Shell Stitch (abbreviated shell)

Shell stitches are decorative stitches with an open look like scallops or fans . They are also called fan stitches by some designers. They can be created in a number of ways. Sometimes there is a chain space in the middle of them. In general, though, you create them by working several stitches all in the same stitch or space. Below is an explanation of one way to work the shell stitch.

Note: Crochet does not have standardized naming conventions for special stitches. Designers may call stitches by whatever name they prefer. For this reason, it is difficult to search online for how a particular special stitch is created. Another reason it is hard to find the “correct” way to work a particular special stitch is because each designer might work a special stitch in their own unique way. Be sure to follow the directions stated in your pattern for how to work the stitch.

Skip the next stitch, yarn over, insert the hook in the next stitch, *yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook] twice*, yarn over, insert the hook in the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook] twice, chain 2, [yarn over, insert the hook in the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, {yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook} twice] twice.

More simply written: (2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet) in the same stitch.