Shell Stitch Tutorial
Let’s learn a new stitch this week! This stitch is the Shell Stitch. It is one of my favorites and is used in one of my most popular patterns. This tutorial shows you how to do the shell stitch and how to make it into an 8×8″ square. Happy Crocheting!
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Shell Stitch Afghan Square
Materials:
- Category 4 Medium Weight Yarn in 2 colors; I used Lily Sugar n Cream* in Ecru and Rose Pink.
- Size I 5.5 mm Crochet Hook
- Yarn Needle* for weaving ends
- Scissors*
*affiliate link
Abbreviations:
ch(s) – chain(s)
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
t-ch – turning chain
() – indicates stitch counts
* – indicates instructions to be repeated
Gauge:
16 stitches=5 inches and 10 rows=5 inches
Multiple:
6+1
Instructions:
To make an 8″ x 8″ square,
With first color, Ch 31
Step 1: 2 dc into 4th ch from hook
Step 2: Sk the next 2 chs, 1 sc into the next ch
Step 3: Sk the next 2 chs, 5 dc into the next ch
Step 4: *Skip the next 2 chs, 1 sc into the next ch, sk the next 2 chs, 5 dc into the next ch; Repeat from * until you have 3 chs left, sk the next 2 chs, 1 sc into the last ch, turn.
Step 5: Change to the next color. Ch 3,
Step 6: 2 dc into the sc from previous row
Step 7: *Sk the next 2 dc, 1 sc into the next st, sk the next 2 dc, 5 dc into sc from previous row; Repeat from * across, 1 sc into the t-ch.
Repeat Row 2, alternating colors, for 14 more rows (total of 16 rows)
Finish:
- Sc evenly around the entire square, making sure to place 3 sc sts into each corner.
- To even out the top row of shells: 1 dc into the first st (the sc from previous row), *1 hdc into the first dc of the 5 dc cluster, 1 sc into each of the next 3 dc, 1 hdc into the last dc of the cluster, 1 dc into the sc; Repeat from * across. This should make the top row straighten out.
- Block to size.
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I made a blanket like this for my son while I was pregnant with him. My daughter is now expecting and I want to make her one. How many ch and rows for a 28×38 blanket.
Thank you
Hi Peggy Sue! For a blanket that is approximately 28×38 you will need a starting chain of 109 and will need to crochet about 76 rows. I hope that helps!
I would like to make one size 50 X 72 how many Stiches would I need. I am going to make my Oldest Son a red,white and Blue Afghan like the Flag since he has been in the Service.I have been Makeing C2C Afghan’s but I wanted to make one in sera ight rows.
Thank You Amy
Hi Rose! Thank you to your son for his service! You will need a starting chain of 277 and you will crochet about 100 rows to achieve an approximate size of 50 x 72 🙂
Thank You Very Much Amy. I am going to start Makeing my Sons as soon as I finish this Lap Afghan I am Makeing for Veterans in the Hospital.
Well I have a few ideas but not sure what I would like.
66×90
80×90
90×100
Kinda depends on how many chains they end up being. Thank you!
Hi Jennifer! Here is what you will need to do for each size:
66×90 – 253 chains, 180 rows
80×90 – 307 chains, 180 rows
90×100 – 343 chains, 200 rows
These are just approximations based on the stitch multiple so they won’t work out to be exactly the size but very close. I hope that helps!
Thank you so much for your help!
You’re very welcome!
I love this pattern. I have made the baby blanket you posted and it went very smoothly. I’d like to make a regular or adult size blanket of this particular pattern but am unsure about how many to start the chain with. I’m fairly novice when it comes to starting things and can’t quite figure out the ratio. What would you suggest? Thank you!
Hi Jennifer! If you give me approximate measurements, I can tell you how many chains you will need to start and how many rows you will need to crochet.
In using just one color, do you have to start a new row each time or can you turn and continue with the same yarn?
Hi Jeveva! You can just turn and work the next row. No need to fasten off
Made this blanket for my niece who is pregnant with a boy. The pattern said intermediate. I have only crochet one other thing and never the sea shells. I found the pattern along with the picture tutorial to be easy to do. I like how quick it went and love love the finished look of the blanket. I only used two colors in 6 rows each due to the fact that I was worried about my color changing skills as a newbie! Thanks choir sharing the pattern. I will be making more in direct colors. Wish we child post pics to get your opinion on the work.
Would like to make this in a solid ivory color and would like it a little bigger about 40 x 60. How many chains what I need to start with? Also what size do you recommend?
Hi Pat, for a 40×60 blanket, you would start with a chain of 229 and crochet about 80 rows. I recommend a size J 6mm hook as shown in my Shell Stitch Blanket: https://thestitchinmommy.com/2013/12/shell-stitch-baby-blanket-free-pattern.html
Great thanks for posting. Very easy to follow
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I know your blog is all about crochet..but, you just make it look SO easy. like..I can just pick up from when I stopped 20 years ago!
Thanks Kathy! If only it were easy all the time 😉
I love the look of this stitch! It’s my favorite of yours and I’m going to try to extend it out to a 3’x3′ block!
Your pattern was so simple to follow thanks
Thank you Mary! Glad you were able to follow it 🙂
Beautiful pictures and very clear pattern explanations!
Thank you Jane!
Oooooooooooooh, I can see a gorgeous baby blanket being made from this! Thanks for the tutorial! ^^
Thanks Mere! I actually have the blanket pattern here: https://thestitchinmommy.com/2013/12/shell-stitch-baby-blanket-free-pattern.html 🙂
What a pretty stitch pattern. I like the two colors you used. 🙂
Many thanks for posting! 🙂
_____
Lee Ann
Thank you Lee Ann!