The Quick Shell Crochet Stitch pattern creates a lacy eyelet fabric by working alternating rows of 3 double crochets shells and chain stitches. Scroll down to find the tutorial!
Tips for crocheting the quick shell stitch
This crochet shell stitch variation is achieved by working a row of 3 double crochet shells over a row of chain stitches. This creates an overall fabric with little eyelets in it.
This lovely crochet stitch would suit a variety of different yarn weights and projects. Hats, blankets, scarves, market bags, baby items…. the list goes on.
It would also lend itself well to stripes or color blocks, just make your color change at the end of a “shell row.”
When working your foundation chains, I suggest either going up at least a half a hook size or make sure your chains are very loose. I found that when I used the same hook size throughout, the bottom of my piece was too tight and make my swatch look a little wonky.
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Information needed for this crochet stitch tutorial
- For this tutorial, I used a #4 Worsted Weight Yarn…. Caron Simply Soft in the color Strawberry to be specific.
- 5 mm and 5.5 mm hook
- Please feel free to pick whatever yarn weight and hook combo you want.
Abbreviations
I use US terminology
- Ch(s): chain(s)
- Sc: single crochet
- Dc: double crochet
- St(s): stitch(es)
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Details
- 2 row repeat
- chain a multiple of 3 + 2 more
- Ch 3 counts as DC
- Ch 1 does not count as stitch
Quick Shell Crochet Stitch Instructions
Using the bigger hook ( I used a 5.5mm), chain a multiple of 3 +2 more chains. I chained 26.
Row 1: Switch to your smaller hook (I used a 5mm). Sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 3, skip 2 chs, sc in next, repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 2: This will be considered the Right Side of your piece. Ch 3, (counts as 1 dc here and throughout). Dc in same st as ch 3. Sc in ch 3 space, * 3 dc in next sc, sc in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * across. 2 dc in last sc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1. Sc in same st as ch 1. * Ch 3, skip next 3 sts, sc in next (this will be the middle dc of shell from previous row). Repeat from * across, placing your last sc in top of turning ch 3. Turn
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your piece is the desired size.
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What are you going to make with the Quick Shell Stitch?
I got some yarn at the store and I am always making blankets for other people and I’m finally going to make one for myself it I want it to be light and something Ive never done before. I’m excited!
I wanted to crochet a prayer shawl to donate and couldn’t find a pattern I liked. I looked through my Pinterest collection and found your quick shell stitch tutorial. Thanks to your having the multiple count, I have started what I think will be a beautiful shawl. Thank you so much!
For the prayer shawl, how many stitches did you chain? What is the measurement of your shawl?
Thank you for this stitch tutorial l! I have a shawl my Grandmother crocheted for me when I was 3 or 4 and have tried to figure out the pattern off and on over the past 50+ years. I let my daughter use it ( she loved it as much as I did )and many of her friends really wanted one of their own. Now, after all these years I learn it is the Shell stitch! Thank you!!! Now I will be crocheting several for future gifts! And maybe an adult version for my Daughter! 😊
Thanks for all the different stiches I have learnt from you. I just got back to the love of crochet after 45 yrs. I can’t thank you enough.
The lovely and adorable idea that you are giving to crochet lovers. It’s so Impressive and useful. thanks for the attractive and beautiful ideas.
I hv tried 2 different types of yarn but it seems to want to start curling up on the3d row am i doing something wrong or does it come out of it after a few more row? im lost
It should straighten out as you continue to add rows.
How msny do you chain if making s vaby blanket.?
It depends on your yarn and hook size. Make a chain as wide as you want your blanket to be using the multiple provided in the tutorial.
It is now 2019. I noticed all the comments above were written in 2017. I hope you are still writing this blog. I have crocheted a baby blanket 31″ X 36″ using the Quick Shell Stitch. When I started I didn’t notice the pattern didn’t include instructions to crochet an edging or a decorative border. One end of course has the foundation chain stitches. I have done the sc stitch on the end with the foundation chain stitches and the 2 sides…..now what to do on the opposite end? On which row do I stop crocheting the pattern? The row with shells or the row where Ch 3s are anchored in the center stitch of each shell?
Hi Jeanne, I’m glad you enjoyed using this stitch. Stop crocheting on the anchoring row (ch 3s and sc) for a smooth edge. Then you can add your border.
since you don’t have a video can you Please add pictures of the begging of row 2, end of row 2 and row 3.. Or maybe a drawing for all the new beginners to crotchet.. thank you so much…..Love the way this pattern looks..
Heather, I have been watching tutorials and have just one question (for now). Placement of the crochet hook goes where…..through both top stitches, the single front of the stitch, or the single back of the stitch. Or perhaps it doesn’t matter, just so it’s consistent. Can you help me?
Always assume the hook goes through both top loops unless a pattern tells you otherwise. 😊
Do you have a printable version of this patter?
I am trying to make a baby blanket but when I get to the end of each row I make three chains and turn ,but my blanket it is never even ,,,not straight
Try this tip for straight edges. https://mariasbluecrayon.com/2017/05/crochet-tip-get-even-rows-without.html