She Sells Seashells......
Inspired by the sea shore, the shell stitch is lovely for many projects, either as a basic stitch for an entire item, or as a border, such as for an afghan.
The Shell Stitch in Crochet
The shell stitch is a beautiful and easy crochet stitch that you can use for a variety of projects. This stitch creates a lovely textured and scalloped design.
This stitch can be worked in rows, in rounds, or as a border on a larger project.
The shell stitch is created by working a group of 3 to 7 stitches in a single stitch or space. When complete, the grouped stitches flair out making it look like a fan or a shell.
There are many tutorials online, both in written form and on YouTube which will walk you through how to do the shell stitch. Sarah Stearns of SarahMaker has an easy step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to create the Shell Stitch.
Examples of Projects Using the Shell Stitch
Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern
Sasha of SashaPatterns has created a pattern for a lovely easy-to-do baby afghan crocheted entirely in the shell stitch.
Sasha also has a pattern for a baby blanket with a lacy shell stitch border.
Both patterns are available in her Etsy Shop.
Baby Sweater in Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is not just for baby blankets. This darling pattern from the pattern collection at the Etsy Digital Pattern Shop is for a baby sweater, bonnet & booties done in crochet in the shell stitch. It's a 1960s Vintage pattern to do in a pretty shell pattern with picot trim. The pattern lets you create a pretty baby layette.
Shell Stitch Used as Trim
I personally used the shell stitch to create the 'scales' on a crocheted plush toy baby dragon. He's available in my eBay Shop
Here is the baby dragon in a close up view, looking at my 'shell' lamp! :)
Shell Stitch in Knitting
The shell stitch can also be used in knitted projects. You create the stitch by working elongated stitches into the Stockinette stitch – the knitting stitch which is done by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Then the elongated stitches are twisted and working together to create the look of a small seashell.
Instructions for the Shell Stitch in Knitting are found at the website KnittingStitchPatterns.com.
Summary
Calling all knitters and crochet crafters. Choose a pattern and try out this really beautiful stitch known as the Shell Stitch.
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*The Shell Stitch Review is written by Wednesday Elf
