25 Types of Crochet Shell Stitches to Try for Your Next Project
Hello everyone, today I have compiled a list of 25 Types of Crochet Shell Stitches that you can try for your next project!
Crochet shell stitches (sometimes called fan stitches) look just like shells, arcs, or fans. All of the stitches that create a shell stitch are typically anchored into a single base and then anchored down on both ends to help spread the shell out.
You can use different types of crochet shell stitches to create borders around your project, or you can simply use it as your entire fabric, like I did in this Crochet Shell Baby Blanket.
There are so many different variations of crochet shell stitches out there, and sometimes it’s hard figuring out which one to use, that’s why I’ve created this list just for you!
Some of these shell stitches have written instructions, and some are just the diagram for the pattern, so if you need assistance deciphering symbols, a quick Google search for a chart will definitely help you. There are also patterns that are great for beginners and some that will require a little more expertise.
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I personally crocheted all of these shell stitches below using crochet thread from Hobby Lobby’s Artiste line and a 1.65mm crochet hook, but you can use whatever yarn and hook you like!
Alright, let’s go ahead and jump into this list of 25 Types of Crochet Shell Stitches to get you inspired for your next crochet project! I hope you enjoy!
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#1 Crochet Arcade Stitch
The crochet Arcade Stitch is a pretty stitch pattern that creates offset shells or fans. This particular crochet shell stitch gives the appearance of gentle waves. For this pattern, you’ll set up a foundation row and then it’ll be a 4 row repeat. This stitch is easy to crochet, but setting up for the starting and ending stitches can get some taking used to, but after a couple repeats, you’ll get the hang of it!
#2 Shell Trellis Stitch
The Shell Trellis stitch is a gorgeous crochet lace stitch. You’re going to be crocheting 5 double crochet shells between chains and then the shells will be alternating as you continue the rows. The beginning and end of the rows in this stitch pattern were a little tricky for me to figure out, but again, once you do a few row repeats, it’ll come to you easily.
#3 Crochet Puff Shell Star Stitch
The Crochet Puff Shell Star Stitch is a very interesting type of crochet shell stitch. Instead of creating your shell upright like normal…you’ll actually be creating puffy, star stitches that make an upside down shell so to speak. It’s really cool! This pattern is provided by Hooked by Robin, I would suggest watching her video on this particular pattern for a repeat of two until you get the hang of it. These shell stitches will be created in another alternating fashion, with different set ups for the beginning and ends of the rows. I think the puffiness of the shells stitches make it a great stitch for dishcloths or face pads.
#4 Long Loop Shell Stitch
The Long Loop Shell Stitch is a crochet shell stitch that has you pulling up very long loops for the double crochets in the shells. The pattern itself is very simple, you’ll be repeating a row of shells separated by three single crochets and a row of just single crochets. The shells have a fairly subtle arc as well, which makes the fabric look like waves. I also like how this shell stitch looks in one yarn color, but you could try using multiple colors in this pattern.
#5 Open Shell Stitch
This shell stitch pattern is provided by Crochet with Aabhar. It’s a lacy, open work, crochet shell stitch with a two row repeat after setting up the foundation row. These shells are created by making 7 double crochets into a sort of V stitch. This is an excellent stitch to use for summer crochet tops, shawls, crochet lace scarves, market bags, really anything you can think of! I love how simple this type of crochet shell stitch is, and I didn’t really find myself stumbling on how to remember the beginning and ends of the rows.
#6 Box Stitch
The Box Stitch pattern is brought to you by the Nordic Hook and is worked up in 9 rows. Rows 2-9 are then repeated to create this textured crochet shell stitch. The shells are made into a V stitch, similar to #5 in this list, however, you’ll be making front post stitches behind those shells. These front post stitches make the top of the shells “pop” out. You should also be comfortable with crocheting into rows below, as that is how you’ll be anchoring the shells down.
#7 Fantail Stitch
The Fantail Stitch is a way to work up shells (in this pattern they’re called fans!) quickly. In this crochet stitch pattern, the shells are a series of 3 double crochet, chain 1, and 3 double crochet all in the same space. Both sides of the fabric will look the same in this pattern as well.
#8 Interlocking Shell Stitch
The Interlocking Shell Stitch will have you working a row of “normal” shells and then on the next row, you’ll crochet “upside down” shells in between the normal ones, creating an interlocking effect. Now, that I’ve crocheted this particular shell stitch pattern, this is an excellent way to give your crochet shells a straight edge.
#9 The Crochet Royal Stitch
The Crochet Royal Stitch gets its regal name from how the shells appear like crowns throughout the fabric. You’ll make your shell in one row and then in the next, top it off with this “jewel-like” crochet stitch. It’s pretty neat, I’ve never made a stitch like this before, it’s basically a puff stitch over two stitches and then you make a few single crochets back into the puff. I may have found a little mistake in this pattern as well. The instructions do state to make 7 treble crochets for your shell, however if you do this, you’ll only have space for 3 jewel like stitches instead of 4. The photo tutorial does appear to have 8 treble crochets, so I did 8 treble crochets for the shell, not 7.
#10 Crochet Seashell Stitch
Could there be a better crochet shell stitch other than one that looks JUST like a seashell? The Seashell Stitch is a textured crochet stitch where you’ll be crocheting a long chain and then single crocheting into the back loops of the previous stitches, back and forth until you reach about 8 “bumps” in your shell. This crochet stitch is an excellent choice for patterns that require a nautical theme.
