Crochet Geek - Crochet Shell - Basic Stitch

[r0ckchick54]

what kind of edges would look good on this?

[misdemeanorwerunthis]

Thank you!!

[pinkcrochet16]

I have a question. In your pattern, you say the multiple is "6 + 2." How is this determined? And what does the multiple exactly stand for and what's its exact purpose within a pattern? I'm sorry, but I'm horrible at math, and it seems anything with numbers intimidates me. I'm just plain-out confused. Please reply when you have the time. Thank you so much!

[TheMtk107]

@pinkcrochet16 .... It means that you can stitch 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, etc... plus 2... so you will decide how wide you want your project and do say 8, 14, 26, or 38, etc stitches.

[kath448]

where is the link below as said for written instructions?? thanks

[tjw1963]

@kath448 The link is in the video details below the video. The placement for the details has changed

[kath448]

Also one more question, do you keep doing chain 1, turn on every row, or do you chain 3 on every row...thanks

[kath448]

do you keep adding 6 for the shell and adding 2 just at the end?? Or add 6 and 2 for each shell?? confused at the 6 plus 2 thanks for a reply , others have asked the same question but appreciate your kindness to answer.

[Cordistew]

Thank you for making and uploading!! Very very very helpful!!!! :-)

[tjw1963]

@Cordistew I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[hannahfaithf]

um could you slow it down a bit? its hard to follow...

[tjw1963]

@hannahfaithf I am going to remake this tutorial and upload it on my other crochet channel.

[darkchiakichan]

I tried testing this but (Just to make sure I did the correct starting chain xD)... how many chains will I have to begin with to make a 40 inch blanket?

[tjw1963]

@darkchiakichan Crochet a loose chain a couple inches short of 40 inches. Then work the pattern from there. Don't worry about exact chain count, you can sew in the extra chains.

[XxBaBiex4xUuUxX]

can you please do a re-take of this video??/ the quality is not very good, kinda blurry so I can't see...thank you

[tjw1963]

@XxBaBiex4xUuUxX I will keep that in mind

[darkchiakichan]

@tjw1963 yea it is a bit blurry >.<

[MusicSabine]

It looks realy cool

[tjw1963]

@MusicSabine Thank you!

[GraceAlone71]

I'm looking for a simple pattern for a shawl, would this work?

[banchie28]

Teresa, I love that you had some comentary about colors and uses for this stitch. I like it when you do that :) It really helps me when you do that and I think you should do that more!

Keep up the great work on your videos!!

Angela

[tjw1963]

@banchie28 I will keep your suggestion in mind for providing suggestions and ideas on how to use the stitch.

[TheTori1960]

Could you please tell me the name of the shell stitch I have been using ? To make first shell, I start with 3 singles, go down to the bottom single and then make 3 doubles. Then I turn it over and make 3 singles. I am lost after that. I need to know the name of the shell stitch so I can complete the pattern. Thank you very much.

[joshuadonaldson]

Do you know how to do the fisherman shell?

[chri13725]

hi, this tutorial has been extremely helpful in teaching me this stitch, one thing i don't understand is what is meant in the begging by "the multiple of six plus two" i'm fairly new at crocheting and have heard hints of the word multiple of, and what not. can you please explain to me what this means, or anyone who understands this concept. thank you so much, and again this video was very helpful for me

[natasjja99]

would this work well for varigated yarn

[tjw1963]

@natasjja99 You can use any type of yarn.

[71performance]

@tjw1963

Hi,

if its multiple of 6+2, isn't that 26 chains then? You have 25?

I am new to this. Please explain. Thanks

[Slivings911]

@71performance I had the same question. I'm going to try it with 25 to practice, and if it doesn't work for me then I'll know why she over-taped the instruction to do a multiple of 6 +2.

[tjw1963]

@Slivings911 You A chain of 25 or 26 will work.

[TheDisneychick12]

Hi Tereas thanks for the videos and web site I have been want to learn more. My mom uses to crochet and knit all the time. Thanks again Disneychick1266

[tjw1963]

@TheDisneychick12 You are welcome.

[LoveImaDenise]

Hi Teresa, thanks for your videos! I wanted to know how average about how long should my chain be if I want to do this shell stitch for a baby blanket? And will the edges be even when doing this stitch for a blanket?

Thanks!

[tjw1963]

@LoveImaDenise I would recommend a chain of 150. The edges will be straight and even.

