How to Crochet a Crazy Shell Stitch

Follow this step by step tutorial to learn how to make a crazy shell stitch. You first begin in a chain with multiples of three, but you'll read that in the tutorial. Don't be fooled by its name, this crochet stitch isn't too crazy, but it's a bit different from the regular shell stitch. You will definitely want to learn this beautiful stitch.

1. Begin with a chain, in multiples of three, plus one extra. For example, 15 plus 1, or 18 plus 1, or 21 plus 1. Make 3 double crochet in the 4th stitch from the hook.

Skip the next 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch.

*Chain 3

Make 3 double crochet in the same stitch, skip the next 3 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch.

Repeat from * across the row. End with a single crochet.

2nd ROW:
Chain 3 and turn. Make 3 double crochet in the single crochet of the previous row. (The same stitch as the chain 3 just made.)

Single crochet in the next chain 3 space. (You will find it on the opposite side of the next double crochet cluster of the previous row.)

*Chain 3, make 3 double crochet in the same chain 3 space. Single crochet in the next chain 3 space.

Repeat from * across the row.
3. Repeat the 2nd Row until your achieve the required size of your project.

Read about Harrington's bio and her experience with crochet.

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How to Crochet a Crazy Shell Stitch

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jmpac1 9864434

Apr 18, 2015

Thank you very much for that crazy shell stitch. I needed a nice edging for an afghan I crocheted and this is perfect. Your instructions were very easy to follow.

cdmt 0348806

Feb 28, 2015

I found a fabulous afghan made with 70s colors, and this is the stitch that was used. Thanks!

ImHis

Nov 05, 2013

I have a question. I like this stitch and would like to know how to make a last row (say on an afghan) that would be straight just like the beginning chain row. In other words not to have one edge straight the beginning and then have the other end have these sticky outty clusters. hope I am being clear in my question.

Molly51

Aug 08, 2013

This is the stitch my Grandmother made all of the lapghans that she handed down in. I've used it for years as "Grandma's Stitch"--I think it's funny that it's called the Crazy Shell Stitch...but it crochets up fast and makes a warm blanket.

PWAGNER4756 563017 7

Nov 05, 2012

I WOULD LIKE THE PATTEREN FOR THE SHELL STICH PRAYER SHAW. I LOVE DOING THE SHELL STITCH. THANK YOU

BethCrochets

Jul 10, 2012

I love this! I have been crocheting now for 2 years now, and this was the 2nd stitch I learned how to do!!!! <3

Crafter 4488703

Oct 06, 2011

This was the very first stitch I learned how to do when I was 11yrs old, my bestfriend's mom taught us when I was living in Hawaii and that was over 35yrs ago...I miss those days, it was our summer project!

neferelsy 8324953

Oct 04, 2011

I LOVE THIS PATTERN !! I AM GOING TO MAKE AN AFGHAN WITH THIS STITCH. THANK YOU.

annick1960

Oct 03, 2011

I have been looking for a long time for the instructions on how to make that stitch . Thanks so much!

oldeebaaat2 447819 4

Oct 02, 2011

THIS IS GREAT. AM GONNA TRY TO LEARN THIS SO I CAN USE IT IN MAKING AFGHANS. USE THE REGULAR STITCH(AKA BRICK STITCH) IN MAKING THEM. AM GLAD I FOUND THIS AND HAD IT SENT TO ME OLDEEBAAAT2@AOL.COM (KATHY)

pepperchilli 69288 09

Oct 02, 2011

so nicw, i made a hat, baby blanket,and i am now working on a prayer shawal , the pattern is ao beautiful and easy to do . thanks so much patsi drobnich

miss22fornow 27676 42

Aug 19, 2016

I would like to know did you start from top or bottom. I have a old hat made of that stich but can't get it to gather.

corlissjacintho 34 30146

Aug 07, 2011

love this stitch , quick , easy , produces a nice fabric ....

carmiegirl

Jul 04, 2011

I love this stitch. I've made it in solid colors, multi colors and even two different colors together. It always looks great. I love that Ms. Harrington started with how many multiples for the length you need (e.g. three plus one) as I never know how many to start with and have to begin over and over till I get it right. Thank You!

Char55

May 15, 2010

This stitch is also known as a "sleepy" shell stitch. Leisure Arts book "Quick and Cozy Afghans" 1994 features a baby afghan with blue sleepy shells alternating with rows of white double and single crochet....it's absolutely beautiful and easy to make. It is edged with blue "fan" stitch.

janiegirl

May 07, 2010

Very helpful again. Thank you!