Back Loop Shell Stitch: Free Crochet Pattern for Beginners

 

Pattern name: Back Loop Shell Stitch

Designer: Mirrymas

Difficulty: Easy

Hook size: 4.00 mm

Steps: 8

Images: 6

Description

This textured shell stitch is worked in rows of five-double-crochet shells separated by single crochets. Working the shells into the back loop only makes each shell curve outward, giving the fabric a soft, scalloped, three-dimensional look. It works up quickly and is easy to memorise once you know the two alternating rows.

Materials

• Yarn — milk cotton yarn (any yarn works, as long as it is not too thick)
• Hook — 4.00 mm, or the hook recommended for your yarn

Abbreviations

• ch = Chain
• sc = Single Crochet (double crochet in UK terms)
• hdc = Half Double Crochet (half treble crochet in UK terms)
• dc = Double Crochet (treble crochet in UK terms)
• BLO = Back Loop Only
• st(s) = Stitch(es)

Special Stitch Instructions

• Shell: 5 dc worked into the back loop only of the same stitch.
• Half shell: 3 dc worked into the back loop only of the same stitch (at the start, the ch 3 counts as the first of the 3).
• Back loop only (BLO): the top of each stitch has a front loop (closest to you) and a back loop (farthest from you). Insert your hook under the back loop only.

Step 1: Foundation Chain

Make a slip knot and chain a multiple of 4 plus 1, such as 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 or 25. For this sample, chain 25.

Step 2: Row 1 (Border Row)

Ch 1 more. This is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch. Skip the chain closest to your hook. Work 1 sc into the next chain, then 1 sc into each chain all the way across.

Total: 25 stitches.

This single crochet row forms a neat bottom border. It is optional; if you skip it, work Row 2 directly into the foundation chain.

Step 3: Row 2 (First Shell Row)

Ch 3 and turn. This ch 3 counts as your first dc. Work 2 dc BLO into the first stitch (the same stitch your ch 3 is sitting on). You now have a half shell.

*Skip the next stitch, work 1 sc into the next stitch under both loops, skip the next stitch, then work 5 dc BLO into the next stitch.* Repeat from * across the row until you have 4 stitches left.

To finish the row, skip the next stitch, work 1 sc under both loops into the next stitch, skip the next stitch, then work 3 dc BLO into the last stitch to make a half shell.

Total: 37 stitches (2 half shells, 5 shells and 6 sc; the ch 3 counts as a stitch).

Step 4: Row 3 (Starts and Ends with a Single Crochet)

Ch 1 and turn. This chain does not count as a stitch. Work 1 sc under both loops into the first stitch.

*Skip the next 2 stitches, work 5 dc BLO into the next stitch (a sc from the row below), skip the next 2 stitches, then work 1 sc under both loops into the next stitch (the middle dc of the shell below).* Repeat from * all the way across.

The last sc goes into the top of the ch 3 from the start of the row below. Turn the work slightly so you can see the small bump on the back of that chain, insert your hook between the top two loops and that back bump, and work the sc.

Total: 37 stitches (6 shells and 7 sc).

Step 5: Row 4 (Starts with a Chain 3, Ends with a Half Shell)

Ch 3 and turn. This ch 3 counts as your first dc. Work 2 dc BLO into the first stitch.

*Skip the next 2 stitches, work 1 sc under both loops into the next stitch (the middle dc of the shell below), skip the next 2 stitches, then work 5 dc BLO into the next stitch (a sc from the row below).* Repeat from * across the row until you have 3 stitches left.

To finish the row, skip the next 2 stitches, then work 3 dc BLO into the last stitch.

Total: 37 stitches (2 half shells, 5 shells and 6 sc; the ch 3 counts as a stitch).

Step 6: Repeat Rows 3 and 4

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until your piece is as tall as you want. Every row stays at 37 stitches. If your last row ended with 3 dc, work Row 3 next (start with ch 1). If it ended with a sc, work Row 4 next (start with ch 3).

Step 7: Levelling Row (Optional)

To give the top a straight edge that matches the bottom, work a levelling row, then the border row in Step 8. Work every stitch of these rows under both loops. The levelling row puts taller stitches in the low spots and shorter stitches on top of the shells, and brings the count back to 25.

