In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the braided shell stitch. This stitch is a lacy crochet stitch. The fabric turns out light and breathable. It is also a reversible crochet stitch that looks the same on both sides. The braided shell stitch works great for shawls and wraps, lightweight scarves, lacy crochet summer tops and tanks, market bags and other summer crochet projects. This stitch can also be used in decorative crochet projects for the home.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes photo instructions and a video tutorial (see below). The braided shell stitch is a repeat of one row. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet and double crochet. It is very easy to make and suitable for beginners.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Hjertegarn DIAMOND mercerized cotton 100% 8/4 50 g yarn, color: 706 (sea green). 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
This free crochet tutorial includes detailed photo instructions and written steps. If, in addition to photo instructions, you would like a short written pattern and a chart, join Nordic Hook Club and get access to one of the largest crochet stitch libraries! There you will find hundreds of ad-free downloadable crochet stitch tutorials that include detailed step-by-step photo instructions, concise written patterns and member-exclusive charts. Plus, you can download all Nordic Hook patterns, stitches and e-books for free! Read more about all the membership benefits here and sign up today.
Read more and sign up!If you prefer a printable version without ads, you can purchase my e-book Beautiful Crochet Stitches Volume 3 with 50 detailed tutorials. In addition to the photo instructions, the tutorials include exclusive short written stitch patterns (charts are not included). SAVE 40% by purchasing a BUNDLE with all six volumes of Beautiful Crochet Stitches. That’s 300 crochet stitches in total!
Buy Volume 3 Buy bundle
Video tutorial
The video tutorial below shows how to make the braided shell stitch.
Photo instructions for the braided shell stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining a multiple of six 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. Then make the second double crochet in the same stitch.
4. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
5.Chain three.
6. Skip two stitches and make three double crochets in the next stitch.
7. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
8. Then repeat: chain three, skip two stitches and make three double crochets in the next stitch, skip two stitches and make a single crochet.
9. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
Row 2
10. Chain three and turn your work around. Chain three counts as a stitch.
11. Make two double crochets in the very first stitch.
12. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
13. Chain three.
14. Make three double crochets in the next single crochet of the previous row.
15. Skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
16. Then repeat: chain three, make three double crochets in the next single crochet, skip two stitches and make a single crochet in the next stitch.
17. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row.
18. At the end of the row make the last single crochet in the turning chain. For the rest of the pattern repeat row 2.
Finished braided shell stitch
19. Done!
You might also like
There is much more to explore:
Save this tutorial to your Pinterest crochet board here.