[LoveImaDenise]

Hi Teresa, on average, about how long should my chain be if I want to do the shell stitch for a baby blanket/afghan? And will the edges be even when doing this pattern for a baby blanket/afghan?

[msvscreations]

First, your videos are very helpful! I want to make a baby blanket using this stitch. I've seen patterns (which I can't figure out) that start out with a row of single crochet before starting the shell stitch??? Why is that and can I just start with a shell stitch?

[tjw1963]

@msvscreations You can start with the chain if you prefer.

[cs9295]

I am not sure what the multiple means 6 plus 2 because you said you chained 25, wouldn't it be 26? Please explain this to me as I want to make a twin size afghan but don't know how many chains to start with. Thank You Cherri

[tjw1963]

you add 6 chains for each shell. I used a chain of 25. When you crochet as many years as I have, you can make it work with just about any amount. I do have all of those little tips and techniques posted here and on my crochet blog.

[thatspickybtch2u]

Teresa ,

I learned crochet by watching your videos only , I just finished a baby blanket and ended with 2 rows of double crochet . I would like to add this shell stitch to finish But am not sure what to do when I reach the corners . PLEASE HELP : )

BTW your videos are awesome

Thanks

Tanya

[jessiesgirl200]

how would you make this into an afghan? Just make longer strips of shells to begin with?

[tjw1963]

Yes, you would work a longer chain in the beginning.

[jessiesgirl200]

Ok thank you. Your videos are so helpful.Thanks for putting them up :)

[Folashade1000]

Thank u so this can be use to make a scalf

[tjw1963]

Yes it can! :)

[braunzz]

Hi, I love your video's, and i have a question. Im new at crocheting, and have started a blanket with just a single crochet pattern. Its turning out pretty good, except for in a few area's the ends arnt exactly strait, when im done, if i were to add this shell boder on it, do you think it would help make it look nicer?

[tjw1963]

A shell border is a great way to cover up uneven edges. It will work really nice.

[braunzz]

Thank you :)

[Nathanleaf]

Thank you!, this was my first time to learn that.

[tjw1963]

You are welcome.

[TigerDragonGrrl]

Cool! I was able to use this for an accent on a crochet belt I made.

[stephatay]

Thank you so much It look so nice and easy the way you explained it

[IDUDREAMBIG]

This video is SO helpful and informative. However I do have one question, for the remaining rows 4 and beyond what is the pattern for the end of each row? Do I increase the chains for each row by double crocheting according to what row I am about to? Please help, I've stopped at row 3! Thanks so much!

[tjw1963]

The written instructions with a diagram are posted on my crochet blog. The diagram should help answer the question you are asking. You will find the link to the right of the video, under my channel banner in the video description.

[nugirl31]

Thank you so much for the link on crochet afghans. These will keep me busy for awhile. Thanks again and I love your videos - they are VERY helpful!

[nugirl31]

Do you have the pattern for the open shell afghan? Would love it if you could post a video on it - thx.

[tjw1963]

Is that a stitch that I posted?  I do have a lot of crochet pattern stitches. I will send you the link for what I have.

[bugged66]

how long of a chain would you use for a baby blanket

[bugged66]

how long of a chain would you use for a baby blanket.... I can never figure that out.

[tjw1963]

I would estimate between 120-150.

[FIGGYWOMAN]

Can you make a shell stitch with half-double crochet stitches? In edging a hat I made, I did the shell stitch [half-double] I did not use double crochet stitches.

[tjw1963]

Yes, you can use any size basic stitch to make a shell. Even the single crochet will work but it will be a short shell.

[YvetteC361]

Could you tell me exactly what you mean when you say, multiple is 6+2....I'm new at crocheting and I really don't understand what that means.

By the way your video's have been EXTREMELY helpful!!!

[tjw1963]

That mean that it takes 6 chains to make 1 shell. When you take a measurement, you chain in increments of 6 until you get close to the width, then include 2 extra chains.

[artistic84chick84]

My mom use to do that when I was a kid. But since I grow older, she does do it anymore...but, I miss that so, I add going to buy that supplies for her cause I see she's bored, and I want to make her happy. Instead of A.C. Moore, what cheap site online can I go to, to purchase them for her.

[msrentas1]

how do you change colors at the end????? for the next row?thnx

[vmwd03]

I have made a shell stitch baby blanket and would like to add the shell stitch as a border, but not sure how to get started.  Any suggestions?

[tjw1963]

You can add the shell to the 3 remaining sides of the afghan. Your corners will need some additional stitches for increasing. Evenly crochet the shells along each edge, making sure the amount of shells are the same on the opposite edge.

