Shell stitch can look very different depending on the row repeat and the number of stitches in each shell. These seven tutorials give you written guides, video references, and finished project applications before you use the stitch in a larger project.
Shell stitch shows up clearest in a smooth worsted weight yarn while you’re first learning the repeat.
Shell stitch tutorials to explore
1. Crochet Solid Shell Stitch
Robin calls the solid shell stitch a classic for scarves or blankets, with a simple 2 row repeat that is easy to memorise. A shell is 5 double crochets worked into the same stitch, and the foundation chain is any multiple of 6 plus 2. Her sample uses Fairyland yarn on a 5.5 mm hook, and the hook size is otherwise “according to your yarn”.
Row 1 is a single crochet into the second chain, then skip 2 chains, 5 double crochets in the next chain, skip 2 and single crochet, repeated across. There is both a video and a written pattern, so you can pick whichever you learn from best, and it is written in US terms.
2. Shell Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Naztazia’s tutorial is a video dedicated to the shell stitch, so you can watch the repeat take shape before you try it. It is video only, with no written pattern on the page, so it works best as a companion to a written version, such as Sarah Maker’s (#4) or Robin’s (#1), when you get lost on a row.
3. Shell Stitch Tutorial
Bella Coco Crochet’s shell stitch tutorial is another video-based reference, useful for comparing your hand position and row rhythm against Naztazia’s. If you learn best from watching, a second teacher showing the same stitch can clear up the step you missed the first time, and it is a good pick if you want to see the turning chain and the end of the row shown slowly.
4. How to Crochet Shell Stitch
Sarah Stearns teaches the basic shell as five double crochets in one stitch, then skip two and single crochet, with step-by-step photos and a chart. She recommends beginners start with a smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn so the stitches are easy to see, on a US H-8 (5 mm) hook, and suggests stitch markers to track turning chains. The starting chain is a multiple of 6 plus 2, so 26 chains gives a swatch four shells wide. She also reminds you to check whether a pattern means a “5-dc shell” or spells the stitches out.
5. Shell Stitch Crochet Scarf Pattern
Luisa Clare turns the stitch into a chunky scarf with a simple 2 row repeat, which gives a textured fabric with soft scalloped edges. The color changes add a stylish touch, and it works up quickly in bulky yarn, so it is a good first project once you know the shell. There is a video, though she mentions ads at the start, and the free pattern is written out below it.
6. Closed Scallops Shell Stitch Tutorial
Erin Toews calls the closed scallops (shell stitch) a fancy-looking technique that is easier than it looks: five double crochets in one stitch, with single crochets worked in the middle double crochet of each shell. Her tutorial uses Hobbii Amigo, a DK acrylic in over 50 colors, and she says to choose a yarn with good stitch definition, avoid fuzzy or furry yarns, and pick light or bright colors, which show off the texture better than dark ones.
If you follow the instructions exactly you get Section 8 of her Rainbow Blanket CAL, but you can ignore the color changes and stitch counts to use the stitch in another project. There is a video and a written tutorial.
7. Crochet Shell Stitch
Amanda Saladin’s page is titled everything you need to know about the crochet shell stitch, and it goes further than the others. It answers common questions: what a shell stitch is (a single crochet alternating with a shell of usually 5 double crochets, making a fan), how to work a shell stitch border with a shell to turn the corners, and how to make a half shell (chain 3, then 2 double crochets in the same space) for starting a border corner.
The photo and video tutorial use Paintbox Simply Chunky, and she says the stitch works with any yarn weight and a hook to suit it, for a blanket, scarf, beanie or shawl.
