Comprised of Double Crochet and Chain stitches, this shell stitch is just a variation on what you already know! Build on that crochet knowledge with this crochet photo tutorial for the shell stitch and be sure to check out some of our favorite patterns that use the shell stitch below.

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Complete the first four rows of the Festive Fourth of July Shawl pattern (the rows are listed below for your convenience) for your foundation. Then follow this photo tutorial for the shell stitch.

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, tr in same ch, tr in next ch, turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in next tr, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next (dc, 1 ch), sc in next ch, ch 1, sk next ch, (2 dc, ch 1, tr) in next tr, tr in next tr, turn.

Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in next tr, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sk next (2 dc, ch 1, sc, ch 1, 2 dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Special Stitches

Shell: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same ch-1 sp.

Odd Numbered Rows

1. Ch 3 (counts as dc),

2. (dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp,

3. [ch 1, sk next (dc, 1 ch), sc in next ch,

4. ch 1, sk next (ch, dc), Shell in next ch-1 sp]

5. Repeat bracketed portion until last shell in the ch-1 sp: [ch 1, sk next (dc, 1 ch), sc in next ch, ch 1, sk next (ch, dc), Shell in next ch-1 sp]

6. ch 1, sk next (dc, 1 ch), sc in next ch, ch 1, sk next ch,
7. (2 dc, ch 1, tr) in next tr,

8. tr in next tr, turn.

Even Numbered Rows

1. Ch 4 (counts as tr),

2. tr in next tr,

3. ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp,

4. [ch 3, sk next (2 dc, 1 ch, sc, 1 ch, 2 dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp]

5. Repeat until end of row, turn.

Festive Fourth of July Shawl | Mixed Berries Scarf | Boardwalk Vest

What are you most excited to crochet with the shell stitch? Let us know in the comments below!