How To Crochet Shell Stitch | Written + Video Tutorials

In this tutorial, you get to learn about how to make the Crochet Shell Stitch. It’s an easy to make stitch you can use to add borders to your crochet projects. Moreover, you can also use this stitch to create rows and rows of shell-like patterns.

Do you want to upgrade your old crochet items but don’t want to redo them? How about adding intricate borders to it?

Are you ready to give your old crochet works a new do? Find out how to make this stitch in this tutorial!

Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorials Template | Written + Video

Free Crochet Shell Stitch tutorial

Upgrading your old works does not necessarily mean redoing the whole thing. Aside from making another one from scratch, you can also add borders and or other embellishments to make them look new.

The Shell Stitch Crochet is one of the stitches you can use to add decorative designs to your work. Usually added as border, this stitch creates an intricate shell pattern achieved by using basic crochet stitches only. 

Add this to a plain old blanket and transform it to something more eye-catching. You can also level up the beginner patterns you’ve been following by adding some Shell Stitch to their edges. 

Crochet Shell Stitches are not only used as borders, you can also make a whole project using this pattern. You can opt to use a single color for the whole work to bring out its beautiful texture. If you prefer, instead of sticking to one color you can also use alternating colors on each row to create a more intricate design. 

Have you decided to use this stitch on your next crochet work?

Crochet Shell Stitch Different Colors
Shell Stitch in Different Colors By The Spruce Crafts

Crochet Shell Stitch Instructions

Make a crochet chain in multiples of 6 + 1.

Row 1

Chain 1. In the second chain from your hook, make a single crochet. * Skip two stitches, and make 5 double crochets in the next chain stitch. Skip two stitches, and make a single crochet in the next stitch. * Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row.

Crochet Shell Stitch
Crochet Shell Stitch By Persia Lou
Row 2

Chain 2, and turn your work. Make 3 double crochet in the same stitch of the chain 2. This will create half of a shell stitch. Skip 2 stitches, and make a single crochet in the next stitch. * Skip 2 stitches, and make 5 double crochets on the top of the single crochet from the previous row.  Skip 2 stitches, and make a single crochet in the next stitch. * Repeat this pattern until the end of the row. To end the row, make 3 double crochets on the last stitch. 

Row 3

Chain 1, turn. Crochet a single crochet on the first stitch. * Skip 2 stitches. Make 5 double crochets on the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches, and make a single crochet in the next stitch.* Repeat this pattern until the end of the row. 

Repeat Row 2 and Row 3 until you reach your desired length. 

So quick and easy to learn!

Patterns to use the Crochet Shell Stitch

Still thinking of what pattern to make using this stitch? To help you decide, just think of what you really need right now.

Crochet Shell Stitch Edging
Crochet Shell Stitch Edging By Moogly

One great thing about the Crochet Shell Stitch is that it can be used in almost anything you make. Furthermore, it can also be added into other projects you have already finished. 

The texture this stitch creates is perfect for washcloths, blankets, and scarves. You can even use this stitch to make a warm and comfy baby blanket!

Thinking of making something for winter? You can opt to use chunky yarns for winter scarves. With this easy to make stitch, you’ll have your thick and comfy scarf in no time! 

If you want to try the stitch first before committing to a bigger project, you can start with adding embellishments to your old projects. Bring out a project you worked on previously and add some crochet shell stitch borders to it. An easy way to instantly upgrade your bland patterns into a more interesting one!

Crochet Shell Stitch Scarf
Scarf Pattern using Shell Stitch By Persia Lou

Share Your Shell Stitch Works With Us!

Have you started learning how to make the Crochet Shell Stitch through this tutorial? If not, what are you waiting for! Gather your yarn and hook and follow along the tutorial. 

Learning a new stitch is way easier when you’re working on a project. The next step would definitely be picking a pattern you want to try, and using the Crochet Shell Stitch to finish it. 

Crochet Shell Stitch Washcloth
Crochet Washcloth Pattern using Shell Stitch By Sigoni Macaroni

Because of all the practice you’ll get from working on your piece, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to master the stitch before you’re even done! 

Do not forget to share your work on our Facebook Page! We love cheering others as they figure out and learn new stitches. 

If you want to try other crochet stitches, we have other crochet stitch tutorials for you to try.

We hope you had lots of fun learning the Crochet Shell Stitch with our tutorials!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crochet News

The Crochet News team have been sharing their favorite crochet patterns for all skill levels since 2016. We adore crochet and want to continue nurturing this beloved technique for our worldwide online community.

Use the search bar to find a crochet pattern, or choose a crochet category.

Join Us! Receive New Crochet Patterns Straight To Your Inbox.

We’ll keep you updated with our latest crochet pattern recommendations.

We promise that you’ll only receive crochet news from us, and nothing else!

Latest Crochet Posts