How to Crochet the 3 Double Crochet Shell
Shell stitches are a great way to add a decorative element to a crochet project! They are easy to make, and can help break up large sections of solid stitches or make a fabric airy and light. Keep scrolling to find out more about the stitch and see step-by-step instructions for how to complete the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell stitch.
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3 Double Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial
A Shell stitch is created by completing an specific number of stitches all in one location. They’re sometimes completed into a single stitch in the previous row. Other times, they’re completed in a chain space. The finished product looks like a seashell, which is where the stitch gets its name.
It’s important to know how many stitches it takes to complete the Shell for a particular pattern. The two most common are 3-dc and 5-dc Shells, but the number of stitches in a Shell stitch are usually defined within the pattern instructions.
Shells are usually made up of an odd number of stitches, and the Shells within the current row are worked into the center stitch of the Shells in the previous row.
Using this Tutorial
This tutorial has two sections with instructions.
If you’re using this tutorial to know how to complete the stitch by itself, the section titled “How to Complete the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell Stitch” will be the most helpful.
If you’d like to make a project that uses rows of 3-dc Shells, the section titled “How to Create a Swatch Using the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell Stitch” will help you get started.
Materials Info
You can use any yarn and the appropriate size hook to complete this stitch. For this tutorial, I’m using the following supplies:
- Yarn: Caron Jumbo Ombre in the White Water colorway
- Hook: Clover Amour US Size J/10 (6.00 mm) crochet hook
You can also use stitch markers to help with identifying the turning ch.
Stitch Notes
Stitch Multiple
Multiple of 3 + 2 (+ 2 for foundation ch)
Notes about the stitch:
- This stitch is worked over three stitches, so if you’re using this stitch in a design you’ll need to plan to work it into a space that is made up of a multiple of 3 stitches.
- When working rows entirely made up of 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shells, you’ll need to plan one dc at the beginning of the row and one dc at the end of the row. This will allow you to have even edges for shaping, borders, or seaming.
- In this tutorial, the ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 dc. An alternate option is to use a stacked single crochet (stsc) at the beginning of the row, if desired.
- Usually the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell stitch is simply referred to as a Shell stitch within the pattern instructions. The number of dc stitches that create the Shell will be listed in the Pattern Notes section, or the Special Stitches section.
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Stitch Abbreviations
US Crochet Terminology
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
sk – skip
How to Crochet the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell Stitch
The steps to complete one 3-dc Shell stitch are shown below. The written steps are listed first, followed by a photo.
Step 1: sk 1 st
Step 2: dc in next st
Step 3: work a second dc in the same stitch
Step 4: work a third dc in the same stitch
Step 5: sk next st
You have now worked a 3-dc Shell over three stitches! To work another 3-dc shell over the next three stitches, repeat Steps 1 – 5.
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How to Create a Swatch using the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell Stitch
ch an multiple of 3 + 2 (+ 2 for foundation ch)
Reminder: Each time you see the word “Shell”, you will complete 3-dc in the indicated st.
Row 1: dc in 5th ch from hook,
then work 2 more dc in same ch (you have now skipped one st and completed one 3-dc Shell and a turning ch that counts as 1 dc),
[sk next 2 ch, Shell in next ch] across until only 2 chs remain.
Sk next ch, dc in last ch to complete the row, turn.
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), sk next st, Shell in next st,
[sk next 2 sts, Shell in next st] across until only one st and the turning ch remain, sk next st, dc in top of turning ch, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until you have achieved the desired size for your project.
Patterns that use the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell Stitch
I really enjoy adding Shell stitches to a design because they are an easy way to add a decorative element to a project, and its a special feature that’s beginner friendly. Here are a few designs that use the 3 Double Crochet (3-dc) Shell stitch.
Simply Content Christmas Throw Blanket
Hayrides in Autumn Throw Blanket
Save it for later!
Being able to go back and reference some instructions is always helpful when you’re working on a project. Be sure to Pin this stitch tutorial to save it for later!
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