Whether you’re looking to texture a cozy blanket or build the perfect sturdy base for a trendy crochet handbag, the 3-Double Crochet Shell stitch is a timeless technique you need in your repertoire.
Also known as the Granny Stripe, this stitch works up incredibly fast and creates a beautiful, rhythmic texture. It relies entirely on working clusters of double crochets into the same space, making it a relaxing, beginner-friendly pattern once you get the foundation established!
Materials Needed:
- Yarn of your choice (Medium worsted weight or a sturdy cotton works beautifully for bags)
- Crochet hook matching your yarn size
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- Ch: Chain
- Dc: Double Crochet
- Sk: Skip
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Sp: Space
Pattern Notes:
- Starting Chain Multiple: Chain a multiple of 3 + 1. (For example, 30 + 1 = 31 chains).
- The turning chain 3 at the beginning of a row counts as your first Double Crochet.
The Pattern
Foundation Chain: Chain your desired length using the multiple of 3 + 1.
Row 1: Work 2 Dc into the 4th Ch from your hook. (The skipped 3 chains count as your first Dc, completing your first 3-Dc cluster). Sk 2 Ch, work 3 Dc into the next Ch. Repeat from * to * all the way to the end of the row. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as your first Dc). Skip the first 3-Dc cluster from the previous row. Work 3 Dc directly into the space between the clusters of the previous row. Repeat from * to * across the row. To finish the row, work 1 Dc into the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first Dc). Work 2 Dc into that very first space (right between the edge Dc and the first cluster of the previous row). Work 3 Dc into the next space between clusters. Repeat from * to * across the row. To finish the row, work 3 Dc into the final space between the last cluster and the turning chain. Turn.
To continue your project: Simply repeat Row 2 and Row 3 until your piece reaches your desired height!
Pro-Tip for Color Changes
If you want to create striking stripes, change your yarn color at the end of Row 2 or Row 3 during the final pull-through of the last Double Crochet. This stitch looks stunning when you alternate colors every two rows!
Happy stitching! Let me know in the comments what you plan on making with this stitch!
