Interlocking Shell Stitch

Making an interlocking shell stitch crochet project is so much fun, and the stitch pattern provides such lovely rich textures crochet project, that you can’t go wrong with it. This stitch pattern is a surprisingly easy pattern to make, that appears to be super complicated.

Thankfully, it is not complicated, but quite easy to make. The interlocking shell stitch can make an elegant blanket pattern, which is lovely to make for baby blankets, to give away as a baby shower gift. You can also enjoy making this stitch pattern for other crochet blanket or afghan projects.

The interlocking shell stitch crochet blanket is easy to make, fun to enjoy the rich textures, and it looks so elegant when finished. Plus, this stitch pattern works up quickly, so that you aren’t working on the same project forever.

In order to make this beautiful pattern really stand out, you might enjoy changing the colors of yarn that you use every couple of rows. This will really make the interlocking shell stitch pattern textures stand out.

Basic Stitches

To make this crochet interlocking shell stitch pattern, there are just a few basic crochet terms you will need to know first. Let’s look at the basic stitches used in making this interlocking shell stitch pattern.

Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is a basic crochet stitch that serves as the foundation for most crochet projects, including crochet blankets.

Single Crochet

The single crochet stitch is also used in this interlocking shell stitch pattern. It is another basic crochet stitch and is approximately half the size in height as a double crochet stitch. In this pattern, your single crochet stitch will set between your shell stitches.

Double Crochet Stitches

A double crochet stitch is another basic stitch that you will also need to know for this interlocking shell crochet stitch.

The stitches in this interlocking shell stitch, are referred to as a “shell” stitch, some are made right side up, and others upside down. The basic stitches used in both types of shell stitches is the double crochet stitch. When you make the double crochet stitches into interlocking shell stitches, you get to enjoy some very impressive results to make up your crochet project.

Learn more about these crochet stitches, and how to make them, by visiting my learning how to crochet tutorial! In this tutorial, we will walk through the step-by-step instructions on how to make each basic crochet stitch. You don’t want to miss out!

The Special Stitches: Shell Stitch Crochet Details

Special Stitch: Interlocking Shells

To make your shell stitches, it is quite basic. All you need to do is make five double crochet stitches in the same stitch. Then skip two stitches, before making a single crochet stitch. By making your double crochet stitches all in one space, it will give you a beautiful shell shape.

Half Shell

A half shell is used at the end of the row. To make a half shell, you will place three double crochet stitches in the same stitch. This will give you a flat edge to your interlocking shell crochet project.

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Special Stitch: Double Crochet 5 Together

A double crochet 5 together (dc5tog) is when you crochet five double crochet stitches into one. To do this, you will first yarn over, then insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. There are now two loops on your hook.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. There are now three loops on your hook.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. There are now four loops on your hook.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. There are now five loops on your hook.

Yarn over and insert your hook into the last stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. There are now six loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through all six loops on your hook, to finish out the double crochet 5 together.

When combined, the shell stitch will make up one row, and the double crochet 5 together will be the next row. These stitches, combined with a few steps in between these stitches make up the interlocking shell stitch.

Now, let’s look at the written pattern, to make a complete interlocking shell stitch pattern.

Crochet Interlocking Shell Stitch Written Pattern

Please Note: This pattern is written in US Terms

Materials:

Various colored yarn – I like to use medium weight, but you can use whatever you prefer.

5.0 mm hook – Feel free to adjust the crochet hook size depending on your preference, and yarn used.

Abbreviations:

YO – yarn over

st/sts – stitch/ stitches

sp – space /spaces

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

dc – double crochet

5dctog – 5 double crochet together

How to Crochet Interlocking Shell Stitch

Foundation Row: ch 50 sts

Tip: The number of chain stitches you make will determine how wide your interlocking shell stitch project is. You will need to make multiples of 6 chains, plus 4 chains to make sure your project works out correctly. (Example: Ch 46 + 4 ch = 50 ch sts)

Row One: skip the 3 ch spaces closest to your hook, make 2 dc sts in the 4th ch sp from the hook. *Skip 2 ch sps, in the 3rd ch sp make 1 sc st. skip 2 ch sps, in the 3rd, make 5 dc sts (shell stitch).* Repeat from * to * across. When you come to the last 7 sts, skip next 2, sc in next st, skip next 2, make 3 dc in the last ch sp (half shell made). Ch 1, turn.

