How to Crochet the Shell Stitch (Fan Stitch)

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Make the slip knot and foundation chain

Make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Chain a length that is a multiple of six — for example, 30 — then add two extra chains on top of that. Your total foundation chain determines how wide your finished piece will be, so choose a multiple of six that suits your project.

Step 2 — Work the first row

Single crochet into the second chain from your hook. Then chain two, skip two chains, and work five double crochets into the next chain — this cluster of five is your first shell. Skip two more chains and single crochet into the following chain, then skip two chains again and work another five double crochets. Continue this repeating pattern — skip two, five double crochet, skip two, single crochet — all the way across, finishing the row with a single crochet into the last stitch.

Step 3 — Start the turning row with a half-shell

Chain two to turn — this stands in as your first double crochet — then work two more double crochets into the same stitch at the base, for three double crochets total. Edges always use three double crochets instead of five, which keeps the side of your piece straight rather than scalloped.

Step 4 — Build the interlocking shell pattern

Skip two stitches and single crochet into the top of the shell from the row below, then skip two more stitches and work a full five-double-crochet shell into the single crochet from the row below. Continue alternating — skip two, single crochet into the previous row's shell top, skip two, five double crochet into the previous row's single crochet — all the way across. This is what makes each row's shells nest neatly between the shells of the row before, creating the pattern's signature look.

Step 5 — Finish the row with another half-shell

When you reach the last stitch of the row, work another half-shell of three double crochets rather than five, to keep that edge straight and matching the opposite side. Chain one to finish the row.

Step 6 — Repeat for additional rows and fasten off

Chain two, turn, and repeat steps three through five for as many rows as you'd like your finished piece to be. Since the fabric is reversible, you can switch to a new yarn colour at the start of any row to really make the individual shells pop, or continue in a single colour or a variegated yarn for a softer, blended look. When you've reached your desired length, fasten off and weave in any loose ends.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shell stitch (fan stitch) and what is it good for?
The shell stitch, also called the fan stitch, is a pretty, textured crochet pattern made from clusters of double crochet separated by single crochet and skipped stitches. It works especially well for baby clothes, blankets, and throws, and the fabric is reversible, so both sides look attractive.

How do I make the foundation slip knot for a crochet project?
Create a loop with your yarn, hold the tail end, cross the working yarn over itself to form an X, then reach through the loop with your other hand, grab the working yarn, and pull it tight. This slip knot goes onto your hook as the starting point for your chain.

What are the basic steps for the first row of the shell stitch?
Chain a multiple of six plus two extra chains. Single crochet into the second chain from the hook, then repeat across the row: skip two chains, work five double crochet into the next chain, skip two chains, and single crochet into the next chain.

Can I change yarn colours each row, and is the fabric reversible?
Yes to both. The shell stitch fabric looks the same, or nearly the same, on both sides, so it works well for items like blankets that get seen from both sides. Switching to a new yarn colour at the start of each row really makes the individual shells stand out, though a single solid colour or a variegated yarn both look lovely too.

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