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Shell stitch is a fun and easy crochet pattern to learn, and it’s great to use for projects like this shell stitch crochet washcloth pattern, which you can make in an afternoon. It make a great addition to a spa themed gift or to use yourself.
What is Shell Stitch?
Shell stitch is an easy crochet stitch pattern that is made by working multiple double crochet stitches into the same stitch from the previous row.
Other stitches are skipped to make room for the shells, and the shell stitches are staggered one row to the next to make this allover texture that has small holes where the stitches are skipped.
It’s easy to learn, quick to stitch up and looks pretty without being fussy.
Supplies
To make this shell stitch crochet washcloth you’ll need about 30 yards of worsted weight (that’s also known as medium or weight 4) yarn. Mine is Lily Sugar’n Cream in color blueberry.
You’ll also need a size I/5.5 mm crochet hook (I’m using a Furls crochet hook, which is super fancy but I love it).
A pair of scissors and a yarn needle will help for finishing, too.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical on this project, but I got about 3.3 stitches and 1.8 rows per inch/2.5 cm in shell stitch.
Size
My washcloth is almost 6 inches/15.24 cm square. To adjust the size, you’ll need a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1 for the pattern.
How to Make a Shell Stitch Crochet Washcloth
Chain 20 and single crochet across the row, leaving you 19 stitches total.
Work in shell stitch as follows:
Row 1: Chain 1 and single crochet in the last stitch from the previous row. *Skip 2 stitches, then work 5 double crochet stitches in the next stitch. Skip 2 stitches, and work a single crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: Chain 2 (or 3 if you prefer a chain 3 to count as a double crochet) and work 2 double crochets in the last stitch of the previous row. *Skip 2 stitches, then work a single crochet in the next stitch (the top of the shell from the previous row). Skip 2 stitches, then work 5 double crochet in the next stitch (the single crochet from the previous row). Repeat from * to the last 3 stitches. Skip 2 and work 3 double crochets in the last stitch.
Repeat these rows until your piece is almost square.
Single crochet one row.
Fasten off the last stitch and cut the yarn, leaving a tail to weave in. Weave in ends.
This shell stitch crochet washcloth is so cute and easy to make; I hope you’ll give it a try!
Looking for more shell stitch crochet patterns? Check out my shell stitch crochet scarf.