The Shell Stitch

Make 5 dc sts in the same st

The Half Shell

Make 3 dc sts in the same st

Row Two: sc in the first dc, *ch 2, work 5dctog over the next 5 sts. Ch 2, sc in the next st*. Repeat from * to * across. (the last sc st should be on top of the ch 3 sts made)

5 Double Crochet Together (5dctog)

YO, insert hook into 1st st, YO pull up a loop, YO pull through first 2 sts on hook. 2 sts remaining.

YO insert hook into 2nd st, YO pull up a loop, YO pull through first 2 sts on hook. 3 sts remaining on hook.

YO insert hook into 3rd st, YO pull up a loop, YO pull through first 2 sts on hook. 4 sts remaining on hook.

YO insert hook into 4th st, YO pull up a loop, YO pull through first 2 sts on hook. 5 sts remaining on hook.

YO insert hook into 5th st, YO pull up a loop, YO pull through first 2 sts on hook. 6 sts remaining on hook.

YO pull through all 6 sts on hook.

Row Three: ch 3 sts, turn. Make 2 dc sts in the first st. Skip the next 2 sts, sc in the next st, (on top of the 5dctog). *Skip the next 2 sts, 5 dc sts in the next st (shell made). Skip the next 2 sts, sc in next st,* skip the next 2 sts, 5 dc sts in the next st. Repeat from * to * across the row, until you reach the end. Ch 1, turn.

To make your project, continue by repeating row 2 and 3, until your project reaches your desired size.

Once you reach the end, you can weave in any yarn tails, then you get to enjoy your beautiful interlocking shell stitch crochet project!

Interlocking Shell Stitch Tips and Tricks

Yarn Weights

The best yarns to use for this interlocking shell stitch are going to be a nice medium weight yarn, or worsted weight yarn. I would highly recommend that you avoid using chunky yarn, because it will be difficult to work with, and won’t showcase this stitch pattern as it should.

Pattern Swatch

The above pattern is to help you make a small pattern swatch block. This is a great way to practice making the interlocking shell stitch. Once you have it down, you can begin making any size crochet project with the stitch that you want. Just make sure that your beginning chain is in multiples of 6, then add 4 chain spaces to that number.

Interlocking Shell Stitch Crochet Blanket

There are many different things you can make with the crochet interlocking stitch pattern. One of the most common things to crochet with this stitch pattern is to make a crochet blanket. To make a blanket with this pattern, you can make it in a variety of sizes. Here is an estimate of how many chain stitches you will want to make in order to make this interlocking stitch crochet blanket in different sizes.

Small Sizing (like a baby blanket)

113 chain stitches

Medium Size (throw size)

225 chain stitches

Large Size (full size)

203 chain stitches

X-Large (King size)

285 chain stitches

Download The PDF Version

If you would like to download this free pattern as a PDF file, I have created a nice printable version for you. To receive your free copy, please enter your email address into the box below, then check your email inbox for an email from me with the file attached.

Please note, by copyright unless otherwise noted, you are not authorized to copy or claim my content as your own. You are, however, more than welcome to sell your finished products made with my patterns. I always appreciate it when you link to my patterns so that others can find them too!

how to make interlocking shell stitch crochet

Crochet Interlocking Shell Stitch | Ripple Shell Blanket

Thank you so much for stopping by to learn how to make the beautiful interlocking shell stitch! I hope that you have enjoyed this tutorial, and now you can enjoy making many crochet projects using the interlocking shell stitch.

Now, it’s your turn to practice making this beautiful interlocking shell stitch for your next crochet project! I hope you enjoy this fun and very elegant crochet stitch!

Happy Crocheting!

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Interlocking Shell Stitch

Materials

Yarn
5.0 mm Crochet Hook