There’s more than one way to crochet a shell stitch. In fact, there’s a myriad of different types of crochet shell stitches that are just waiting to be discovered and used in your next crochet project. Come along for a ride with us as we explore all the varieties! 

What comes to mind when you think of crochet shell stitches? Maybe you have already done a crochet project that called for shell stitches so you are thinking of that. But did you know that there are actually many different types of crochet shell stitches? This family of stitches share a key trait: there are multiple stitches being worked into a single stitch to create the signature shell shape. 

There are many more differences then there are similarities when it comes to the different types of crochet shell stitches. Some shell stitches form a solid fabric and many more have varying degrees of laciness. Some shell stitches create a smooth fabric while others embrace textured additions like post stitches or crossed stitches. Some shells are small and other shells are very large and there are many different sizes in between.

When you add multiple colors into the mix, you can really change up the look of the different types of crochet shell stitches. Some stitches are hardly recognizable when you crochet them using 2 or 3 different colors of yarn rather than just 1. There’s just so much to explore when it comes to this exciting family of crochet stitches! 

Learning new crochet stitches is a great way to inspire your future crochet projects. Check out these 25 types of crochet shell stitches and maybe they will spark an idea for your next big thing! Scroll down to see all of these lovely stitches for yourself. 

Shell Stitch

This probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of shell stitches, but you certainly can’t deny the presence of shells. This stitch pattern calls for single and treble crochet stitches. It is particularly striking when it is crocheted using at least 3 different colors or a different color for each row. 

Designer: MYPicot
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Column Shell Stitch

Maybe it’s just the green color, but the Column Shell Stitch reminds me of trailing vines. In this stitch pattern, the shells are offset by stand alone treble crochet stitches. The shells themselves are made up of multiple treble crochet stitches worked into a single space. Interestly enough, the entire thing can be crocheted using just that one stitch.

Designer: Marifu6a Marinella
Yarn: Katia Saigon (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Fantail Shell Stitch

There’s a certain vintage flair to the Fantail Shell Stitch that I am completely obsessed with. As you can see, it looks amazing in both monochrome and multi color palettes. The tutorial calls for single and double crochet stitches along with v-stitches. 

Designer: Stringtierey for Desamour Designs
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Little Shells Stitch

Embrace the lace with the Little Shells Stitch. Beginners will love that you can recreate this stitch pattern using just single and double crochet stitches. The generous amount of holes in the work are certain to be appreciated in projects like swimsuit cover ups. 

Designer: Crochetpedia
Yarn: YarnArt Jeans (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Open Shell Stitch

Chain stitches add separation between the double crochet stitches in the Open Shell Stitch. There are also single crochet stitches involved. This technique lets in a little bit of light without being too holey. It would make a great lightweight throw for all seasons. 

Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
Yarn: King Cole Big Value DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Marshmallow Shell Stitch

The network of shells in this stitch pattern are framed by a raised lattice of post stitches. This technique adds texture, squish, and character to the traditional shell stitch pattern. You’ll be using both regular and front post double crochet stitches. 

Designer: Meladora’s Creations
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Textured Shells

At first glance, this stitch pattern might not look very shell-like but it does have that characteristic of multiple stitches worked into a single stitch. The pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches along with back post double crochet stitches. It produces a mostly solid fabric with just a touch of lace. 

Designer: The Magic of Crafting
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Quadruple Shells

Extra tall stitches called quadruple stitches form the bulk of this lovely lace stitch pattern. The tutorial also calls for single and double crochet stitches. Changing colors for each row is a great way to highlight each individual shell motif. People often like to use 3 colors because it makes it easier to switch between them without having to fasten off each time. 

Designer: Meladora’s Creations
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Floating Shells

Similar to the crocodile stitch, in the Floating Shells stitch the individual shells overlap each other like scales. This creates a multilayer fabric that is very dense and warm. You can try this stitch pattern out for yourself using single, half double, and double crochet stitches. Some stitches are worked into the front loops only. 

Designer: Trifles n Treasures
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Easy Shells

As the name implies, this stitch pattern is decidedly easy. Using just double crochet and chain stitches you can recreate the lovely lace of these Easy Shells. The stitch pattern produces a fabric that is similar to mesh, but much prettier. It would make a lovely lightweight scarf accessory that could be worn all year round. 

Designer: Lacy Crochet Blog
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Clamshell Stitch

Basic crochet stitches of varying heights (single, half double, double and treble) make each row of Clamshell Stitches undulate up and down like a roller coaster. Subsequent rows use spike stitches to form the points on the bottom of the clamshells. It might sound tricky, but the tutorial includes an impressive amount of tutorial photos to walk you through it. 

