Shell Crochet Stitch Tutorial: Small Shell, Large Shell and Corner Shell (Left Handed Crochet)

Shell stitches are used in many crochet patterns to create pleasing curves and a variety of motifs.  Mastering the shell stitch variations is easily done by anyone who can chain and do the double crochet stitch. The basic principle is to crowd several stitches into one stitch (like an increase) and then skip several stitches before creating another shell.

What is the shell stitch used for?

Shell stitches may be done in the round to create a granny square-like motif. They may also be worked in rows with a single color for a subtle texture or in changing colors for two-tone or striped effects.

Shell stitches can also be used as an edging. Once you learn the shell crochet stitch you can add decorative shell edging to a shawl, coaster, or blanket.

Practice making shell stitches with different weights of yarn. Crochet cotton will give a lace look while bulky or textured yarn make a more solid fabric.

Learn more about crocheting shell stitches by watching our video--or just keep reading this post.   If you crochet left-handed, you are in for a treat! All photos and videos are demonstrated in left-handed crochet.

what can you make using the crochet shell stitch?

• Blankets
• Scarves and shawls
• Washcloths
• Pillows
• Handbag and backpacks
• Crochet motifs
• Beanie hats
• Sweater and cardigans
• Light summer lacy tops
• Edging on projects

Ready to Learn the Shell Stitch?

This stitch can be worked with any weight of yarn with a crochet hook appropriate for the yarn weight.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CROCHET THE SHELL STITCH?

• Yarn
• Crochet hook 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SMALL SHELL

The photos in this tutorial are shown left-handed.  Since the shell is created using multiple double crochets, this tutorial can help either left or right handed crocheters. 

STEP 1: Make a Double Crochet Stitch

To make a small shell stitch, start by making a double crochet stitch.  If you would prefer a video tutorial of left-handed double crochet stitch or right handed double crochet stitch, click the links.

Start the double crochet stitch: Yarn over hook.

The hook will be put through the foundation chain or stitched in the previous row instructed by the pattern.  This stitch will hold all of the stitches of the shell stitch.

Insert the hook into the foundation chain or stitch of the previous row.

Yarn over hook and pull that loop through the chain or stitch.  Now there are 3 loops on the hook.

Yarn over again and pull that loop through 2 of the loops on the hook. 2 loops remain on hook now.

Yarn over again.

Pull that loop through 2 loops on the hook.  One double crochet stitch is finished.

STEP 2: Continue Building the small Shell

The next several double crochets are all stitched in the same stitch as the first double crochet.  So, for the small crochet shell, you will end up with five double crochets all in the same stitch.  By stitching in the same stitch, it forms the "shell".

Stitch four more double crochets in the stitch to finish building the shell.

This makes a total of 5 double crochets in the same stitch. One small shell is completed.  Below is a photo of a finished small shell.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LARGE SHELL

STEP 1: Make a Double Crochet Stitch

The large shell begins just as the small shell; it is large only because it will include more double crochets in the finished shell.

To make a double crochet stitch: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch. 3 loops remain on the hook.

Yarn over, and pull through 2 loops. 2 loops remain. Yarn over. Pull through 2 loops.  One double crochet stitch is complete.

STEP 2: Continue Building the large Shell

Now make six more double crochet stitches in the same stitch.  This makes a total of seven double crochets in the same stitch.

One large shell is completed.  A photo of the finished large shell is below.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CORNER SHELL

STEP 1: Make a Double Crochet Stitch

The corner shell begins with a double crochet stitch. 

STEP 2: Make the First Half of the Corner Shell

Now make two more double crochet stitches in the same stitch.  This makes a total of three double crochets in the same stitch. One side of the corner shell is done.

STEP 3: Turn the Corner

To turn the corner, chain two stitches. This sets you up to complete the corner on the next side.

STEP 4: Complete the Corner Shell

Make three more double crochet stitches in the same stitch as the first half of the corner shell.

This makes a total of 6 double crochets in the same stitch.

The corner shell is completed.

After finishing your shell stitch, the pattern will usually instruct to skip a certain number of stitches before continuing with the next stitch or another shell stitch.

We hope you have enjoyed this tutorial on the shell crochet stitch.  For more information on left handed crochet, click the link.  

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• Using a continuous round marker