6 Double Crochet Shell

Six dc in one space for large shell.

Beginner’s Guide to the 6 Double Crochet Shell Stitch in Crochet

Understanding the 6 Double Crochet Shell Stitch

The 6 DC Shell Stitch is made by working six double crochets into a single stitch or space, creating a fan or shell motif. These shells are separated by single crochets or chain spaces to define each shell, creating a repeating, scalloped pattern.

This stitch produces a flexible and textured fabric that is ideal for decorative items. It also works well with solid, variegated, or ombré yarns, as the shells highlight color transitions beautifully.

Practice Swatch Exercise

1. Chain 22 (multiple of 7 + 1).
2. Work Row 1 (6 DC shell + SC separator) across the row.
3. Work Row 2 into the center of previous shells for 4–6 rows.
4. Observe the shells forming staggered, fan-like rows.
5. Adjust tension and spacing for perfectly even shells.

The 6 Double Crochet Shell Stitch is a versatile and visually appealing crochet stitch that adds elegance to any project. With just a few basic stitches and consistent placement, beginners can create professional-looking, textured fabric suitable for blankets, scarves, home décor, and more. Once mastered, this stitch becomes a favorite for decorative and layered crochet designs.

How to work the 6 Double Crochet Shell Flower Pattern

This pattern is worked in two rows, the first is a row of V-stitches , the second is a row of 6dc (double crochet) row.

Take note of the direction in which you are working the 6dc-shell and also take note of the skipped stitches in the pattern diagram and the written instructions, of your project.

The first row of V- Stitches

Take note of skipped stitches in the pattern diagram and the written instructions, of your project.

1. Join a new color with a slip stitch, ch3, count as the first 1dc st,
2. skip the first stitch,
3. 1 x V-Stitch, (1dc, ch1, 1dc), into next stitch,
4. * skip 2st(s), V-Stitch, (1dc, ch1, 1dc), into next stitch,
5. repeat from * until the last stitch of the row, skip the second last stitch, and work 1 dc into the last stitch.

Second row of dc-shells

1. Join a new color with a slip stitch, ch3, count as the first 1dc st,
2. *1sc into first 1ch-sp of first V-stitch from the row before,
3. 6dc-shell into next 1ch-space ,
4. repeat from * until the last 1chain-space of the V-stitch of the row before, working 1dc into the last stitch.

Take note of the direction in which you are working the 6dc-shell, sometimes 1 sc is worked into the 1ch-sp, then followed by the 6 dc-shell in the next ch-sp, other times the 6 dc shell is worked first then followed by the 1sc into another next chain space. If you wish to work on a pattern that has shell stitches be sure to stick to uneven tows, to keep your work straight, also take note of the skipped stitches in the pattern diagram and the written instructions, of your project.