How to Crochet Shell Stitch? You’re 3 Steps Away from Your First Shell 

Is crocheting your favorite hobby? It’s probably high time to try the shell stitch. It’s a beautiful easy-to-go stitch that every crocheter must try.  

At first look, it’s okay to think this crochet is too tough to try! But trust me! Once you get started, it will unfold before you like a breeze. 

Our article is for you today. We will tell you in detail how to crochet shell stitch and why you should learn it. After finishing our article, you will have a solid idea of shell stitch and trial your first shell stitch for the first time. 

Let’s start. 

Did You Know? 

• Around the mid-19th century, the shell stitch was highly dominant in the Irish lace crochet. The design became popular in no time. 
• The shell stitch is more applicable to lacy and openwork projects like shawls, blankets, and doilies. 
• It generally involves a set number of double crochets or treble crochets into the same stitch. 
• You can separate the shells by chain stitches. You will have a clean pattern with open spaces between each shell.  
• You can use the shell stitch to create different yarn weights. Ultimately, you can play will light, delicate shells or bold chunky ones.  
• Looking for a feminine touch? The shell stitch can fill you up. It can easily lift the mood and offer a mood of nostalgia or romance. 😉 

What Is Shell Stich? 

If you practice crochet, you never know which texture and design may impress your clients or anyone for whom you are crocheting. 

That’s why, you need to keep a set of tricks in your bag. The shell stitch is one of them. It has become a popular crochet pattern and delivers a beautiful shell texture. 

The shell stitch isn’t made of a single stitch, rather it’s a combination of multiple stitches. Here, you have to stuff multiple stitches in one and make a cluster of it. 

The shell stitch is available in different patterns and you may also personalize it by varying the number of stitches, space between shells, or simply following a different texture.  

However, in our guide, we are representing the most basic type of shell stitch, so that it remains beginner-friendly and anybody who hasn’t tried it before can get along with it. 

How to Crochet Shell Stitch: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

To complete our starter-friendly guide and have your first shell stitch, you will need a few things. Please make sure you collect them before getting on board. 

You’ll need, 

Yarn: We are trying to make a tight and loaded shell stitch. Select the weight wisely and colors as you may need. You can go for the Caron Simply Soft yarn. They are fluffy and lightweight. 

Crochet Hook: You will need a crochet hook of ideal size. Generally, a crochet hook between 5.00 mm to 9.00 mm is enough. 

Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the ends or trim. Get sharp and rust-free clean scissors. 

Yarn Needle: Weaving in the ends in crochet is an important technique you should not avoid. You will need a yarn needle to weave the ends. Follow the article attached above for proper guidance. 

How to Crochet Shell Stitch – Here We Start, 

Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

The base of any crochet is the slip knot, at least I prefer it that way. Here’s how you can do it, 

• Create a loop with the yarn. 
• Place the crochet hook into the loop.
• Pull the yarn through and make a slip knot. 
• Slightly but not more! Tighten it around your hook. 

Now, you have to make a foundation chain. Almost all crochet starts with a  foundation chain. It is a chain stitch pattern and begins with a slip knot. Determine the chain length carefully as it will also affect the overall project length. Here’s how you can make the chain, 

• Yarn over, and wrap the yarn over your hook. 
• Pull the yarn through the loop. 

You will have your first chain stitch. Listen carefully, you will have to create a couple of chain stitches. Repeat the process and make 10 to 20 chain stitches as you need. 

Step 2: Create Your First Shell 

In this step, you will create your first shell. The foundation shell is ready now. Since this is our first time, we will use a basic shell pattern, let’s say, five double crochets in the same stitch. 

You have to create your first shell from the fourth chain. The first three chains will be your turning chains. To make a double crochet, you have to, 

• Place the hook in the specific chain. 
• Yarn over and pull through with three loops remaining. 
• Once again, yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You will have two loops remaining. 
• Repeat the process and pull through the existing two loops. You will now have one complete double crochet. 

Shell stitch involves multiple stitches in one. To do so, you have to create, at least, four more double crochets in the same chain. You now have your first shell. 

Step 3: Have A Row of Shells

You will need more shells in a row. It’s a crochet after all! To do so, pass a certain number of stitches and create a new shell in the following chain by repeating Step 2. 

Keep working until you reach the end of the row. It is important to maintain the same space between each shell for a neat and clean look. When you reach the end of the row, you will need to turn to start the next row.  

The turning chains offer the essential space you need to start the next row. To complete your crochet with shell stitch, repeat the two steps mentioned here. As you reach the end, you will have a beautiful shell pattern getting into shape.  

In the end, 

In the world of crochets, you have many options, colorful patterns, and designs to explore. Shell Stitch is a unique one to impress your clients or anyone who looks at the crochet work. 

It’s easy and simple to make (with our guide, even easier). So, don’t wait and create your first shell stitch with us. We are here to help you if you face any issues. 

Let us know in the comment section how far are you with your shell stitch. We hope our article helped you learn how to crochet shell stitch in just 3 easy steps. 

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