How to make Shell Stitch in Crochet

We love how easy it is to create stitches in crochet!

Once you know how to do the basic crochet stitches like single crochet and double crochet, you can crochet some really beautiful pieces.

Today we are going to learn how to make the Shell Stitch in Crochet. We’ll leave space between the chains we’re working on; by doing this we’ll create a lacy stitch with its characteristic “holes”.

The lacy shells might not look like the warmest fabric in the world for the coldest time of year, but you can try making it with wool yarn balls and the size 15 mm beechwood crochet hook.

You’ll obtain a very different fabric, thick and cushy, and perfect for making a scarf.

Shell Stitch in Crochet

Multiple of 7 + 2 stitches (multiple of 6 + 4 for the foundation chain).

Row 1: make 2 double crochet, chain 3 and 2 double crochet into the 6th chain from the hook (all in the same chain), *skip 5, make 2 double crochet, chain 3 and 2 double crochet into the next chain (all in the same chain)*. Repeat from * to * until 4 chains remain, skip 3 and finish with 1 double crochet in the last chain. Turn your work.

Row 2: chain 3, skip first 3 double crochets from the previous row, *make 2 double crochet, chain 3 and 2 double crochet into the space formed by 3 chains in previous, skip the next 4 double crochet*. Repeat from * to * until the end, skip the last 2 double crochets and make 1 double crochet in the 5^th chain from the previous row. Turn your work.

Repeat row 2, finishing with 1 double crochet in the 3rd chain from the previous row. Until you reach the desired length for your project.

You can watch the tutorial video here, where we explain how to do the mesh pattern step by step:

You’ll be surprised how quickly this stitch works up, it’s almost magic.  Once you’ve worked a few rows you won’t even have to look at the pattern anymore.

We used Petite Wool for this tutorial video, available in a large variety of colors on our online store.

What do you think? Easy, right?

Don’t forget to share your creations and projects with the whole WAK community with #weareknitters! 😉