Crochet Shell Square Tutorial

Creating a crochet shell square is a delightful way to explore texture and pattern while building a foundation for larger projects like blankets, scarves, or even clothing. This square is made by combining various shell stitches, which are groups of stitches worked into the same space, creating a distinctive scalloped or shell-like appearance.

Before diving into this tutorial, it's essential to be comfortable with some basic crochet stitches such as the chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), and double crochet (dc). Once you have a good grasp of these fundamental techniques, you'll find the crochet shell square pattern quite accessible.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a crochet shell square. Whether you're a beginner eager to expand your skills or an experienced crocheter looking for a new project, this square offers versatility and endless possibilities for creativity. As you work on this square, you'll gain confidence in mastering shell stitches, which you can then use to design a wide range of beautiful crochet items.

So, pick up your crochet hook, choose your preferred yarn, and let's start crafting a stunning crochet shell square that can be the foundation for your future projects. Get ready to explore the world of crochet and bring your creative ideas to life!

Foundation Chain: Multiples of 41 + 3

Techniques used in this stitch (British term / American term):

Chain stitch – ch

Double crochet / Single crochet – dc / sc

Treble / Double crochet – tr / dc

Double treble / Treble – d.tr / tr

3 Double treble cluster / 3 Treble cluster – cluster; work in next way: work 3 incomplete double treble/treble in the same stitch, then yarn over hook and draw through all loops.

3, 5 and 6 dc/sc decrease

Row 1: : 2 ch miss, 5 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 9 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, * 5 dc/sc decrease, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 9 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 4 dc/sc in next chs, 3 dc/sc in the same ch, 4 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 9 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss; rep from*, 5 dc/sc decrease, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 9 dc/sc in next chs, 5 ch, 2 ch miss, 4 dc/sc in next chs, 2 dc/sc in the last ch, turn.

Row 2: 5 ch, 1 d.tr / tr in first dc/sc below, 3 ch, 2 clusters with 3 ch between in the same dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in fifth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, * 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in fifth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 5 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in fifth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch; rep from*, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in fifth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 2 clusters with 3 ch between in ch below, 1 cluster of 2 d.tr / tr in the same ch below, turn.

Row 3: 2 ch, 1 dc/sc in top of first cluster below, 3 dc/sc in space of 3 ch, 3 dc/sc in top of next cluster, 3 dc/sc in space of 3 ch, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in dc/sc below, 2 dc/sc in space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters and 3 dc/sc in top of middle cluster, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, * 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters and 3 dc/sc in top of middle cluster, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in dc/sc below, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters and 3 dc/sc in top of second, third and fourth clusters, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in dc/sc below, 2 dc/sc in space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters and 3 dc/sc in top of middle cluster, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3

ch; rep from*, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters and 3 dc/sc in top of middle cluster, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in dc/sc below, 2 dc/sc in next space of 3 ch, work 3 dc/sc in each space between clusters, 3 dc/sc in top of second clusters and 2 dc/sc in top of last cluster, turn.

Row 4: for this row all dc/sc and dc/sc decreasing work in back loop of stitches below. 2ch, 1 dc/sc in first dc/sc below, 24 dc/sc in next sts, * 3 dc/sc decrease.

For 3 dc/sc decreasing insert hook into each of 4 dc/sc below and draw through a loop, then crochet all loops on hook (see pictures below).

24 dc/sc in next sts, 3 dc/sc in the same st, 24 dc/sc in next sts; rep from *, 3 dc/sc decrease, 24 dc/sc in next sts, 2 dc/sc in the same ch, turn.

Row 5: for this row all dc/sc and dc/sc decreasing work in back loop of stitches below.

2 ch, miss first dc/sc below, 5 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, 11 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, *

6 dc/sc decrease.

For 6 dc/sc decreasing insert hook into each of 7 dc/sc below and draw through a loop, then crochet all loops on hook (see pictures below).

5 ch, 3 ch miss, 11 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, 11 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, 11 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss; rep from*, 6 dc/sc decrease, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, 11 dc/sc in next sts, 5 ch, 3 ch miss, 5 dc/sc in next sts, 1 dc/sc in ch, turn.

Row 6: 5 ch, 1 d.tr / tr in first dc/sc below, 3 ch, 2 clusters with 3 ch between in the same dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, * 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 5 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch; rep from*, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 3 clusters with 3 ch between in sixth dc/sc below, 3 ch, 1 dc/sc in space of 5 ch, 3 ch, 2 clusters with 3 ch between in ch below, 1 cluster of 2 d.tr / tr in the same ch below, turn.

Repeat rows 3 - 6 until you have reached your desired length.