If your last row was a Row 3 (ended with a sc): ch 3 and turn; the ch 3 counts as your first dc. *Work 1 hdc into the first dc of the shell, skip the next stitch, 1 sc into the middle dc of the shell, skip the next stitch, 1 hdc into the last dc of the shell, then 1 dc into the next sc.* Repeat from * all the way across. Total: 25 stitches.

If your last row was a Row 4 (ended with 3 dc): ch 1 and turn. Work 1 sc into the first stitch, skip the next stitch, then 1 hdc into the next stitch. *Work 1 dc into the next sc, 1 hdc into the first dc of the shell, skip the next stitch, 1 sc into the middle dc of the shell, skip the next stitch, then 1 hdc into the last dc of the shell.* Repeat from * until you have worked the last full shell. Finish with 1 dc into the next sc, 1 hdc into the next stitch, skip the next stitch, and 1 sc into the top of the ch 3. Total: 25 stitches.

Step 8: Border Row

Ch 1 and turn. Work 1 sc into each stitch across. Total: 25 stitches, matching Row 1 at the bottom.

Fasten off and weave in your ends.

Author Notes

• All the double crochets of the shells are worked in the back loop only. This is what makes the shells curve.
• The single crochets are worked under both loops, not in the back loop.
• A ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch. A ch 3 at the start of a row counts as the first dc.
• Row 2 is the only row where you skip one stitch at a time. From Row 3 onward you always skip two.

Customizing

• Common blanket sizes: baby or pram about 75 x 90 cm (30 x 36 in); lap blanket about 90 x 120 cm (36 x 48 in); throw about 125 x 150 cm (50 x 60 in); single bed about 165 x 225 cm (65 x 90 in); double bed about 200 x 230 cm (80 x 90 in).
• Make a test swatch first: chain 25, work Row 1, then at least 8 rows of the pattern and the finishing rows. Measure how many single crochets in Row 1 fit across 10 cm (4 in).
• To work out your foundation chain, multiply the width you want (in cm) by the number of single crochets in 1 cm, then round to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 1.
• Stitch counts for any size: Row 1, the levelling row and the border row have the same number of stitches as your foundation chain. Every shell row has 6k + 1 stitches, where k = (foundation chains − 1) ÷ 4. For example, 201 chains gives k = 50, so 301 stitches in each shell row.
• To estimate your yarn, weigh your finished swatch and divide by its area (width x height in cm), then multiply by the area of your blanket. Buy 10 to 15 percent extra from the same dye lot.
• For a long foundation chain, place a stitch marker every 20 or 40 chains, and use a hook one size larger for the chain if yours tends to be tight.
• For stripes, change colour every 2 rows (one Row 3 and one Row 4) so each colour block is one band of shells.
• For a border all around a blanket, work single crochet evenly along all four sides with 3 sc in each corner, about 2 sc into the side of each shell row and 1 into the side of each sc row.
• If the dips between shells still sink in the levelling row, use a treble crochet instead of a double crochet in those spots. If the edge flares, use single crochets instead of half double crochets.
• Milk cotton has lovely stitch definition, but a big cotton blanket can be heavy; acrylic or a cotton blend is lighter for large blankets.

Video

Watch the video tutorial

Conclusion

Watch the video tutorial here:

The back loop shell stitch gives you soft, curved shells with very little effort, and once you know the two rows it flows beautifully. Try it for a blanket, a cushion or a scarf.

If you make something with this stitch, I would love to see it. Share a photo and tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @mirrymascrafts, and leave a comment below to let me know how it went.

More stitch patterns to try:

• Crochet Granny Stripe Stitch: the classic granny look worked in rows.
• Half Double Crochet Back Loop Stitch: an easy, stretchy ribbed stitch.
• Crochet Cobblestone Stitch: round bumps made with single and treble crochet.
• Crochet Bean Stitch: soft, puffy beans that sit neatly together.
• Crochet Star Stitch: rows of little six-pointed stars.
• Granny Square Christmas Tree: a quick holiday decoration.
• Easy Textured Crochet Blanket Stitch: slip stitch and half double crochet.

Happy crocheting, and see you in the next tutorial!