How to Crochet the Solid Shell Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The solid shell stitch is a shell stitch with no gaps. Each shell is five double crochets worked into one stitch, and the shells sit so close together that the fabric is solid, with a scalloped surface instead of an open lace.

It looks like a lot of work and isn't. Every row is the same two moves: five dc into a single crochet, one single crochet into the middle of a shell. It's labeled intermediate because of the half-shells at the edges.

The one thing that makes it work: the shells alternate. A shell sits over a single crochet, then the next row puts a single crochet in the middle of that shell and a new shell over the old single crochet. The scallops interlock like roof tiles.

Watch: Solid Shell Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch the start of Row 2 and Row 3. One begins with a half-shell of three dc and the other with a single crochet; that's what keeps the edges even.

What You Need

The swatch uses worsted (medium) weight yarn and a 4.5mm (US 7) hook. The hook is a touch small for worsted, which packs the shells tight and makes the fabric solid. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the scallops best while you're learning.

Abbreviations used (US terms): CH (chain), SC (single crochet), DC (double crochet), SK (skip), TC (turning chain). Chain a multiple of 6 plus 2; the swatch chains 26.

Solid Shell Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 11sts x 8 rows
Yarn: 22g of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 4.5mm

Abbreviations: CH - Chain; DC - Double Crochet; SC - Single Crochet; SK - Skip a Stitch; TC: Turning Chain

CH 26

Row 1: 1 SC into 2nd CH from the hook, *SK 2CH, 5DC into next CH, SK 2CH, 1 SC into next CH; repeat from * to end. Turn.

Row 2: CH3 (counts as 1 DC), 2DC into 1st st, *SK 2 DC, 1SC into next DC, SK 2 DC, 5DC into next SC; repeat from * end last repeat with 3DC into last SC. Turn.

Row 3: CH 1, 1 SC into 1st st, *SK 2 DC, 5DC inot next SC, SK 2 DC, 1 SC into next DC; repeat from * ending last repeat with 1 SC into top of TC. Turn.

Rows 4-12: Repeat Rows 2-3.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Row 1: single crochet into the second chain from the hook. Skip two chains, five dc into the next chain, skip two, single crochet into the next. Repeat across.
2. Row 2 begins with a half-shell: chain 3 (counts as a dc) and two more dc into the first stitch, so three dc sit at the edge. Skip two dc, single crochet into the third dc, which is the middle of the shell below.
3. Skip two dc and work five dc into the next single crochet. That shell now sits over the valley between two shells of the row below. Repeat, and finish with three dc into the last single crochet for the other half-shell.
4. Row 3 flips it back. Chain 1, single crochet into the first stitch, skip two, five dc into the next single crochet, skip two, single crochet into the middle dc of the shell. End with a single crochet into the top of the turning chain.
5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3. The shells shift half a repeat each row and lock together into a solid, scalloped surface.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• The single crochet always goes into the middle dc of a shell. Count to the third dc every time; landing on the second or fourth tilts the next shell.
• Don't skip the half-shells at the start and end of Row 2. Without them the edges scallop inward and the piece narrows.
• Keep the turning chain 3 snug. A loose one leaves a hole at the edge of every other row.
• Both sides look similar, but the shells are slightly rounder on the side facing you as you work them. Pick a right side on Row 1 and mark it.

What to Make With the Solid Shell Stitch

This is a blanket and baby blanket stitch first. It's warm, has no holes for small fingers, and the scalloped edge finishes itself. Worsted weight on a 5mm hook makes a soft throw; our how to crochet a blanket guide covers sizing.

It also suits a bulky weight cowl, a sport or DK weight cardigan body, a worsted weight pillow cover, and a cotton DK hand towel.

Related Stitches

• Crochet Shell Stitch — the open version with chains between shells
• Fan and V Stitch — shells alternated with V-stitches
• Fantail Stitch — a lacy next step built on split fans and arches
• Browse every crochet stitch tutorial

Yarn for This Stitch

For blankets and cowls, a worsted weight yarn on a 4.5mm to 5mm hook gives the solid, cushioned fabric the swatch shows. For a garment or a dressier wrap, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn keeps the shells small and gives them a soft sheen; the recycled silk is hand-dyed by artisans in India.

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.

Solid Shell Stitch FAQ

What is the difference between the shell stitch and the solid shell stitch?
The basic shell stitch leaves chains or skipped stitches between shells, so it's open. The solid shell packs five-dc shells edge to edge with a single crochet between, so there are no holes.

Is the solid shell stitch reversible?
Nearly. Both sides show the scallops; one side is slightly smoother. It works for scarves without a wrong side showing.

Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes, if you know single and double crochet. The only new skill is counting to the middle dc of each shell and remembering the half-shells on Row 2.