[mrsross4022]

Hi Teresa! I love your videos and you are the only one I watch on here when it comes to crocheting. =0) I have a quick question. -After doing a crochet row..how could I start single crochet after? Would I have to increase chains on the end to get up to the full height of the shell to go across them to not for the stitch along the shell? Thanks!!

[tjw1963]

You are wanting to do a row of single crochet between each row of shells?

[mrsross4022]

Sorry I am not good at explaining this. What I mean is, say I did a few rows of shell and want to change the look of the hat and go to single crochet. How would I do that? How would I start a row of single crochet ontop of a row of shell?

[Shinashi]

Oh, this was great, again. I'm wondering, do sc and dc mean single crochet and double crochet in the books? I just remember a lot of those little abbreviations. I'd still rather watch though, but just in case I don't have internet...

[tjw1963]

DC - Double Crochet

SC - Single Crochet

I will send you the beginner playlist for crochet stitches.

[toni3583]

Thank you so so much this is great!! I couldn't figure this out for anything you make it so easy thanks again

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[valthegrateful]

Thank you so much for helping me figure out the math. I am a dyscalculic person but this made so much sense, now i can just count how many shells i want in a row n enjoy my fav past-time! Thanks again

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I appreciate the comment. Happy crocheting. :)

[valthegrateful]

Its a simple stich to learn but i cant work out the math at the end of each row. How do i understand the concept of the end of a row?

[tjw1963]

The multiple is 6+1. It takes 6 chains to make the shell and single crochet. Keep crocheting 6 chains for each shell that you want to do. You will need 1 extra chain at the beginning for the first single crochet.

[SexyNole07]

How would I do this with a round? I have been told one way with no multiples +1 and then with a multiple of 1 +1. I have a chain of 132 and scared to butcher this project again off a crappy written pattern. Thanks

[tjw1963]

I have a hat pattern that shows how to use the shell in a circle. That may help?

[toysvoice]

OMG. I have been trying to do this stitch for about a month now. Thank you sooo soo much!!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[crczac]

Question how do you fix the bottom beginning row from looking like it is pulling in like it is becoming a circle.. do you just need a longer base line?

[tjw1963]

Sometimes people crochet the foundation chain to tight. You can crochet it looser with the same hook or get a larger hook and crochet it looser. Not to loose or you will have big holes. That should relax it and give it freedom to to flow right along with the rest of your shell.

[redzy21]

thank you this stitch is very cool by the way

[redzy21]

how many chain stitches would you have to crochet to make a little baby blanket like how many stitches??

[tjw1963]

You can try a chain of 120.

[SexyPocahontas27]

another great pattern... ..im gonna try it

[ToshaWest]

I'm doing this for a border on the solid granny square how do I make this longer so that it goes around the whole baby blanket?

[tjw1963]

You will use the baby blanket as the foundation to add the shell edging. You may want to add a round of single crochet trying to make your width and length edges so they have the same amount of stitches on each edge. After that you will add your shell edging. When I use the shell, I will make sure to end with a shell in each corner. This will take care of the extra fullness that is needed for the corners.

[crochetstar12]

Please send me the instructions

[tjw1963]

The instructions are posted on my crochet blog. The link is to the right of the video under the "More Info".

[twitchyhamster]

Thank you so much. You have no idea how wonderful your video's are. In my area there are no Crocheting classes to learn from so your videos are teaching me everything I need to know!

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[lamphongvan]

sound not basic to me

[tjw1963]

What are you interested in learning or starting with? I will send you the playlist for the beginning crochet stitches. I have confidence that you will be able to crochet this stitch in the near future.

[lamphongvan]

well I'm having a problem even though it small but ruining my scarf i don't know why but scarf is not going in a straight line; which make it look ugly .

[tjw1963]

It sounds like it may be the alignment of your stitches or your count. The edges are where most problems occur. With a stitch like this one, you need to make sure you are crocheting in the exact top of the previous stitch and in the correct edge stitch. Being one stitch off will throw the whole scarf out of alignment.

[lamphongvan]

that's is what i talking about thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­ooooooooo much

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[tjw1963]

For instance, if you miss the edge stitch and crochet to early in the half shell, it will give you a diagonal edge. With this stitch it is real important to keep your stitch placement the same.

