If you love crochet stitches that have a little bit of texture and a lot of charm, the shell stitch is definitely one to try. It creates beautiful fan-shaped shells that give a blanket or other crochet project a soft, decorative look without making the pattern overly complicated.

I especially love the shell stitch for blankets because the finished fabric has such a pretty rhythm. Once you get into the repeat, the rows become quite relaxing to work, and alternating two colors makes those lovely shells stand out even more.

This stitch can also be used for scarves, shawls, baby blankets, wraps, and even garments. It’s one of those classic crochet stitches that you can come back to again and again.

Materials

• Crochet hook: 3 mm
• Yarn: Yarn suitable for a 3.5 mm crochet hook, according to the yarn label
• Two colors of yarn if you would like to recreate the alternating-color effect shown in the pattern

Before You Start

The foundation chain should be worked in a multiple of 8 stitches, with 2 additional chains added at the end for turning.

For example, if you’re making a baby blanket, you can adjust the foundation chain to suit the size you want. A finished blanket around 93 × 97 cm or 100 × 100 cm would make a lovely baby blanket.

The important thing is to keep the foundation chain in the correct stitch multiple so that the shell pattern lines up properly.

 

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• st – stitch
• yo – yarn over

Shell Stitch Crochet Pattern

Foundation Chain

Begin by making a foundation chain in a multiple of 8.

Add 2 extra chains for turning.

Make sure your chain isn’t too tight. A relaxed foundation chain will make the first row much easier to work into.

Row 1

Start in the 2nd chain from the hook and make 1 single crochet.

*Yarn over, skip the next 3 chains, then work 7 double crochets into the 4th chain.

Skip the next 3 chains and make 1 single crochet in the following chain.*

Repeat the section between the asterisks across the row.

When you reach the end, finish with a single crochet.

You should now see the beginning of those pretty fan-shaped shell sections.

Row 2

For this row, change to your second color if you’re working the two-color version.

Chain 4 and turn.

Make 1 double crochet in the first single crochet from the previous row.

Chain 2, skip the next 3 double crochets, and make 1 single crochet in the next double crochet.

Chain 2.

In the center space between the two shell sections, work:

1 double crochet, chain 2, 1 double crochet.

This creates the small crossed or open space that will be used to build the shell in the next row.

Continue repeating this sequence across the row:

Chain 2, skip 3 double crochets, single crochet in the next double crochet, chain 2, then work 1 double crochet, chain 2, 1 double crochet in the center space.

At the end of the row, work 1 double crochet in the final single crochet, chain 1, and 1 more double crochet in the same space. This creates the small corner space.

Row 3

Chain 3 and turn.

Work 3 double crochets into the first corner space. This forms half of the shell at the edge of the blanket.

Make 1 single crochet into the top of the single crochet from the previous row.

Now work 7 double crochets into the center space created in Row 2. This forms a complete shell.

Make 1 single crochet into the next single crochet.

Continue repeating the same sequence across the row:

7 double crochets in the center space, followed by 1 single crochet in the next single crochet.

 

FREE CROCHET HERE

 

When you reach the other side, finish with the half-shell:

3 double crochets in the final corner space, then 1 double crochet in the last chain.

At this point, you’ll have a row of beautiful, rounded shell shapes.

Row 4

Row 4 repeats the same basic structure as Row 2.

Change back to your first color.

Chain 1 and turn.

Make 1 single crochet in the first single crochet.

Chain 2, skip the next 3 double crochets, then work 1 double crochet, chain 2, and 1 double crochet in the center space.

Continue repeating this pattern across the row.

Finish the row with a single crochet in the final single crochet.

Row 5

Row 5 follows the same pattern as Row 3.

Chain 3 and turn.

Work 3 double crochets into the first corner space to create the half-shell.

Make 1 single crochet in the single crochet from the previous row.

Work 7 double crochets into the next center space, followed by 1 single crochet in the next single crochet.

Continue this repeat across the entire row.

Finish with the half-shell at the opposite edge.

Continue the Pattern

From here, simply continue repeating Rows 2 and 3.

The colors can be alternated after every row to create the striped effect. If you prefer a more subtle look, you can also work the entire blanket in one color.

As you continue, you’ll notice that the full shells line up beautifully with the spaces created in the previous rows. The edges use half-shells, which keeps the blanket looking neat and balanced.

A Few Helpful Tips

Don’t worry if the first couple of rows feel a little slow. The shell pattern becomes much easier to recognize once you’ve completed a few repeats.

Try to keep your tension consistent, especially when working the 7 double crochets into each shell. If your stitches become too tight, the shells may look crowded. If they’re too loose, the finished fabric can become quite open.

If you’re making a blanket, it’s also a good idea to check the width after the first few rows. It’s much easier to adjust your foundation chain at the beginning than to discover later that the blanket isn’t the size you wanted.

And if you’re using two colors, changing yarn at the same point on each row will help keep those beautiful stripes clean and even.

Why You’ll Love the Shell Stitch

There is something really satisfying about this stitch. The pattern looks intricate, but once you understand the repeat, it becomes wonderfully rhythmic.

The shells give the fabric plenty of texture without making it feel too heavy, and the stitch works especially well for cozy blankets and baby projects. You can also experiment with different color combinations to completely change the personality of the finished piece.

Soft pastels would make a sweet baby blanket, while richer colors can give the stitch a more traditional or vintage feel.

Whether you’re making a gift for someone special or simply looking for your next relaxing crochet project, the shell stitch is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.

Final Thoughts

The shell stitch is one of those crochet patterns that looks beautiful without requiring an overly complicated technique. Once the first few rows are established, the repeating shells make the project enjoyable and easy to settle into.

So grab your favorite yarn, choose a couple of colors you love, and give this shell stitch a try. You may find yourself using it for far more than just one blanket!

Video Tutorial:

If you’re a visual learner, following along with a video tutorial can be especially helpful for the first few rows. Once you can see how the shells and center spaces are formed, the written pattern becomes much easier to follow.