Free Lacy Shell Crochet Stitch Tutorial

Posted on 23/05/2229/05/22 by Veronika Cromwell

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Lacy Shell Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

I am so excited to be bringing you the lacy shell crochet stitch tutorial. This is a super easy but stunning crochet stitch.

It is a beginner friendly crochet stitch that is easy to make and produces a lovely fabric.

This is a variation of the classic shell crochet stitch. The classic version is constructed by working five stitches into one indicated stitch or space.

This pulls the bottom of the stitches together while the top of the stitches fans out into a shell shape.

The classic shell stitch creates a denser fabric with no gaps. It is a lovely stitch you could use for baby blankets.

On the other hand the lacy shell crochet stitch creates lace as well as texture. The prefect combination of both worlds.

The bottom of the shell creates a nice subtle texture where the stitches gather together.

Secondly, the open lacy shell at the top creates a lovely light openwork and the fabric becomes lighter and has more drape.

PIN THIS TUTORIAL FOR LATER

pin graphic for a crochet shell stitch lace

How do you crochet an open lacy shell stitch?

The lacy shell crochet stitch is a simple variation on the classic shell stitch.

As I mentioned above, the classic shell stitch consists of five double crochet stitches worked together into the same stitch or space.

To create the lacy shell variation, you will simply replace two double crochet stitches with a chain-space. It is the second and fourth stitch that gets replaced.

This will open up the shell by removing two solid stitches and replacing them with a chain space. That creates a lacy variation on the classic.

As you can see on the stitch graph below, the classic shell has five double crochet stitches. On the opposite, the lacy shell has three double crochet stitches separated with chains.

Lacy Shell Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

I have filmed a quick video tutorial to show you how to work this great stitch.

Written Instructions

For this stitch to work out you will need to chain multiples of 6 + 2 chain stitches.

ch- chain stitch

sc- single crochet

dc – double crochet

ch-sp – chain space

Chain 14 for a quick swatch.

Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc, * miss following 2 sts, (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) into the next ch, miss 2 sts, 1 sc in next; repeat from * to end, turn.

Row 2: 4 ch (counts as first dc + 1 ch-sp), 1 dc in same st = half lacy shell created; miss following (1 dc, 1 ch-sp), 1 sc into the next dc, * miss following (1 ch-sp, 1 dc), work (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) into the next sc, miss following (1 dc, 1 ch-sp), 1 sc into the next dc, miss following (1 ch-sp, 1 dc), work (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) into last sc, turn.

Row 3: 1 ch (does not count as a st throughout), 1 sc in same st, * miss following (1 ch-sp, 1 dc), work (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc) into the next sc, miss following (1 dc, 1 ch-sp), 1 sc into the next dc; repeat from * to end working the last sc into 3rd ch of beg 4 ch, turn.

Project Ideas

Because this lacy crochet stitch creates a light and airy fabric that has a lot of drape, it is great to use for summer makes.

Pair it up with a light fingering yarn and a bigger hook, the fabric will be lighter than air.

You can use it for a simple summer crochet tops, bikini covers, summer ponchos or light wraps and shawls.

If you fancy a bigger project, items like crochet summer tunics, skirts or dresses would be perfect for a summery day at the beach.

However, paired with a strong cotton yarn, you can use this stitch for a fun beach or market bag too. The fabric will have the ability to stretch a little which means even more room in your beach or market bag.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this crochet tutorial. I have more free crochet tutorials that you might enjoy right here on the blog.

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