In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the shell and treble crochet cross stitch. This stitch is a lacy crochet stitch. The fabric turns out light and breathable. It is also a textured crochet stitch that adds interest and depth to the project. 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, such as pillow covers.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. The shell and treble crochet cross stitch is a repeat of two rows. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make double crochet. The tutorial below shows how to make a treble crochet and a treble crochet cross stitch.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use oft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: blue agave. 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 shell and treble crochet cross stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of three plus one. 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. Continue making double crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
4. At the end of the row chain four and turn your work around. Chain four counts as a stitch.
5. Next you will make a treble crochet in the fourth double crochet of the previous row. So, yarn over twice.
6. Insert your hook in the fourth double crochet and yarn over.
7. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
8. Yarn over.
9. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have three loops on your hook.
10. Yarn over.
11. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have two loops on your hook.
12. Yarn over.
13. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a treble crochet.
14. Chain one. Next you will make a treble crochet working two stitches back.
15. So, yarn over twice.
16. Insert your hook grabbing just the top of the second double crochet of the previous row. The treble crochet you have just made should be pushed to the back.
17. This is how it looks on the other side.
18. Then yarn over.
19. Pull the yarn through. Now you have four loops on your hook.
20. Yarn over.
21. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have three loops on your hook.
22. Yarn over.
23. Pull the yarn through the first two loops. Now you have two loops on your hook.
24. Yarn over.
25. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a treble crochet cross stitch!
26. Skip two stitches and make a treble crochet in the next stitch.
27. Chain one.
28. Make a treble crochet working two stitches back.
29. Then repeat. Skip two stitches, make a treble crochet in the next stitch, chain one, and make another treble crochet working two stitches back.
30. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
31. At the end of the row make a treble crochet in the turning chain.
Row 3
32. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
33. Make a double crochet in the next chain one space.
34. Make two more double crochets in the same chain one space.
35. Make three double crochets in the next chain one space.
36. Then repeat. Make three double crochets in the next chain one space.
37. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
38. At the end of the row make a double crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-3.
Finished shell and treble crochet cross stitch
39. Done!
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