Crochet Shell Stitch

Free Shell Stitch Instructions and Crochet Patterns, Plus a Few Pay-For Shell Stitch Patterns That Are Truly Worth Paying For

Whether you want to learn how to crochet the shell stitch, or you simply want to find a whole bunch of fantastic shell stitch patterns and projects, this page is a fantastic place to begin browsing. We’ve posted bunches of free shell stitch tutorials and patterns for you to use — and we’re excited to share them with you.

Free Shell Stitch Instructions and Tutorials

If you haven’t yet learned how to crochet a shell stitch, don’t worry — it’s easy! There are many different ways you could approach it, but they all have some similarities. Their common elements: a shell stitch pattern typically consists of multiple basic crochet stitches that are worked into the same spot, or the same stitch. These groups of stitches can be alternated with other basic stitches; they can also be alternated with clusters. It would be impossible to describe all the possibilities, so let me just show you a few examples, and you can decide which ones look interesting enough to learn more about.

Free Shell Stitch Crochet Patterns

Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket

Easy Shell Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket -- Free Pattern

Easy Shell Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket — Free Pattern

Shell stitch makes lovely crocheted baby blankets. The basic shell stitch is a solid, substantial stitch pattern that’s both pretty and decorative. It has an interesting texture that’s suitable for either baby boys or baby girls. Structurally, it’s not a lacy stitch, so you don’t have to worry about baby’s tiny fingers and toes getting caught in any open, lacy areas.

Pictured here, you can see a girl-friendly colorway of this blanket that I designed — but please do feel free to recolor it according to your own color preferences (or those of the intended recipient if the blanket will be a gift).

Easy Lacy Shell Edging Pattern

Easy Lacy Shell Edging to Crochet -- Free Pattern

Easy Lacy Shell Edging to Crochet — Free Pattern

This edging is a gorgeous, yet simple, way to finish off a variety of different craft projects. It’s lovely to use on baby blankets, afghans, throws, placemats, pillows and other projects. You can also use it across a single edge, for example to trim the bottom of a curtain or valance. There are many other possibilities in addition to these.

Pictured here, you can see it in use as an edging for a crochet heart square I made in red, pink and white for Valentine’s Day. The design is particularly well suited for making Valentine projects, but it would work well for just about any other special occasion — or non-occasion — that you could dream of.


Easy, Two-Color Treble Crochet Shell Stitch Edging — Free Pattern

Treble Crochet Shell Stitch Edging in Two Colors

Treble Crochet Shell Stitch Edging in Two Colors

Here we have a slightly more dramatic re-interpretation of the classic shell stitch edging.


This particular design is ever-so-slightly taller than your typical shell edging — because you use treble crochet stitches for working it instead of the usual double crochets or half double crochets.


Not only is the edging taller, it’s also more colorful. There’s a bit of an optical illusion present in the design; it looks like the shells are made using alternating colors. However, you don’t need to resort to the tapestry crochet technique for this design; you only crochet with one color per round to get this effect.

Shell Stitch Scarf Patterns

The following crochet scarf patterns incorporate shell stitches into the design:


  • Crochet Lace Scarf With Bold Shell Stitches — This pretty crochet lace scarf is comprised of tall, lacy treble crochet shell stitches, arranged so that they mirror image each other to create an interesting design.

Lacy Treble Shell Crochet Dishcloth: Free Pattern

Lacy Treble Shell Crochet Dishcloth -- Free Crochet Pattern

Lacy Treble Shell Crochet Dishcloth — Free Crochet Pattern

You can crochet this pretty dishcloth using a crochet stitch pattern known as the lacy treble shell stitch. The stitch incorporates treble crochets and chain-1 spaces for a look that manages to be both bold and delicate at the same time. The mirror-image technique makes the project even more interesting.

The Snow Crest Set Featuring Crochet Shell Stitches

Shell Stitch Crochet Set Featuring Matching Hat, Scarf and Mittens From the Book Hats, Scarves & Mittens for the Family, Published by Annie's Crochet

Shell Stitch Crochet Set Featuring Matching Hat, Scarf and Mittens From the Book Hats, Scarves & Mittens for the Family, Published by Annie’s Crochet


Want to crochet a matching ladies’ scarf, hat and pair of mittens using the shell stitch? Consider making the Snow Crest set by Lisa Naskrent. The patterns for these shell stitch accessories are included in the book Hats, Scarves & Mittens for the Family, which is published by Annie’s Crochet.

So there you have it: A roundup of fantastic crochet shell stitch instructions, tutorials, patterns and ideas. We hope you found these shell stitch projects and patterns useful. Happy crocheting!

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Page last updated on 5-17-2023. Thanks for visiting!