Designer: Cherry Heart
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Offset Shell Stitch

The higgledy piggledy nature of the Offset Shell Stitch has the individual shells slanting in all different directions rather than standing like soldiers in a line. This striking stitch pattern can be crocheted using just double crochet stitches. Best of all, the pattern is an easy peasy one row repeat. 

Designer: GoodKnits
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Fitted Shells and Clusters

Right side up shells interlock with upside down shells in this exciting two color stitch pattern. You’ll be using single and double crochet stitches along with cluster stitches for this tutorial. It produces a dense fabric with nearly no holes so it would be a great choice for a cozy sweater or throw. 

Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Tunisian Shells

Did you know that you can also recreate the look of crochet shell stitches using the tunisian crochet technique? The forward passes are very similar to tunisian simple stitch. The magic happens on the return pass when you pull through 6 loops at a time to create the signature shells. 

Designer: Stitches n Scraps
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Pineapples and Shells Stitch

Your next project is sure to make waves if you use the stunning Pineapple and Shells Stitch. The tutorial calls for double crochet stitches and treble crochet cluster stitches. The highly decorative nature of this stitch pattern makes it perfect for table runners and wall hangings. 

Designer: Marifu6a Marinella
Yarn: Katia Saigon (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Interlocking Shell Stitch

Here’s an exciting discovery: the different types of crochet shell stitches can even sometimes look like ripple or chevron stitches. You can crochet this stunning 2 color stitch pattern using single and double crochet stitches along with double crochet cluster stitches. Best of all, this stitch pattern produces flat edges, which makes it much easier to add a border. 

Designer: The Unraveled Mitten
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Delicate Shells Stitch

The Delicate Shells Stitch combines a bit of crochet meshwork with columns of elongated shells. You can crochet this stitch pattern using single and double crochet stitches. This lovely lace stitch would really shine in many types of projects – everything from swimsuit cover ups to window dressings.  

Designer: Meladora’s Creations
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Simplest Shell Stitch

Many types of crochet shell stitches form curved organic lines within the work. The Simplest Shell Stitch is decidedly more geometric in nature. Strong and straight horizontal and diagonal lines are created using single and double crochet stitches. Look closer and you can see the dainty lace triangles that dot the surface of the work. 

Designer: Oombawka Design
Yarn: Red Heart With Love (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Stormy Seas Stitch with 3 Colors

The Stormy Seas stitch pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches. Crossed double crochet stitches create the little “tails” on the bottom of each shell motif. This stitch pattern looks completely different (but equally as striking) in 2 colors instead of 3. You’ll have to see it for yourself! 

Designer: Oombawka Design
Yarn: Red Heart With Love (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Shells with Front & Back Post Stitches

The name of this stitch pattern isn’t particularly inventive but I suppose there’s only so many ways people can think of to designate the different types of crochet shell stitches. What the name lacks in creativity, the stitch pattern makes up for. The textured columns of post stitches that frame the shell stitches are decidedly unique. 

Designer: Katherine Eng
Yarn: Red Heart Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Large Shell Stitch

Go big or go home with the Large Shell Stitch. Each band of colorful shells that you see is made up of two rows. This increases the size of each individual shell motif and makes for a more dramatic impact overall too. The tutorial calls for single and double crochet stitches. 

Designer: Naztazia
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Open Shell Stitch

There’s lots of lace in this Open Shell Stitch. You’ll be using single and double crochet stitches for this tutorial. It’s a pretty and decorative stitch that’s much easier to crochet than it looks. It would be great for crochet curtains or for an ultra lightweight throw. 

Designer: Crochet with Aabhar
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Modified Shell Stitch

I’ve never seen any types of crochet shell stitches quite like this one before. The Modified Shell Stitch pattern calls for single, double, and treble crochet stitches. It produces a very interesting surface with evenly spaced ovals of lace. The fact that the edges are naturally straight makes adding a border a breeze. 

Designer: The Hook Nook Life
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Tunisian Crochet Lacy Shells Stitch

Here’s another shell stitch pattern for our tunisian crochet fans! The stitch pattern uses the tunisian simple stitch on the forward pass and a modified return pass involving pulling through multiple loops at a time and adding chain stitches. It would make a lovely lace blouse or skirt to go over a tank top or slip. 

Designer: TLYC Blog
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Diagonal Shells

There’s something a little bit magical about crocheting in horizontal rows yet creating diagonal lines in the surface of the work. Despite the seeming complexity of the Diagonal Shells stitch, the tutorial only calls for single and double crochet stitches. Why not give it a go? 

Designer: Designs by Phanessa
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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I learned so much when I was putting together this list of the different types of crochet shell stitches and I hope you did too! Did you have a favorite stitch pattern from this list? Tell me about it in the comments below! 

I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live. 

Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again. 

Happy Crocheting! 
Amanda