Learn how to crochet the shell stitch with my free step-by-step pattern and video tutorial. This classic stitch creates a beautifully scalloped, fan-like pattern that’s perfect for blankets, scarves, shawls, and even delicate lacework. Despite its intricate appearance, the shell stitch is surprisingly simple to master, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
About the Stitch
The crochet shell stitch is a decorative stitch pattern that creates a series of fan-shaped clusters, giving your fabric a beautifully textured and scalloped appearance. It is typically made by working multiple stitches—such as double and treble crochets—into the same stitch, forming a shell-like shape.
Pattern Use Ideas
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: For this tutorial, I used Stylecraft Special DK. However, you can use any weight yarn and recommended hook size that can be found on the belly band to your chosen yarn.
- Hook: Hook to match yarn and your desired gauge. I used a 5mm.
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
Pattern Notes
These instructions for Shell Stitch are written in UK terms but switchable to US terms below.
Skill Level: Beginner
Stitch Multiple: 6 +2
This pattern gives you the basic principles for the Shell Stitch, designed to help you create your own projects.
Video tutorial can be found at the base of the post.
Pattern Support
The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.
Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.
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Convert Pattern Terms
Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.
Terms & Abbreviations
Chain(s) ch(s): Yarn over, pull through one loop on hook.
Slip Stitch (ss): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through the remaining two loops.
Special Stitches
Shell Stitch (ShSt): Work 5 tr into indicated stitch.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.
Free Crochet Pattern: Shell Stitch
You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.
Chain in multiples of 6 + 2
Row 1: dc in second ch from hook (skipped ch does not count as st), *skip 2 ch, work a ShSt into next st, skip 2 ch, dc, rep from * across. Turn.
Row 2: 1 ch (does not count as st here and throughout), 3 tr in first st, *skip 2 sts, dc in middle tr of next ShSt, skip 2 sts, ShSt in next dc, rep from * across, working 3 tr in last dc. Turn.
Row 3: 1 ch, dc in first st, *ShSt in next dc, skip 2 sts, dc in middle tr of next ShSt, skip 2 sts, rep from * across, working last dc in last st.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until desired height.
Fasten off and sew in ends.
Video Tutorial
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Learning a new stitch is one of the BEST parts of crochet – it makes it fun and simple to customise your own projects and boosts your knowledge. Why not browse my Stitch Library archive to learn something new today?
Crochet Stitches To Try Next
Have you tried these stitches?
Click below to explore the FREE stitch library.
Pattern Ideas
If you love exploring sttiches I have two exploritive crochet sttich bnlanket patterns I thin kyou’ll enjoy:
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I don’t see an indication for how many chain stitches you need for the foundation on this tutorial. Would you mind listing that?
Hi Julie at the beginning of the tutorial it tells you that your foundation chain has to be in multiples of 6 (so you can choose the width that you require) in the tutorial I did 24 🙂
In row 2 should is say Ch1 or Ch2?
Hi Elizabeth Row two of the shell stitch, you are chaining one as a turning chain, and then working a half shell into the first stitch to create the first half shell, I hope this helps 🙂