In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the shell and bow stitch. This stitch is a solid crochet stitch. It creates dense, durable fabric and works great for potholders, washcloths, decorative pillow covers, blankets, scarves and cowls, and other projects that need warmth, structure, and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes photo instructions and a video tutorial (see below). The shell and bow stitch is a repeat of two rows. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a double crochet three together stitch.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Hjertagarn DIAMOND mercerized cotton 100% 8/4 50g, color: 1361 (grey). However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
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Video tutorial
The video tutorial below shows how to make the shell and bow stitch.
Photo instructions for the shell and bow stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of eight plus two.
2. Make a single crochet in the second chain from your hook.
3. Skip three stitches and make a double crochet.
4. Then make six more double crochets in the same stitch.
5. Skip three stitches and make a single crochet.
6. Then repeat. Skip three stitches and make seven double crochets in the next stitch.
7. Skip three stitches and make a single crochet.
8. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
9. The row should end with a single crochet.
Row 2
10. Chain three and turn your work around. Next you will make a double crochet three together working in the next three stitches.
11. So, yarn over.
12. Insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
13. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
14. Yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. The first leg is ready.
16. Yarn over, insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
17. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
18. Yarn over.
19. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have three loops on your hook. The second leg is ready.
20. Yarn over, insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
21. Pull the yarn through. Now you have five loops on your hook.
22. Yarn over.
23. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Now you have four loops on your hook. The third leg is ready.
24. Yarn over.
25. Pull the yarn through all loops on your hook. You have just made a double crochet three together!
26. Chain two.
27. Then make a single crochet in the next stitch.
28. Chain two. Next you will make a double crochet three together working in the next three stitches.
29. So, make the first leg in the next stitch. You have two loops on your hook.
30. Make the second leg in the next stitch. You have three loops on your hook.
31. Make the third leg in the next stitch. You have four loops on your hook.
32. Yarn over and pull the yarn through all loops on your hook.
33. Chain one.
34. Then repeat. Skip one stitch and make a double crochet three together working in the next three stitches.
35. Chain two.
36. Make a single crochet in the next stitch.
37. Chain two and make a double crochet three together working in the next three stitches.
38. Chain one.
39. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
40. At the end of the row, when you make the last double crochet three together, make a treble crochet in the last stitch.
Row 3
41. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
42. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
43. Then make seven double crochets in the next single crochet of the previous row.
44. Make a single crochet in the chain one space.
45. Then repeat: make seven double crochets in the single crochet and a single crochet in the chain one space.
46. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
47. At the end of the row make a single crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2 and 3.
Finished shell and bow stitch
48. Done!
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