In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make an interlocking shell stitch. This stitch is a solid crochet stitch. It looks great in two or multiple colors. Interlocking shell stitch creates dense, durable fabric and works well for washcloths, decorative pillow covers, coasters, cardigans, scarves and other projects that need warmth, structure, and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The interlocking shell stitch is a repeat of two rows. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet and double crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a double crochet five together stitch.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, colors: sand and eucalyptus. 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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Photo instructions for the interlocking shell stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of six plus four. You will start working in the fourth chain from your hook.
2. So, make a double crochet in the fourth chain from your hook.
3. Make another double crochet in the same stitch.
4. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
5. Skip two stitches and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
6. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
7. Then repeat. Skip two stitches and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
8. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
9. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row until you have three stitches left.
10. Then skip two stitches and make three double crochets in the last stitch.
11. Next you have to change yarn color. So, chain one with eucalyptus yarn.
12. Then pull the end of sand yarn to tighten and secure eucalyptus yarn. Eucalyptus yarn is ready to use.
Row 2
13. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
14. Make a single crochet in the first stitch.
15. Chain two. Next you will make a double crochet five together working in the next five stitches.
16. So, yarn over.
17. Insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
18. Pull the yarn through. Now you have three loops on your hook.
19. Yarn over.
20. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have two loops on your hook. The first leg of the double crochet five together is ready.
21. Yarn over.
22. Insert your hook in the next stitch and yarn over.
23. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
24. Yarn over.
25. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have three loops on your hook. The second leg is ready.
26. Make the third leg in the next stitch working in the same way. Now you have four loops on your hook.
27. Make the fourth leg in the next stitch. Now you have five loops on your hook.
28. Make the fifth leg in the next stitch. Now you have six loops on your hook.
29. Yarn over.
30. Pull the yarn through all loops. You have just made a double crochet five together!
31. Chain two.
32. Make a single crochet in the next stitch.
33. Then repeat. Chain two.
34. Make a double crochet five together working in the next five stitches.
35. Chain two.
36. Make a single crochet in the next stitch.
37. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
38. At the end of the row make the last single crochet in the turning chain.
Row 3
39. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
40. Make two double crochets in the first stitch.
41. Then skip two chains and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
42. Skip two chains and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
43. Skip two chains and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
44. Then repeat. Skip two chains and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
45. Skip two chains and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
46. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
47. At the end of the row skip the last two chains and make three double crochets in the last stitch. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-3 changing yarn color every two rows.
Finished interlocking shell stitch
48. Done!
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