Super easy to make crochet shell stitch

he Shell Stitch or sometimes the Fan Stitch — a lovely textured design made with groups of double crochets forming a scalloped pattern. Here’s how you can make it step-by-step:

---

🧵 Crochet Shell Stitch – Detailed Tutorial

🌸 What You’ll Need:

• Medium-weight yarn (4-ply or DK)
• Crochet hook: 3.5 mm – 4 mm
• Scissors
• Yarn needle for weaving ends

---

🪡 Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain

• Start with a multiple of 6 + 2 chains.
  Example:
  Chain 32 + 2 = 34 chains for practice.
• The “+2” gives the proper edge and turning space.

---

🌷 Step 2: Row 1 – Setting the Base

1. Insert hook in the 2nd chain from the hook.
   → Make 1 single crochet (sc).
2. Skip the next 2 chains,
   → In the next chain, make 5 double crochets (dc) all in the same stitch.
   (This creates the first shell.)
3. Skip the next 2 chains,
   → Make 1 sc in the next chain (this anchors the shell).
4. Repeat from * to * across the row:
   • Skip 2 ch → 5 dc in next → skip 2 ch → 1 sc in next.
5. When you reach the end, end the row with 1 sc in the very last chain.
6. Turn your work.

✅ You should see pretty fan shapes forming across your base row.

---

🌼 Step 3: Row 2 – Forming the Offset Shells

1. Chain 3 (this counts as the first dc).
2. Make 2 dc in the same stitch (this forms a half shell on the edge).
3. Skip the next 2 dc,
   → In the middle dc of the shell, make 1 sc.
4. Skip the next 2 dc,
   → In the next sc (space between shells), make 5 dc (this forms the next shell).
5. Repeat from * to * across the row.
6. When you reach the last stitch, make 3 dc in the last sc (half shell again).
7. Turn your work.

Now you’ll notice the shells are staggered—each row’s shells sit in the spaces of the previous row.

---

🌿 Step 4: Row 3 – Repeat the Pattern

1. Chain 1, make 1 sc in the first stitch.
2. Skip 2 dc,
   → Make 5 dc in the next sc (between shells).
3. Skip 2 dc,
   → Make 1 sc in the next dc (middle of shell).
4. Repeat from * to * to the end.
5. End with 1 sc in the top of the turning chain.
6. Turn your work.

Continue repeating Row 2 and Row 3 until your project reaches the size you want.

---

🌸 Optional Border

To make it look neat:

1. Work a row of single crochet all around the edges.
2. You can add a scalloped border by making 5 dc in one stitch, skip 1, then sc in next, and repeat.

---

💡 Tips

• Keep tension even — shells look best when all stitches are consistent.
• If the fabric curls, try using a slightly larger hook.
• For a lacy look, use cotton yarn; for a soft texture, try acrylic or bamboo yarn.

---