Hey everyone! In today’s Crochet 101 lesson, I’m going to teach you how to make the shell stitch. This is a beautiful stitch created using the single crochet stitch and double crochet stitch. To do this technique, you would make four double crochets in one stitch, skip two stitches, and anchor it with one single crochet stitch. When worked up, the shell stitch looks lacy and just gorgeous. This has to be one of my all-time favorite stitches. You can use this stitch for a variety of different projects including baby items.
For today’s tutorial, you will need worsted weight yarn (I’m using Red Heart Super Saver) and a size I-9 crochet hook (I’m using Clover Amour). I recommend using a solid color in order to see the stitch definition more clearly. However, if you would like to try using different colors, please visit this lesson where I teach you how to change colors in crochet. Gather up your supplies and let’s begin!
To begin, you want your foundation chain to be a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1. For the purposes of this tutorial, I am starting with 25 chains.
Row 1: Next, make 2 dcs in the 4th chain from your hook.
Skip 2 chains and make 1 sc in next stitch.
*Skip 2 chains and make 4 dcs in next stitch. Next, skip 2 chains and make 1 sc in next chain. Repeat from * to end of row. Chain 3 and turn.
Row 2: Make 2 dcs in 1st sc.
Skip 2 stitches. *Make 1 sc in between the 2nd and 3rd dc of next group.
Skip 2 stitches, 4 dcs in next sc. Next, skip next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the row, making 1 sc in the space between the last dc and the chain 3. Turn and Chain 3.
That’s how to make the shell stitch! Repeat row 2 over and over again to practice. This is one of my all-time favorite stitches, and I’m positive you will love it, too! If you’re interested in making a pattern, check out this free shell stitch blanket pattern from The Stitchin’ Mommy. This is my go-to shell stitch pattern.
I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial on how to make the shell stitch. If you have any questions about today’s tutorial, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Video Tutorial (slightly different technique than written tutorial above)
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