[mkeawsh]

I don't understand how many stitches are at the end of a row and how many start the next. row 1 - chain 3 and then 2 dbl crochet in beginning of row 2. Chain 1 at end of row 2 - then single crochet in beginning of row 3. Do I repeat what I did at the end or row 1 at the end of row 3 and repeat what I did at the beginning of row 2 for the beginning of row 4? I doesn't seem to come out right for the stitches left over at the end of the row and it starts angling out on one end of my work. Thanks

[Dedendwight]

Because of your video's I have taught myself to crochet. Actually, I guess you have taught me to crochet. THanks a million! I completely agree you have the best video's, clear and easy to understand!

Happy Holidays,

Dede

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. You have a happy and safe holidays.

[debtreu]

I'm looking for someone to crochet for me, could you possibly, I'd pay very well...

[tjw1963]

What type of crochet item?

[canrsiegrl]

I love your instructions, they are so clear and easy to understand...I am looking forward to making a blanket for our bed with this stitch...we have a queen size bed, and am wondering how many stitches I would start with...any idea?

[tjw1963]

Thank you. The instructions with the multiple are posted on my crochet blog. It will be difficult for me to estimate a queen size bed because there are to many variables like, individual crochet tension, crochet hook size and yarn size. There are two things you can do. One is to follow a gauge. The second is to wing it. When you wing it you crochet a chain across the bed for the size. Then crochet the pattern stitch.

[tjw1963]

You might have some leftover chains but that is not a problem at all. You can cut the chain, leaving a length of tail to sew in when you are finished.

[82359dante]

Boy I sure enjoy your wanderfull crocheting thank you so very much keep it up

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[MetallicAownsthrash]

the way I learned this stitch was to skip one do the single crochet and then skip one again and do the 5 double crochet, do you think this will work just as good or no?

[tjw1963]

There are many variations to the crochet shell. You can do what is best for you.

[MetallicAownsthrash]

would the shell stitch work for a scarf at all or no

[tjw1963]

Yes it would work as a scarf. It is exactly the same as the shell scarf that I just posted.

[dewzygirl]

25 years ago I made this as a baby blanket for my niece Tasha when she was born and I haven't crocheted SINCE! Well, "little" Tasha is going to have a baby girl in February and I wanted to make this same blanket as a surprise ... SOOOOO glad I found you and your wonderful video instructions! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (I also promise not to wait another 25 years to crochet again ... lol!)

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. Congratulations to you and Tasha.

[Tamothegreat]

I started a project that I was single crocheting, and it's now going to turn into a blanket, and providing I have the right about the crochet's in one row, do you think it would it be easy to switch from single crochet to this pattern? and then probably back again....

[tjw1963]

You probably can as long as you have the multiple of 6 to fit your shells closely with in the single crochet that you have already done. If there is not enough room and you add the shells anyway by adjusting, you could wind up with a wider middle section. It is kind of play it by ear when you are changing in the middle of the project. It may or may not work out. You would need to experiment.

[Tamothegreat]

Thanks for the input! I really appreciate all the videos. I work a graveyard with "nuthin" to do, so crochet keeps me plenty busy. Cept I'm no good AT ALL when it comes to reading those silly patterns. :P

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. :)

[loantrang8]

This shell pattern is so wonderful. You are so great. Please help me how to finish this shell pattern. I am look forward hearing from you.Thanks!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. When you are at the end of your row, cut your yarn, pull the tail through and then sew the tail between the stitches.

[cwwong22]

thank you so much!!!! you're saving me from a headache since I have to teach a bunch of people how to crochet and others to do patterns!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. You can share the link to my channel and crochet blog with them if you would like to.

[fewbew6]

I am trying to find a tutorial or a video on how to make a scarf with the shell stitch with two different colors, but am finding nothing.

any suggestions?

[delac2]

can i make a scarf from this pattern, thanks :)

[tjw1963]

Yes, you sure can.

[IDUDREAMBIG]

by puff I mean it's not really looking like a shell..you know how the shell pattern has that effect where it looks like a little fan?

[tjw1963]

The shells might have a little poof or fullness on each side but it still should look like a fan.

[IDUDREAMBIG]

This is great! I just have a question, as I continue to crochet the remaining rows should the shells look like puffs or an actual shell? I followed the pattern of 1sc skip 2 then 5 do...I'm already a good porton into the project but I want to make sure before I continue! Thks.

[tjw1963]

What do you mean puffs?

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. I have 10 left hand video tutorials. There is the basic crochet stitches, two granny squares and the ripple stitch if you are interested.

