In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the linked shells stitch. This stitch is a lacy crochet stitch. The fabric turns out light and breathable. It works great for shawls and wraps, lightweight scarves, lacy crochet summer tops and tanks, and other summer crochet projects. This stitch can also be used in decorative crochet projects for the home.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The linked shells stitch is a two-row repeat. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make double crochet. It is very easy to make and suitable for crochet beginners.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: sand. 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 linked shells stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of seven 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. Skip two stitches and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
4. Skip two stitches and make a double crochet in the next stitch.
5. Make another double crochet in the next stitch.
6. Then repeat: skip two stitches and make five double crochets in the next stitch.
7. Skip two stitches and make two double crochets in the next two stitches.
8. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row. The row should end with two double crochets.
Row 2
9. Chain three and turn your work around.
10. Make a double crochet in between the first and the second double crochet.
11. Then make another double crochet in between the same two double crochets.
12. Make a double crochet in between the second and the third double crochet of the shell.
13. Make a double crochet in between the third and the fourth double crochet of the same shell.
14. Make five double crochets in between the two double crochets.
15. Make a double crochet in between the second and the third double crochet of the shell.
16. Make a double crochet in between the third and the fourth double crochet of the same shell.
17. Then repeat: make five double crochets in between the two double crochets, then make two double crochets in the next shell.
18. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
19. At the end of the row make three double crochets in between the last double crochet and the turning chain.
Row 3
20. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
21. Make a double crochet in between the first and the second double crochet.
22. Make five double crochets in between the two double crochets.
23. Make a double crochet in between the second and the third double crochet of the next shell and another double crochet between the third and the fourth one.
24. Then repeat: make five double crochets in between the two double crochets.
25. Then make two double crochets in the next shell.
26. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
27. At the end of the row make a double crochet in between the last double crochet and the turning chain.
28. Then make a double crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-3.
Finished linked shells stitch
29. Done!
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