Learn the Solid Shell Stitch

With Photos and Instructions

Image at left shows the beginning of the first row in crocheting the solid shell stitch. It is basically a single crochet, skip next two stitches, then 5 double crochet in the next stitch (one shell made), skip next two stitches. This is repeated across the row. Easy. Instructions below show how to alternate where the single crochet and shell stitches are placed on the next row, to form the solid shell stitch patterning (see photo below the directions, also).

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Abbreviations:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
st = stitch

Basic Directions For Solid Shell Stitch
Starting Chain Formula: Multiple of 6 stitches plus 1, then add 1 more for base starting chain
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, * skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch **, repeat * to ** to end of row. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st as ch-3 just made, * skip 2 dc, 1 sc in next dc (which is the center st of the 5-dc shell), skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc **, repeat * to ** to end of row, ending the last repeat with 3 dc in last sc, skip turning chain. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st, * skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, 1 sc in next dc **, repeat from * to ** to end of row, ending last repeat with 1 sc in top of the ch-3 turning chain.
Repeat rows: Repeat rows 2 and 3 consecutively, until desired length is reached.

Image above shows first row in beige yarn and second row in rose color yarn. Referring to this photo will help in seeing where stitches are worked for the second row.

Images copyright 2001 by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com. Inc.
Do not redistribute.

URL of this page is http://crochet.about.com/library/blsolidshell.htm

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