Whether you want to learn how to crochet the shell stitch, or you simply want to find a whole bunch of fantastic shell stitch patterns and projects, this page is a fantastic place to begin browsing. We’ve posted bunches of free shell stitch tutorials and patterns for you to use — and we’re excited to share them with you.
Free Shell Stitch Instructions and Tutorials
If you haven’t yet learned how to crochet a shell stitch, don’t worry — it’s easy! There are many different ways you could approach it, but they all have some basic similarities. Their common elements: a shell stitch pattern typically consists of multiple basic crochet stitches that are worked into the same spot, or the same stitch. These groups of stitches can be alternated with other basic stitches; they can also be alternated with clusters. It would be impossible to describe all the possibilities, so let me just show you a few examples, and you can decide which ones look interesting enough to learn more about.
How to Crochet the Shell Stitch
Free step-by-step photo tutorial
Treble Shell Crochet Stitch Instructions
Most of the time, crafters use double crochet or half double crochet to work their shell stitches. But in this variation of the shell stitch, you use taller treble crochets to create a much more striking variation of the shell stitch. You can make the fabric look even more dramatic by choosing several deeply contrasting colors to make a multicolored version. Pictured here, we have a striped version crocheted in bright pink, brown and golden tan yarns; these colors contrast gloriously for an eye-catching and dramatic effect. Alternately, if you want to tone it down a bit, you could choose colors with less contrast — or even choose a solid color for no contrast at all.
Click HERE to go to the free instructions for crocheting the treble shell stitch.
Lacy Treble Shell Stitch Tutorial
Free Shell Stitch Crochet Patterns
Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
Shell stitch makes lovely crocheted baby blankets. The basic shell stitch is a solid, substantial stitch pattern that’s both pretty and decorative. It has an interesting texture that’s suitable for either baby boys or baby girls. Structurally, it’s not a lacy stitch, so you don’t have to worry about baby’s tiny fingers and toes getting caught in any open, lacy areas.
Pictured here, you can see a girl-friendly colorway of this blanket that I designed — but please do feel free to recolor it according to your own color preferences (or those of the intended recipient if the blanket will be a gift).
Easy Lacy Shell Edging Pattern
This edging is a gorgeous, yet simple, way to finish off a variety of different craft projects. It’s lovely to use on baby blankets, afghans, throws, placemats, pillows and other projects. You can also use it across a single edge, for example to trim the bottom of a curtain or valance. There are many other possibilities in addition to these.
Pictured here, you can see it in use as an edging for a crochet heart square I made in red, pink and white for Valentine’s Day. The design is particularly well suited for making Valentine projects, but it would work well for just about any other special occasion — or non-occasion — that you could dream of.
Easy, Two-Color Treble Crochet Shell Stitch Edging — Free Pattern
Here we have a slightly more dramatic re-interpretation of the classic shell stitch edging.
This particular design is ever-so-slightly taller than your typical shell edging — because you use treble crochet stitches for working it instead of the usual double crochets or half double crochets.
Not only is the edging taller, it’s also more colorful. There’s a bit of an optical illusion present in the design; it looks like the shells are made using alternating colors. However, you don’t need to resort to the tapestry crochet technique for this design; you only crochet with one color per round to get this effect.
Shell Stitch Scarf Patterns
The following crochet scarf patterns incorporate shell stitches into the design:
- Crochet Lace Scarf With Bold Shell Stitches — This pretty crochet lace scarf is comprised of tall, lacy treble crochet shell stitches, arranged so that they mirror image each other to create an interesting design.
- Crochet Infinity Scarf With Shell Edging — This scarf is finished off with an edging made up of airy shell stitches.
Lacy Treble Shell Crochet Dishcloth: Free Pattern
You can crochet this pretty dishcloth using a crochet stitch pattern known as the lacy treble shell stitch. The stitch incorporates treble crochets and chain-1 spaces for a look that manages to be both bold and delicate at the same time. The mirror-image technique makes the project even more interesting.
Learn More Interesting Crochet Stitches:
About the Author: Amy Solovay is a freelance writer with a background in textile design. She has been crocheting and making crafts since childhood, and knitting since she was a teenager. Her work also appears at AmySolovay.com, ArtsWithCrafts.com and Crochet-Books.com. Amy sends out a free knitting and crochet newsletter so interested crafters can easily keep up with her new patterns and tutorials. If you’re already an Instagram user, Amy also invites you to follow her on Instagram.
This page was last updated on 1-24-2020.
