Crochet Shell Stitch: The Pretty Scalloped Stitch Made Easy
Five double crochets in one stitch, anchored by single crochets — the shell stitch makes scalloped blankets, edgings and summer tops. Step-by-step with a stitch multiple.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) or DK (#3) yarn
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- 20 minutes to learn
In this post
The shell stitch is a group of double crochets fanned out of a single stitch, like a seashell. Alternate shells with single crochets and you get a scalloped fabric that's pretty, quick and surprisingly easy.
It's the classic stitch for baby blankets, summer tops and edgings — and the stitch behind the wavy hem on our ghost garland.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How to crochet the shell stitch
A shell here is 5 dc in the same stitch. Chain a multiple of 6, plus 2.
- Row 1: Ch 26. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. *Skip 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch*; repeat to the end. (4 shells)
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), turn. 2 dc in the first sc. *Skip 2 dc, sc in the next dc (the centre of the shell), skip 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc*; repeat, ending with 3 dc in the last sc. (3 shells + 2 half shells)
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first st. *Skip 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in the centre dc of the next shell*; repeat, with the last sc in the top of the turning chain. (4 shells)
- Row 4 onward: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
The rule: shells go into single crochets, single crochets go into the centre of shells. The half shells at the ends of Row 2 keep the edges straight.
Shell stitch as an edging
To finish a blanket with a scalloped border: work a round of sc first, then *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in the next, skip 2, sl st in the next* around. Adjust the skips so the shells fit each side evenly.
Variations
- Smaller shells: 3 dc per shell with 1 skipped stitch either side (chain a multiple of 4 plus 2).
- Open shells: (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) — airy and lacy for summer tops like our crochet top.
- Stripes: change colour every row for a rainbow ripple effect.
Common questions
Why are my shell stitch edges uneven?
The half shells (3 dc) at both ends of every other row are what keep edges straight. Don't skip them.
How many chains do I need for shell stitch?
For 5-dc shells, a multiple of 6 plus 2. For example, 26 chains give 4 shells; 62 chains give 10.
Is shell stitch good for blankets?
Very — it's quick, drapes well and looks finished on its own. It does use more yarn than sc or moss stitch.
Shells, scallops and summer tops — where will you use yours? 🐚
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