Shells, also called fans, are groups of tall stitches worked into one stitch so they spread out. Anchored by single crochets in between, they make a scalloped fabric and a classic pretty edging.
| Abbreviation (US) | shell |
|---|---|
| UK name | shell (using trebles) |
| Height | About 3 chains tall |
| Turning chain | ch 3 / ch 1 (alternating rows) |
| Foundation chain | Multiple of 6 + 2 |
| Level | Easy |
| Good for | Baby blankets, edgings, shawls and scarves. |
How to make shell stitch
- Shell: work 5 dc in the same stitch.
Pattern
- Chain a multiple of 6 + 2.
- Row 1: sc in the 2nd chain from the hook, *skip 2 chains, 5 dc in the next chain, skip 2 chains, sc in the next chain; repeat from * across.
- Row 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, 2 dc in the first sc, *skip 2 dc, sc in the next dc (the centre of the shell), skip 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc; repeat from *, ending with 3 dc in the last sc instead of 5.
- Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in the first dc, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in the next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in the next dc; repeat from * across, working the last sc into the top of the turning chain.
- Repeat rows 2–3.
Tips
- Mark the centre stitch of each shell with your eye: the single crochet of the next row goes there.
- Half shells (3 dc) at the row edges keep the sides straight.