[loserbearsmum]

Hey Teresa,

I'm currently making a baby blanket after watching this video over & over again to get me started, when i've finished i'll post a video response to show you if you don't mind?

x

[tjw1963]

Please post as many video responses as you would like. I love to see the work that everyone is doing.

[misslesley59]

I've never followed a crochet pattern in my life but have always been able to do basic crochet. I found your shell stitch video very easy to follow and I'm happy to say I've just completed my very first baby blanket in shell stitch for my daughter's first baby which is due at christmas. I'm just starting my second blanket and I'd like to say thank you very much for making your video's very easy to follow.

[tjw1963]

Thank you. :)

[northcountryou812]

I love your video's the have taught me a lot. I was wondering how many stiches you start out with to make a baby blanket so that the shells come out right? Thank you for your help.

[tjw1963]

You use the multiple to figure out how many chains you will need. You will find the links to my crochet blog to the lower right of this video under "more info". It tells what the multiple is.

[petitesuitecb]

can you tell me how you can increase and decrease a shell stitch pattern?

[tjw1963]

I should have the shell increase up later this evening or early tomorrow. I will need to edit the shell decrease so it will be up in the next few days.

[Biggestpcdfan]

do you know how to do the bobble stitch?

[tjw1963]

I believe the bobble is the same as the puff stitch. I do have a demonstration of the puff stitch that is posted.

[Biggestpcdfan]

okay, thank you. btw, ur videos are awsome!

[mskor68]

I love your video's, I am a easy learner when I can watch. In the past when I tried to do the shell stich my ends didn't match and it either went inward or outward. I'm going on my 4th row right right when the video ends.. when I turn over do I do a half shell??

[mskor68]

LOVE YOUR VIDEO'S!! THANK YOU!

[mskor68]

I love your video's, I am a easy learner when I can watch. In the past when I tried to do the shell stich my ends didn't match and it either went inward or outward. I'm going on my 4th row right right when the video ends.. when I turn over do I do a half shell??

[tjw1963]

Just keep repeating the main pattern to continue making it longer. Every other row will have a half shell.

[lpham12]

thanks! thanks to you, i'm now pretty proficient in the basketweave stitch and hopefully, when i'm done that project i can start this one! thanks for using a lighter color yarn!

[tjw1963]

You are welcome. You may still come across some videos with darker yarn. I apologize about that since they were done prior to all the requests to use lighter yarn. I have lots of light color yarn now. :)

[desolatedecember]

i think this is such a pretty pattern, but im trying to create the skirt for an infant dress using it, so is there a way to add stitches to this, so the skirt can flair out a little as it goes down?

[tjw1963]

You can increase by doing two smaller partial shells in the same stitch(single crochet). In the stitch that you want to do the increase, do a partial shell of 3DC, CH1, 3DC. It will look like a full shell but you are adding 1DC and a Chain space to make room for an increase. When you come back around, do a full shell in the center(2nd DC) of the two partial shells with a SC in-between in the chain 1 making a two shell increase. I hope that makes sense.

[sandbtwntoes]

I appreciate you taking the time to make the video, however I get confused on trying to find the "holes" in the 2nd, 3rd, etc rows after you make the initial row. Any suggestions?

[tjw1963]

Are you talking about making the shells or dropping the stitch down? I am not clear on what holes you are talking about.

[sandbtwntoes]

After I make the initial shell stitch off the starting chain row, I find it hard to distinguish/see where/how to find the right stitch to put in the hook to make the next shell? Does that clarify? :-) Thank you. Your visuals are so beneficial!

[tjw1963]

Yes that helps a lot. In the shell, you just do the single crochet in the third double crochet of the previous shell. Then you do the new shell in the previous single crochet. I hope that will help you.

[lena480]

ty so much for your demos. you helped me learn how to do the granny square and now this stitch. i'm left handed and always had a hard time trying to learn how to crochet, but by following you i was finally able to do it! ty ty ty

[tjw1963]

That is great to hear.  Thank you for your comment.

[kspishak]

Great demonstration! Even though I'm left handed I was able to follow your instructions without a problem.

[tjw1963]

That is great to hear. I always wondered how leftys would crochet. I thought it would be the same but in the opposite direction.

[nappygungun]

Multiple of 6+2 confuses me

[hydamyster]

You do 6 chains at a time and repeat 6 chains until your foundation chain is long enough for what you are wanting to make. Then after you get your desired length, you chain 2 more. Then you begin your project.

[tjw1963]

I have an explanation on my blog. The link is posted in the details of this video. I am revising the multiple explanation that I had on video and will be putting it back up soon.