In this stitch tutorial, you will learn how to crochet a basic shell stitch. We start with our foundation chain, which is a multiple of 6 plus 2. I started with a chain of 30 plus 2 (5 x 6 + 2). The plus 2 chains will serve as our turning chains.
Are you ready to master the open shell stitch? Here’s a step-by-step guide to unlocking the new crochet skill that you will learn in no time.
You may also want to check out the Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library to learn more crochet stitches for your next big (or small) project.
Materials
- Crochet hook: Since I’m using a medium or worsted weight yarn, a hook size of 5mm to 6mm (or H8 to J10) is a good choice. But you can use any hook size that corresponds with the type of yarn you are using.
- Yarn: medium or worsted weight yarn is a great choice for learning new stitches. Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice is a great option because it is smooth, easy to work with, and comes in lots of great colors.
- Scissors: A good sharp pair of scissors to neatly cut your yarn is helpful.
- Yarn needle: This comes in handy to weave in your yarn ends when the project is done.
- Stitch markers: locking stitch markers help you to see where the first and last stitches of each row are, which helps you to keep your edges even
Note: For this shell stitch crochet instruction, I’m using US crochet terms.
| ABBREVIATION | STITCH / MEANING |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| st/sts | stitch/es |
| rep | repeat |
If you need help with any of these basic techniques, our Crochet Fundamentals workshop is for you!
Follow along with this beginner’s guide to crochet shell stitch. Let’s start!
Shell Stitch Crochet Instructions
Foundation Chain
Start with your foundation chain (also known as a starting chain) with a multiple of 6 plus 2 chains. For this tutorial, I started with a chain of 32 (5 x 6 + 2). The plus 2 chains will serve as our turning chains.
Working Shell Stitch Crochet
For the first row, sc into the second ch from the hook. Skip 2 chain stitches, *5 dc into the next ch, sk 2 ch, sc into the next ch. Rep from * across the row. Sc into the last ch.
Ch 3 and turn the work to begin the next row (this counts as a dc throughout).
Work 2 dc into the next stitch – this makes half a shell stitch on the edge of the work.
*Skip 2 sts, sc into the 3rd dc from the previous row, sk 2 sts, then 5 dc into the next sc (sc from the previous row). Rep from * across the row. Make a half-shell stitch at the end of the row, 3 dc in the last stitch (sc from the previous row).
Ch 1 (this will count as a turning chain but does not count a st), turn your work then sc into the first stitch from the previous row.
*Sk 2 sts, then work 5 dc into the next st (which is the SC from the previous row). Sk 2 sts, sc into the next st. Repeat from * across the row. The last stitch should be an sc into the ch 3 from the beginning of the previous row.
Repeat these two rows to make your shell stitch crochet pattern.
And there you have the shell stitch crochet! Easily done, right? Now that you know how to crochet shell stitch, you can start making your own projects using this no-sweat crochet stitch.
If you need a video tutorial to help you understand the shell stitch, or you’re ready to explore new crochet stitches, check out the Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library, which includes instructions and patterns for 45 different crochet stitches!
Crochet Patterns I Can Make with the Shell Stitch Stitch
If you love this shell crochet stitch, I’m sure you’ll have fun making these free crochet patterns I compiled for you. Here you’ll find a variety of crochet shell stitch patterns, from baby blankets to slippers, that you can definitely create in just a short amount of time.
Crochet Shell Stitch Pink Baby Blanket
Designer: Affinity for Yarn
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft
The crochet shell stitch creates a beautiful texture for this shell stitch crochet blanket. Because the stitches are tighter together, it also prevents baby fingers and toes from getting caught in the blanket.
Shell Stitch Beanie
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore
Keep your head warm with this two-row repeat pattern beanie. This shell stitch beanie is super easy and you’ll have a pretty way to keep your head warm in no time.
Easy Crochet Shell Slipper
Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Malabrigo Rios
Make these warm slippers for yourself or as a holiday gift for just about anyone on your list. This is an easy slipper pattern that is worked in one piece with pretty shell stitches.
Crochet Shell Headband
Designer: My Merry Messy Life
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
This is such an adorable little crochet headband, perfect for a new baby or a little girl who loves flowers and shells and things pink! (Of course you can stitch it up in any color you like.) It’s sized from newborn to adult so you can even make mom and me headbands if you like!
Wavy Shell Mittens
Designer: Highland Hickory Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
Shell stitch can be very effective as an edging on a project that uses simple stitches throughout. These mittens are mostly single crochet with a two-color shell stitch edging that makes them look a lot more interesting without increasing the difficulty level much.
Desert Stroll Tank
Designer: Knits and Knots
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Stroll
Stroll around the city in this practical, wearable, and comfortable top. The high neckline and solid fabric provide great coverage, bringing a level of functionality and practicality to this design for regular, everyday wear without feeling too exposed.
Lily Garden Crochet Hat
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Shell stitch, beads, and a dramatic flower crochet on top make this hat pattern a showstopper for babies and kids. So many fun techniques in a tiny package.
Seashell Crochet Baby Bonnet
Designer: Croby Patterns
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
A crochet baby bonnet is just a perfect last-minute baby gift. This one uses shell stitch around the face and is a super easy and fast crochet project for any little one you want to stitch for.
Sunset Shore Baby Blanket
Designer: Crochet with Gabriella Rose
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Paints
This sweet shell stitch blanket pattern is the perfect baby shower gift. A blanket that is great not only for your baby but also for parents who just want to curl up on the couch chilling while the baby is sleeping.
Addison Crochet Baby Blanket
Designer: A More Crafty Life
Yarn weight: (6) Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec
This chunky baby blanket is perfect for a new little girl or boy. The shell stitch is easy to do, and the fuzzy crochet border pattern just takes the cuteness over the top.
Now that you know how to crochet shell stitch, you can make any of these fun patterns or try your hand at adding shell stitch to a project that didn’t already have shell stitch in it. How about a shell stitch border for a blanket or a round of shell stitch at the bottom of a hat?
If you’re looking for more fun ways to expand your crochet knowledge, our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has instructions for 45 different stitch patterns for you to try.
Here are some more crochet patterns that you'll enjoy: 35 Crochet Border Patterns, 33 Free and Easy Small Crochet Flower Patterns, 60+ Simple Baby Hat Crochet Patterns, 75 Easy Crochet Headbands Patterns for Adults, 47 Fantastic Crochet Slippers Patterns
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