How to Crochet a Slanted Shell

A regular shell stitch pattern consists of rows of shells that are nested.

A series of offset, or diagonal, shells is an interesting variation on the standard shell motif. The slanted shell pattern can be used for shawls, scarves or afghans. Each shell is five chains wide. The starting chain should be a multiple of five plus two. A chain of 122 stitches made with an I hook and worsted weight yarn should give you an afghan width of roughly 38 inches. As always, adjust your hook size or chain length after making a swatch to determine the proper gauge.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet hook to obtain gauge
• Worsted weight yarn

Instructions

Slanted Shell Pattern Row 1

1. Chain a multiple of five stitches plus two. For example, if you were making a pattern with seven shells in each row, chain 37 stitches.

2. Insert hook into the third chain from it and make three double crochet stitches.

3. Skip three chains.

4. Single crochet in the next chain.

5. Chain three.

6. Make three double crochet stitches in the next chain.

7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until you reach the end of the base chain. Turn.

Row 2 And The Following Rows

1. Chain four.

2. Make three double crochet stitches in the third chain from the hook.

3. Single crochet in the chain three space. Skip over the three double crochet stitches and insert your hook in the space created by the chain. When you do this, you are making a stitch over or around the chain, not in it.

4. Chain three.

5. Make three double crochet stitches in the same chain three space as the single crochet.

6. Repeat Step 3 through 5 until the end of the row. Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired length.

Tips & Warnings

• A diagonal shell stitch is a slightly more complicated, but similar, pattern that uses multiples of four, plus one, for the base chain and creates a four double crochet shell instead of a three double crochet shell.

• Always turn your work in the same direction.

• Make your initial chain stitches (foundation chain) very loosely. This makes it easier to insert your hook into the chain stitches and will keep your work from getting wider as it goes up.

References

• Crochet Videos.org: Crochet Slanted Shell Stitch -- Variation 1
• Art of Crochet by Teresa: Crochet Slanted Shell - Variation 2 - Baby Afghan

Resources

• Crochetology.net: Diagonal Shell Stitch