Shell Stitch (sh)

The shell stitch is a fan-shaped crochet stitch made by working multiple double crochets into the same stitch or space, creating a repeating scallop pattern used in blankets, garments, and shawls.

US abbreviation: shUK abbreviation: shDifficulty: easy

Worked from these basic stitches

  • Double crochetDouble crochet

In a chart, the shell stitch is drawn as a group of these symbols.

How to crochet the Shell Stitch

  1. 1Identify the stitch or space where the shell will be placed (usually a center stitch or chain-2 space from the previous row).
  2. 2Work the first double crochet into that stitch.
  3. 3Work 4 more double crochets into the exact same stitch or space (5 dc total for a standard 5-dc shell).
  4. 4Skip 2 stitches on each side of the shell center as directed by the pattern.
  5. 5Single crochet (or slip stitch) into the next skipped stitch to anchor between shells.
  6. 6Continue across the row, placing shells and single crochets alternately as the pattern specifies.

Tips

  • Shell counts vary: 3-dc, 5-dc, 7-dc, and 9-dc shells all exist. The pattern will tell you how many dc to use.
  • Check that your shell count stays consistent across rows. Losing a stitch in a shell disrupts the whole repeat.
  • On the return row, always work the center stitch of a shell into the center dc of the shell below, or into the chain space if the pattern calls for it.

Used in

  • Shell stitch blankets
  • Shawls
  • Cardigans
  • Baby blankets
  • Bag straps

Related stitches

Find more stitches in the complete crochet stitches library. To visualize this stitch in a chart, try the free stitch chart maker.