How to Crochet the Large Shell Stitch Pattern

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Gather materials and set up the foundation chain

The large shell stitch is worked in multiples of 8, so your foundation chain must be divisible by 8. A starting chain of 24 works well — that's three clean multiples of 8. Once you have your base count, add 9 additional chain stitches at the end to ensure proper alignment of the shells and straight edges throughout the project, giving you a total foundation chain of 33 for a 24-stitch base. Create your slipknot and work the full chain with even, relaxed tension before beginning the foundation row.

Step 2 — Work the foundation row

Begin the foundation row in the fifth chain from the hook and work three treble crochets into that stitch. To work each treble crochet, yarn over twice, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), then pull through two loops three times to complete the stitch. These first three treble crochets form a half shell at the edge of the row, which will complete into a full shell in the following row. This half shell at the start is what keeps your edges straight and even as the pattern builds.

Step 3 — Build the shell stitch repeat

With the foundation row started, work the core shell stitch repeat across the row. Skip the next three chains, then work a single crochet into the fourth chain. Skip the next three chains, then work seven treble crochets all into the following single chain stitch — this cluster of seven treble crochets is one complete large shell. Repeat this sequence — skip 3, single crochet, skip 3, seven treble crochets in one stitch — across the entire row. After the final shell, skip the next three chains and finish with a single crochet in the very last stitch of the row. The first row will produce a combination of full shells and a partial shell at the edges that complete in subsequent rows.

Step 4 — Align the edges in subsequent rows

To begin each new row, chain 4 and turn your work. Place three treble crochets into the first single crochet of the previous row to start the half shell at the edge. Skip the first three treble crochets of the first shell from the previous row, then work a single crochet into the fourth treble crochet at the top of that shell. Continue the repeat — skip 3, seven treble crochets in the next single crochet, skip 3, single crochet into the top of the next shell — across the row. Finish each row with a final single crochet in the chain-4 space at the end. This consistent structure is what keeps both edges straight and neat as the shells stack up.

Step 5 — Continue and finish

Continue repeating the row pattern — chain 4, turn, half shell, then the full shell repeat across, ending with a single crochet in the chain-4 space — for as many rows as your project requires. With each row the shells stack beautifully on top of each other, creating the characteristic offset scalloped appearance. The stacked shells point in alternating directions, giving the finished fabric a whimsical, dimensional look. Once you've reached the desired size, fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the last loop. Thread a yarn needle and weave all loose ends through several stitches in different directions, then trim close to the fabric for a clean finish.

Frequently asked questions

What is the stitch repeat for the large shell stitch pattern?
The core repeat is: skip three chains, single crochet in the fourth chain, skip the next three chains, then work seven treble crochets all into the following chain to form a shell. Repeat — single crochet, skip 3, seven treble crochets in one stitch — across the row, finishing with a single crochet in the final stitch.

How do I align the edges properly in the large shell stitch pattern?
Start each new row with a chain of 4, then place three treble crochets at the top of the fourth treble crochet in the first shell. End each row with a single crochet in the chain-4 space. The nine additional stitches in the foundation chain ensure the shells stack with straight, even edges on both sides.

What projects is the large shell stitch best suited for?
The large shell stitch works beautifully for blankets, afghans, and cardigans — including cardigan pockets. The offset shell pattern produces straight edges, a scalloped top, and a whimsical, dainty appearance when the shells stack up row by row.

Enjoyed this tutorial?

Find 60+ free tutorials on YouTube. Grab a pattern from the Etsy shop, or go deeper with a community membership.

Free tutorials on YouTube →    Shop on Etsy →    Join the community →