Textured Stitch
Shell Stitch
Used For
- Baby blankets
- Shawls
- Scalloped edgings
- Lightweight garments
A fan of several double crochet stitches worked into a single stitch or space, creating a scalloped, shell-like ripple across the fabric.
Instructions
- Work to the stitch or space where the pattern calls for a shell.
- Work 5 double crochet — or the number your pattern specifies — all into that single stitch or space.
- Skip the stitches behind the shell as directed by your pattern before continuing to the next shell.
- Repeat across the row, spacing shells evenly.
Tips & Notes
- An odd number of double crochet (5 is classic) gives the shell a clear center stitch to anchor the fan shape.
- Shell stitch rows typically alternate with a row of single crochet or slip stitches between shells to keep the pattern's rhythm.
- Skipping the right number of stitches behind each shell is what keeps your row width consistent — recount if your edges start creeping wider.