Crocheting is a great way to relax in the evening or unwind when overwhelmed with stress. Letting your hands work with the yarn and hook takes on a therapeutic quality. Once you have learned the basics of chaining, single crochets and double crochets, you are ready to spread your wings and try some more elaborate stitches.
Just because a stitch looks elaborate, though, don't shy away from trying to learn it. Most stitches are not as difficult as they may appear. The shell stitch is a beautiful stitch and useful for making afghans, baby blankets, shawls, scarves, hats, purses and edgings for other works; and the best part about this stitch is that it is super simple.
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The only stitches you need to know to do the shell stitch are the chain stitch, the single crochet and the double crochet. As with almost everything crocheted, All Free Crochet states that you begin the shell stitch by making a chain. Once you hit the desired length of the chain, place five double crochets in the third stitch from the end.
Craftsy then states that you skip two chains and place a single crochet. Skip two more chains and place five double crochets in the next chain. Skip two more chain and place a single crochet. Keep repeating the process until you complete the length of the chain.
Craftsy also points out that the shell stitch is a great stitch for changing colors while crocheting. Because of its "lacy" appearance, it's great for making decorative edges on hats or boot cuffs like those seen below from The Lavender Chair.
If you want to get a little fancier, the pattern below allows you to outline the shell layer with a solid color like the banner picture. This pattern uses a treble crochet for the shell and a single crochet for the outline row.
If you're ready to set out and try this wonderfully versatile stitch, the step-by-step tutorial by Bella Coco in the video below will walk you through the process. Enjoy relaxing with your yarn therapy!
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