#11 Iris Stitch
The Iris Stitch is a cute, mini shell stitch pattern that works up very quickly. In this pattern, you’ll crochet shells that are made up of 4 double crochets, separated by a chain 1 in the middle. Each row is the exact same, which makes it super easy to follow. The Iris Stitch is another lacy crochet stitch that would be great for any fabric that needs to be breathable.
#12 Picasa’s Web Stitch
Picasa’s Web Stitch is a crochet shell stitch that works up in a simple, 4 row repeat. For this stitch pattern, you’ll be creating a base of chains, creating your shell, and then working off that shell with double crochets separated by chains. In this shell stitch pattern, a chart is provided instead of written instructions, but a quick Google search can help you determine the symbols if you need help.
#13 Crochet Shell Puff Stitch
Another great crochet stitch pattern from My Picot. In this pattern, you’ll create a shell of 6 double crochets, and on the next row, work puff stitches on the top of those double crochets. The effect creates a lovely, textured fabric of alternating shells.
#14 Crochet Shell Stitch
This intricate Crochet Shell Stitch pattern will have you working up shells with popcorn stitches and double crochet meshes. This pattern will have you working on each shell until it’s finished before moving onto the next one in the same row. It’s a very pretty shell stitch, but I will say it does take some time to crochet your fabric.
#15 Aligned Arches Stitch
The Aligned Arches Stitch is brought to you by the Nordic Hook. This crochet shell stitch is very similar to the Arcade Stitch in this list, except the arches are on top of each other instead of offset/alternating. The repeating rows are simple and easy to remember once you’ve completed a few rows.
#16 Crochet Shells with FPDC/BPDC
The Crochet Shells with FPDC (front post double crochets) is an easy shell pattern to follow. These shells are created by making 3 double crochets, a chain 2, and 3 more double crochets into the same space. The crochet shells are then separated by a series of alternating front post double crochets and back post double crochets. This creates a ribbed effect and would be a great stitch to use for trim on sleeves or dresses.
#17 Crochet Lace Shells
The Crochet Lace Shells Stitch is composed of V stitches and 5 double crochet shells. This stitch pattern gives your fabric a lacy feel due to the openwork stitches. I like how simple this pattern is, as it is only a two row repeat!
#18 Big and Little Shell Stitch
The Big and Little Shell Stitch pattern is a fun, lacy type of crochet shell stitch. You’ll be combining little, 5 double crochet shells with large, 8 double crochet shells with a second row of mesh double crochets on top. This is another airy stitch pattern that would be great for summer crochet makes.
#19 Turkish Stitch Pattern – Puff Stitch Baby Blanket
Click to learn the Turkish Stitch Pattern – Puff Stitch Baby Blanket here.
The Turkish Stitch Pattern is a combination of puff stitches and shells. In this pattern, you’ll have to be comfortable with yarning over and inserting your hook 9 times and pulling through all of those loops, which can be tricky if you have yarn that is thready or grips well. The shells in the Turkish Stitch Pattern are made of 4 double crochets, a chain 4, and 4 more double crochets.
#20 Pattern with Fans
The Pattern with Fans Stitch is an alternating, stacked shell stitch. This technique is similar to the big shell in #18 in this list. You’ll crochet 7 double crochets for your shell, and then double crochet mesh on top of that shell.
#21 Fancy Fan Crochet Stitch
The Fancy Fan Crochet Stitch from Aabhar Creations, is an openwork crochet shell stitch that is surrounded by a triangle of mesh stitches. The shells are stacked alternately, so the way you start and end your rows may be different, but the middle of the fabric is an easy three row repeat.
#22 Crochet Shell Picot Stitch
The Crochet Shell Picot Stitch is another textured shell stitch that adorns 3 chain picots on the top of the shells. In this type of crochet shell stitch, you’ll make your shell row, adorn it with double crochets and picots, and then use front post double crochets on the next row. This creates a one sided fabric, but it looks amazing!
#23 Openwork Shell Stitch
The Openwork Shell Stitch is a lacy crochet stitch that incorporates the use of V stitches and a 5 double crochet shell into that V stitch. On top of that 5 double crochet shell, you’ll single crochet into each stitch, and then reduce those single crochets in each row until you are left with just one. The chains created around the shells create a triangle shape that gives the fabric a nice drape. The diagram of this Openwork Shell Stitch does not have a repeat formula, but I’m pretty sure it’s repeat of 7+3.
#24 Beautiful Shells Stitch
The Beautiful Shells Stitch is brought to you by Rich Textures Crochet. The fabric is made up of 10 double crochet shells, chains, and single crochets. It gives this shell stitch an open, but sturdy finish. I really enjoy her use of the single crochets on top of the shells, giving a break between the shells.
#25 Argyle Shell Crochet Stitch
The Argyle Shell Crochet Stitch by Heart Hook Home will have you crocheting a series of shells that end up looking a lot like an argyle sweater pattern! This is a lightweight crochet shell stitch pattern, works up quickly and is the same on both sides of the fabric. The shells you’ll be crocheting consist of 3 double crochets, separated by chain 1s.
And that’s a wrap! There are of course so many more different crochet shell stitch patterns out there, but these were the ones that really stood out to me when I was doing my research. I hope that these 25 Types of Crochet Shell Stitches get you inspired to crochet something amazing and beautiful!
Until next time!