Here is how towork this stitch, using standard US crochet terminology (with UK equivalents noted).
Stitch Definition
- Abbreviation: 5-dc shell
- Concept: Working 5 double crochet stitches into the exact same stitch or space to create a fan/shell shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To work a single 5-double crochet shell into a designated stitch:
- Yarn over (wrap the yarn over your hook from back to front).
- Insert your hook into the designated stitch (or space) where the shell is to be made.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (you should have 3 loops on your hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops remaining).
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook. This completes your first double crochet (dc).
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 four more times, working every stitch into the exact same base stitch as the first one.
You will now have 5 double crochet stitches radiating from a single point, forming a shell.
How to Use It in a Row (Practice Swatch)
To get the wavy appearance shown in the blue sample photo, shells are typically anchored by single crochet (sc) stitches. Here is a common way to pattern them:
- Foundation: Crochet a chain in a multiple of 6 + 1 (for example, chain 19).
- Row 1:
- Single crochet (sc) in the 2nd chain from your hook.
- Skip 2 chains, work a 5-dc shell in the next chain, skip 2 chains, sc in the next chain, rep across the row. Turn.
Row 2: Staggered Shells
- Turn your work and chain 3 (this chain-3 counts as your first double crochet).
- Work 2 double crochets into the very first stitch (the single crochet from the end of Row 1). This forms your beginning half-shell.
- Skip 2 stitches, then work 1 single crochet into the next stitch (this should be the 3rd/middle double crochet of the shell from Row 1).
- Skip 2 stitches, then work a 5-double crochet shell into the next single crochet.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 across the row until you reach the last shell of Row 1.
- Work 1 single crochet into the middle stitch of that last shell.
- Skip 2 stitches, then work 3 double crochets into the very last single crochet of the row. Turn.
Row 3: Returning to the Original Alignment
To complete the pattern cycle, Row 3 brings the full shells back to the center alignment.
- Turn your work and chain 1 (does not count as a stitch).
- Work 1 single crochet into the very first stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches, then work a 5-double crochet shell into the next single crochet.
- Skip 2 stitches, then work 1 single crochet into the middle double crochet of the next shell.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 across, ending with a single crochet in the top of the turning chain-3 from Row 2. Turn.
To Grow Your Project
Simply repeat Row 2 and Row 3 until your piece reaches the desired height.