Tunisian Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial + Video

Learn how to crochet the Tunisian shell stitch!

By: Alexandra Halsey for AllFreeCrochet.com

Tunisian crochet or afghan crochet is a form of crochet that combines knitting with crochet. This form of crochet most commonly uses a long crochet hook with a stopper on one end to work flat rows in a forward and then a return pass with no turning of the work. Double ended hooks and hooks with cords can also be used for tunisian crochet and these hooks make tunisian crochet in the round possible, but can also be used for flat Tunisian crochet too.

Tunisian crochet can create fabric that closely resembles knitting and the stitches and patterns are just as amazing and fun to learn as regular crochet.

Tunisian crochet can be a very relaxing and meditative craft to practice. Each row is worked from right to left for a forward pass, and then from left to right for the return pass. This makes turning the work unnecessary and the right side of the work always faces up. Loops are picked up in the forward pass and then the loops are worked off of the hook in the return pass to create stitches.

The Tunisian Shell Stitch is a fun and beautiful stitch to learn. The fabric created can be light and airy or thick and dense depending on what size hook and yarn weight that is used. In the sample photos, a chunky weight yarn and a larger size K 6.5mm hook is used to create a fabric that is thick and extra squishy. This fabric would be perfect for a snuggly, warm blanket to cuddle under or even a cozy cowl that could be worn all winter long.

This beautiful stitch would also be perfect to crochet a lacy shawl or table runner. Try out different size hooks and yarn weights to find the desired look, feel and drape that you are aiming for. For example, if a light and lacey project is desired, use a larger hook and a lighter weight yarn.

Resources

Tunisian Crochet Guide: 5 Things You Need To Know
How To Tunisian Crochet Video Tutorial
How To Tunisian Knit Stitch Video Tutorial
How To Tunisian Shell Stitch Video Tutorial
How To Bind Off With Tunisian Crochet Photo Tutorial
How To Bind Off With Tunisian Crochet Video Tutorial

Let's Get Started!

Materials

- Mary Maxim Aran Tweed Chunky Yarn
- Size K (6.5 mm) Cruella Deville Furls Crochet 12” Tunisian Hook

Tunisian Crochet Shell Stitch Tutorial

Chain a multiple of 5 + 2

Step 1. Chain 17.

Row 1: Forward Pass:

Step 2. Pick up a loop in each chain across, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook. =17 loops

Row 1: Return Pass:

Step 3. Yarn over and pull through the 1st loop on the hook.

Step 4. Chain 2.

Step 5. Yarn over and pull through 6 loops on the hook.

Step 6. Chain 4.

Step 7. Yarn over and pull through 6 loops on the hook.

Step 8. Repeat steps 6-7 until 2 loops remain on the hook.

Step 9. Chain 2.

Step 10. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the hook.

Row 2: Forward Pass:

Step 11. Pick up a loop in the next 2 chains.

Step 12. Pick up a loop in the “eye” or middle of the next shell.

Step 13. Pick up a loop in the next 4 chains.

Step 14. Repeat steps 12-13 across until 2 chains and the last stitch remains.

Step 15. Pick up a loop in the next 2 chains and in the last stitch. =17 loops

Row 2: Return Pass:

Step 16. Repeat steps 3-10.

Step 17. Repeat R2 until the desired length.

Step 18. Tunisian slip stitch bind off.

The End!

About the Author

Alexandra Halsey is a stay at home mommy who loves sharing her crochet designs and teaching others how to crochet, cook, and be creative through her blogs and video tutorials.

Visit her YouTube channel and her blog, With Alex, to learn more. Visit her designer profile on AllFreeCrochet to see everything she has shared with us, too!

Links:
With Alex Website
With Alex Blog
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