It’s quite hard to write a comprehensive article about a theme as vast as shell stitches, because they come in all shapes and sizes. This lovely technique is easily customizable, so there is a ton of different versions designed by talented crocheters from all around the world.
In this article you will find basic information about shell stitches, as well as crochet roundup with the most eye-catching ideas and links to free crochet patterns. Have fun!
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Simple stitch – many possibilities
Anatomy of a Shell Stitch
To create a crochet shell, you need to work 3-5 tall stitches all in one stitch – it’s that simple, but that’s not all. Depending on the pattern, you can create shells with half double crochet, double crochet, or even treble crochet stitches.
The height of the stitches will determine the size of your shell, and the amount of the stitches worked will impact the angle of its outer edges.
Types of Shell Stitches
1. Lacy Shell Stitches
As you will soon see, shell stitches vary a lot, but the main difference is whether the shells are interlocked or not. Lacy shell stitch projects organize these little motifs in a way that creates light openwork. You can see the example of it in my free crochet tutorial called How to Crochet Little Shells Stitch.
2. Solid Shell Stitches
When shells are interlocked we can say that the stitch is creating a solid structure. Most often we’ve got two-row repeat, in which one row of shells is “filling up” the spaces in between the shells from another row. You can see an example of that in Dune Blanket, about which I wrote this article: Dune Blanket Ideas – The Most Beautiful Versions.
3. Structural Shell Stitches
One of the most breathtaking techniques are structural shells, and what I mean by that is that they create an interesting three-dimensional texture. Such shells can be created with puff stitches, bobbles, post stitches, or extended stitches.
talking about stitches…
Our growing website and library of free crochet patterns has some projects that might interest you, too!
→ Puffy Stripes Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern ←
→ Blank Canvas Baby Blanket – Free Crochet Pattern ←
crochet roundup!
Today I gathered the most eye-catching projects from mega-talented crocheters, so don’t wait another minute and dive deep in! Be sure to read the post carefully for free patterns and tutorials, so you can use them in your projects.
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Structural Crochet Shell Stitch Blanket Ideas
Stay & Snuggle Blanket by Little Doolally
Just when I thought I’ve seen it all, this lovely blanket popped up, so I just had to share it with you all. Little Doolally cleverly combined puffs and shells, thereby creating something in between flowers and pebbles. I’m so enchanted by this stitch and how nicely it reflects the light – just take a look at it!
- photos by @littledoolally on Instagram: top, and ravelry.com: bottom
You can purchase this pattern on ravelry.com.
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Juicy Fruits Blanket Version by Hanan Hannaway
*free crochet pattern*
I was so happy to learn that this stitch is actually available for free, because I wanted to try it as soon as I’ve seen it. What’s the fuss all about? Well, who would have thought that when you add some extended stitches to simple shells, you will end up with something as aesthetically pleasing? As you can see in the photos, Hanan decided to go for reds and neutrals, and it’s a lovely combination of colors.
- photos by @crochetcreationsbyhanan on Instagram: top, bottom
This free crochet pattern by Roseanna Beck is available on yarnspirations.com, or you can read more about it on ravelry.com.
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Juicy Fruits Blanket Version by Vanny Cheung
*free crochet pattern*
Oh Vanny, how I love your colorway of this blanket! Take a good look at the photos, because what you will see is the perfect amount of contrasts and softness. Little “x”-es are nicely visible when they “hook into” the row below, and the choice of white and pale pinks create a delicate ombre effect. What a beauty!
- photos by @vannycheung_crochet on Instagram: top, bottom
This free crochet pattern by Roseanna Beck is available on yarnspirations.com, or you can read more about it on ravelry.com.
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Simple Crochet Shell Stitch Blanket Ideas
Shell Stitch Blanket by Lynds Designs Things
*free crochet pattern*
Although shell stitches look fantastic when you change up colors every row, their structure is so nice that you can easily pull off a solid color design, too! Lynds decided to go for a rich autumnal yellow, which always comes back with this time of year. Blankets, pillows, scarves, or headbands – this stitch won’t let you down.
- photos by @lyndsdesignsthings on Instagram: source
To make similar blanket you can use free crochet pattern called Chunky Shell Blanket by Phanessa Fong, available on designsbyphanessa.com.
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Shell Stitch Blanket by Pammiie Lee
*free crochet pattern*
Soft and squishy structure is the basis for baby blankets, especially winter ones. This lovely creation by Pammiie features only three colors – baby pink, cream and yellow, but it’s more than enough to create a beautiful piece. Go for wide stripes especially if you are a beginner, because it will make it easier for you to get into the rythm of the technique you’re learning.
To make similar blanket you can use free crochet pattern called Shell Stitch Baby Blanket by Jessie Rayot, available on jessieathome.com.
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Shell Stitch Blanket by That Crochet Life
*free crochet pattern*
Is it a rainbow? Almost, but not quite – it doesn’t matter, though. As you can see, crocheter behind That Crochet Life decided to make wider stripes of color in her blanket, that is, she changes colors every two rows. This way the pattern is much less busy, which can happen when interlocking shells of different hues are too close to each other.
- photos by @thatcrochetlife on Instagram: top, bottom
To make similar blanket you can use free crochet pattern called Solid Shell Stitch Blanket by Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design), available on oombawkadesigncrochet.com.
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Spring Garden Blanket by Little Doolally
Another beautiful creation from Little Doolally seems to me a perfect scrap blanket, because you can easily change the colors every row and end up with fun colorway. In the pictures you can see the work in progress, however when you click the link below it, there is a finished version with a lovely border.
- photos by @littledoolally on Instagram: top, bottom
You can purchase this pattern on ravelry.com.
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Crochet Shell Stitch Blankets Worked in the Round
Beautiful Shells Blanket Version by Frank and Rosie
*free crochet pattern*
If it’s not obvious already, you can work shell stitches in a thousand different ways, including in the round! The number one hit among crochet lovers is Beautiful Shells Blanket, which has over 1k realisations on Ravelry! Katie played with it even more, and, as you can see below, she created colorful squares out of this versatile pattern. Isn’t it cool?
- photos by @frank.and.rosie on Instagram: top, bottom
This project is based on Lahoma Jayne Nally’s free crochet pattern called Beautiful Shells Blanket, which you can download from ravelry.com.
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Beautiful Shells Blanket Version by Gosling and Plumb
*free crochet pattern*
This fantastic pattern gives you a choice – you can make little squares out of it, or continue working in the round as long as you like! Laura chose pastel rainbow colors and enclosed them in white squares, which together create light and delicate blanket. In the bottom photo you can admire the final result of her efforts!
- photos by @goslingandplumb on Instagram: top, bottom
This project is based on Lahoma Jayne Nally’s free crochet pattern called Beautiful Shells Blanket, which you can download from ravelry.com.
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Beautiful Shells Blanket Version by Sali Stitches
*free crochet pattern*
If you are a fan of meditative projects, this one will be right up your alley, because once you learn how to do it, it will be automatic for you. It’s also a great pattern for those of you, who don’t really know what size of blanket you’d like to make – just keep on going until you’re satisfied! Sali chose lovely subdued colors for her blanket, so take a peek below and let me know what you think in the comments.
- photos by @salistitches on Instagram: top, bottom
This project is based on Lahoma Jayne Nally’s free crochet pattern called Beautiful Shells Blanket, which you can download from ravelry.com.
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That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with much more inspiring projects and free patterns. Like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. Stay tuned!
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