That’s a beautiful crochet shell stitch pattern — sometimes called a fan stitch or crocodile shell pattern. It creates a 3D layered texture that’s great for blankets, scarves, or decorative pieces. Here’s how to make it step-by-step 👇
🧶 Materials
- Yarn: Medium-weight acrylic or cotton (the sample looks like soft acrylic).
- Hook: 3.5 mm or 4 mm.
- Scissors + tapestry needle.
🌼 Crochet 3D Shell Stitch (Detailed Tutorial)
🪢 Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Chain a multiple of 6 + 3 (for example, 33 chains). The extra 3 chains count as your turning chain for the first row.
🧵 Step 2: Row 1 – Base Setup
- In the 4th chain from hook, make 1 double crochet (dc).
- Continue across the row, making 1 dc in each chain.
→ This gives you a solid base for the shells to sit on. - Chain 1 and turn.
🪡 Step 3: Row 2 – Start the Shells
Now we’ll make the raised shells.
- Skip the first stitch.
- In the next stitch, make 7 double crochets (dc) all in the same stitch → this forms your first shell.
- Skip 3 stitches, and in the next stitch make 1 single crochet (sc) (this secures the shell).
- Skip 3 stitches again, and make 7 dc in the next stitch (second shell).
- Continue repeating the pattern:
*Skip 3 stitches, 1 sc in next stitch, skip 3, 7 dc in next stitch* - End the row with a single crochet in the last stitch.
- Chain 3 and turn.
🧶 Step 4: Row 3 – Shell Base Row
This row provides the base for the next layer of shells.
- Make 1 dc in the same stitch (this forms half of a shell).
- Skip the next 3 dc (from the previous shell).
- Make 1 sc in the 4th dc of the shell below (the center).
- Skip the next 3 dc, then make 7 dc in the sc from the previous row. You are alternating the shells so they sit between those below.
- Continue:
*1 sc in center dc of shell below, 7 dc in next sc* - End with 2 dc in the last stitch (half shell).
- Chain 1 and turn.
🔁 Step 5: Repeat Pattern
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 alternately until your piece reaches the desired size.
🌸 Optional: Add Texture
To make it look extra fluffy and layered (like your image):
- When making the 7 dc shells, insert your hook only in the front loop of the base stitch.
This pushes the shells slightly outward. - Or, use a front post double crochet (FPdc) instead of normal dc for the middle stitches of each shell.
✂️ Finishing
- Fasten off your yarn.
- Weave in ends with a tapestry needle.
- Lightly steam block or hand shape to even out the shells.
🧩 Pattern Summary
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | ch | Yarn over, pull through loop |
| Double Crochet | dc | Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops twice |
| Single Crochet | sc | Insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops |