Peacock Shell Crochet Stitch

The Peacock Shell Crochet Stitch produces bold, fan-like shaped motifs using tall treble crochet stitches. Nine trebles spread from a single point to create each shell, giving the fabric the dramatic shape that inspired its peacock name.

Between the shell rows, treble v-stitches introduce open spaces and provide the foundation for the next set of fans. The extra height of the treble stitch makes the design feel more elongated than a traditional double crochet shell with clearly defined columns running through the finished fabric. Although the finished stitch looks quite elaborate, the pattern itself has just a two row repeat once the first row is complete. If you’re comfortable working treble crochet it’s an interesting way to move beyond more familiar shell patterns.

How to Crochet the Peacock Shell Stitch

This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 10 + 2.

Row 1:

Work a sc into the second ch from the hook, *sk 4 ch, Shell in the next ch, sk 4 ch, sc in the next ch, rep from * across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 4 (counts as a tr), tr in the first sc, *ch 3, sk 4 tr, sc in the next tr, ch 3, sk 4 tr**, V-st in the next sc, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, 2 tr in the last sc. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 1, sc in the first tr, *Shell in the next sc**, sc in ch-1 sp of the next V-st, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, sc in the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat:

Repeat Rows 2-3 until your desired swatch.

Tips for Crocheting the Peacock Shell Stitch

Keep your treble crochet stitches relaxed enough for the nine stitch Shell to spread rather than bunch together. Counting each Shell is useful too as you need nine trebles so there is a clear centre stitch for the following row.

Don’t worry if the fans aren’t perfectly defined in the first couple of rows. Their shape becomes clearer as more repeats are added and blocking can help the Shells spread evenly.

Peacock Shell Crochet Stitch FAQs

What is the stitch multiple for the Peacock Shell Stitch?

The stitch uses a multiple of 10 + 2. The sample swatch begins with 32 chains.

How many rows are in the pattern repeat?

After the foundation row, Rows 2 and 3 are repeated giving you a two row repeat.

How many treble crochets are in each Peacock Shell?

Each full Shell contains nine treble crochet stitches worked into the same stitch.

Where do I place the single crochet in each Shell?

Skip the first four trebles and work the single crochet into the fifth treble placing it into the centre of the Shell.

How is the V-stitch made?

Work (tr, ch 1, tr) into the indicated stitch. On the following row the single crochet is worked into its chain 1 space.

Is the Peacock Shell Stitch difficult?

It’s best suited to someone comfortable with single and treble crochet. The main challenge is keeping track of stitch placement rather than learning advanced techniques.