How to Crochet the Open Shell Stitch

The Open Shell Stitch is a light and lacy variation of the classic crochet shell stitch. Instead of working a solid group of double crochet stitches together, this version places chain one spaces between the double crochets, allowing the shell to spread open and creating a more delicate fabric.

It’s an easy stitch pattern to learn if you’re already comfortable with basic crochet stitches. The pattern uses double crochet, single cochet and chains with just two rows forming the main repeat.

The open spaces make this stitch especially lovely for lightweight blankets, wraps, summer garments and other projects where you want texture without creating heavy fabric.

Crochet Abbreviations

This tutorial uses US crochet terminology.

• ch – chain
• ch-1 sp – chain one space
• dc – double crochet
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• st)s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat

What You’ll Need

You can practice the Open Shell Stitch using almost any yarn with a crochet hook suitable for its weight. Because the chain spaces are an important part of this stitch, I’d recommend starting with a smooth yarn that makes the individual stitches easy to see. Once you’re familiar with the pattern, you can experiment with different yarn weights to change the overall look and drape of the fabric.

How the Open Shell Stitch Works

The Open Shell Stitch follows the same general principle as a traditional shell stitch but the construction of the shell is different. Rather than placing five double crochet stitches together, each open shell contains four double crochets with a chain one space between them. These little gaps open up the shell and create the characteristic lacy appearance.

Single crochet stitches anchor the shells between each repeat. On alternative rows, the single crochet stitches are worked into the centre chain one space of the shell below. This staggers the shells and allows the pattern to develop.

Open Shell Stitch Pattern

The foundation chain for the Open Shell Stitch is a multiple of 6 plus 2 additional chains.

Row 1

Work 1 sc into the second ch from the hook, *sk the next 2 ch, work an Open Shell into the next ch, sk the next 2 ch, then work 1 sc into the next ch, rep from * across. Turn.

Row 2

Ch 4 (counts as a dc and ch 1), dc in the same sc, *sc in the centre ch-1 sp of the next Shell**, Shell in the next sc, rep from * across ending last rep at **, (dc, ch 1, dc) into the last sc. Turn.

Row 3

Ch 1, sc in the first st, *Shell in the next sc, sc in the centre ch of the next Shell, rep from * across placing the last sc on top of the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Rows 2-3 until you are satisfied with your swatch

Finding the Centre of an Open Shell

Correct stitch placement is very important with this pattern. Each open shell contain: dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc. This creates three chain one spaces. When the instructions tell you to crochet into the centre chain one space, you’re looking for the second of those three spaces. Once you learn to recognise that centre space visually, you’ll probably find that you don’t need to count your way across every shell.

What’s the Difference Between Classic Shell Stitch and Open Shell Stitch?

The main difference is what happens inside the shell itself. In our classic shell stitch five double crochet stitches are worked into one stitch without chains separating them. This creates a fuller, more solid shell.

As for the open shell stitch, it uses four double crochet stitches with chain one spaces between them. Those spaces allow more light through the fabric and give each shell a wider, lacier appearance. Both are easy repeating pattern but the finished fabrics have quite different personalities.

How to Keep Your Open Shell Stitch Edges Neat

The edges alternate between a full shell row and a row that begins and ends with a partial shell. On row 2, the chain 4 counts as one double crochet plus one chain, so it’ important not to accidentally add another stitch where it isn’t needed. When you return to that edge on the following row make sure the final single crochet is placed correctly into the turning chain.

If your fabric gradually becomes wider or narrower when you aren’t deliberately shaping it, check the edges first. That’s usually where a rogue stitch has staged its escape!

Tips for Crocheting the Open Shell Stitch

Try not to make your own chain one stitches too tight. Those chains form part of the decorative shell and need enough room to open naturally. It’s also worth checking periodically that every shell contains four double crochet stitches and three chain one spaces.

When working the single crochet between shell make sure it goes into the centre chain one space rather than one of the spaces on either side.

After a few rows you’ll start to see clear vertical points where the single crochet stitches belong. Learning to read those visual cues makes this pattern considerably faster to crochet.

Open Shell Stitch FAQs

Is the Open Shell Stitch beginner friendly?

Yes. It’s a good next step once you’re comfortable making single crochet, double crochet and chain stitches. The individual stitches are simple: the main skill is learning where to place them within the repeating pattern.

What is the stitch multiple for Open Shell Stitch?

For this version the foundation chain is a multiple of 6 + 2. For example, a chain of 26 gives you a practice swatch.

How many rows are in the pattern repeat?

The main pattern has a two row repeat. After completing Row 1, continue repeating Rows 2 and 3.

Is Open Shell Stitch the same as regular shell stitch?

No. There are many variations of crochet shell stitch. Our classic shell stitch uses a solid group of five double crochet stitches, whereas this Open Shell variation introduces chain spaces between the double crochets. That small change creates a noticeably lighter and more open fabric.

More Shell and Fan Crochet Stitches

The Open Shell Stitch is a lovely example of how one small change can transform a familiar crochet stitch. If you’ve already tried the Classic Crochet Shell Stitch, compare the two swatches side by side. The basic structure is similar but the additional chain spaces give the Open Shell Stitch much more openness and drape.

As we continue building the Shell & Fan collection on Crochet Stitch Finder, you’ll be able to explore even more variations and compare their stitch multiples, repeats, textures and finished fabrics.