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The crochet shell stitch is a row of little fans. Five double crochets bloom out of one stitch, a single crochet pins the fabric down between them, and the fans stack in offset rows so the piece looks scalloped and lacy.
It's a go-to for blankets, scarves, shawls, and edgings. The fabric has drape and a bit of openness.
It's rated intermediate only because of the counting. The one thing that makes it work is putting the shell in the sc and the sc in the middle dc of the shell.
Watch: Crochet Shell Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch for the two skipped chains on each side of the shell, and where the hook goes for the sc in the middle of the shell below.
What You Need
The swatch is written for medium (worsted) weight yarn and a US H/5mm hook. Worsted makes the shells big enough to count at a glance, and a smooth, light-colored yarn shows the fans clearly while you learn.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, st(s) = stitch(es), sk = skip, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet.
Stitch multiple: a multiple of 6 plus 4 chains. The swatch uses 22 chains (18 plus 4); add chains in groups of 6 for a wider piece.
Crochet Shell Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6x6 Inches
Gauge: 4” = 14 Stitches | 8 Rows
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook: US H/5mm Crochet Hook
Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Sk – Skip
Sc – Single Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Foundation: Ch 22 or ch in multiples of 6 sts to measure 6” and then add 4 more chains for the foundation.
Row 1: 1dc in 4th ch from hook, 2dc in same st, *sk2, 1sc in next st, sk2, 5dc in the next st (shell st made). Repeat from * across working only 3dc sts in the last st.
Row 2: ch1, turn, 1sc in first st, *sk2, 5dc in sc st, sk2, 1sc in next st (center of previous shell st). Repeat from * across (last sc is worked in the turning ch).
Row 3: ch3 (counts as dc st), turn, 2dc in same st, *sk2, 1sc in next st, sk2, 5dc in the next st. Repeat from * across working only 3dc sts in the last st.
Repeat Rows 2 ten more times for a total of 12 rows.
To straighten the top edge, work row 12 as follows: ch1, turn, 1hdc in first st, *sk2, 5dc in sc st, sk2, 1hdc in next st (center of previous shell st). Repeat from * across.
Fasten off & block to 6x6 square.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Start with a half shell. Row 1 opens with 3 dc in the fourth chain from the hook. The turning chains count as a dc, so this half shell gives a straight side edge.
- Skip, anchor, skip, fan. Skip two chains, sc in the next, skip two more, then 5 dc in the next chain. The sc is the anchor and the 5 dc is the shell. Each repeat uses six chains.
- End with a half shell. The last stitch gets only 3 dc so both edges match.
- Swap places on the next row. Row 2 puts a full shell into each sc below and a sc into the center dc of each shell below, so the fans offset like bricks.
- Flatten the top. The last row swaps sc for hdc, which lifts the valleys and leaves a straighter edge to seam.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count the dc in each shell as you make it. A 4-dc or 6-dc shell looks fine now, but a few rows later the fabric leans.
- The sc goes into the third (middle) dc of the shell below, not into a gap, or the rows go wavy.
- The sc below can hide under the fan above it. Tilt the work toward you and look for the small, tight stitch between two shells.
- Tight shells make the fabric cup; loose ones make it floppy. Don't judge the swatch until it's blocked.
What to Make With the Crochet Shell Stitch
- Baby blanket in sport or DK. The scalloped rows read as special without adding bulk. Start with the sizing math in our how to crochet a blanket guide.
- Shawl in lace or fingering silk. Fine yarn turns the shells into true lace with plenty of drape.
- Edging. One row of shells along a hem is the classic finish and uses very little yarn.
Related Stitches
- Crochet Solid Shell Stitch — the same fans without the open space, for a denser fabric
- Crochet Fan and V-Stitch — the next step once shells feel easy
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
Shells show best in a smooth yarn with drape. For a wrap or baby blanket, try sport weight yarn; Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn is recycled silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, and its sheen catches each fan. For a quicker blanket, use worsted weight.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Crochet Shell Stitch FAQ
Is the crochet shell stitch good for beginners?
Yes, if you know chain, sc, and dc. The only new skill is counting to five and finding the center stitch on the next row.
Does the shell stitch use a lot of yarn?
More than plain dc, since each shell packs five stitches into one base. If yardage is tight, see which crochet stitches use the least yarn.
Is the shell stitch reversible?
Nearly. Both sides show the fans, with a slightly cleaner look on the side the shells were worked facing.
