Needlecrafts Crochet Crochet Basics

How to Crochet V-Stitch Shell

By
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
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Updated on 07/04/20
V Stitch Shell Stitch Swatch in Pink

Mollie Johanson / The Spruce

What do you get when you combine v-stitch and shell stitch? A lacy variation called the v-stitch shell pattern! If you crochet even a little, you're probably familiar with both these stitches and bringing them together in one design creates a whole new look.

Like shell stitch, this stitch pattern works into one stitch, forming the fan-like shell. V-stitch gives this a more open appearance with a space in the middle of each shell and non-anchored edges of each shell.

The pattern is easy to learn and works well for light afghans, small accessories, garments, scarves, and shawls. You could create your own airy design for a rectangular shawl with rows and rows of this simple stitch.

You can use any yarn and corresponding hook site, but you can also create a different look by working with a larger hook than usual.

Ready to give it a try? Grab some yarn and a hook and start forming your foundation chain!

Based on a tutorial by Kathryn Vercillo and updated by Mollie Johanson.

  • 01 of 05

    Starting Chain for V-Stitch Shells

    Insert the Hook in the Third Chain

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    Start v-stitch shells with a multiple of three chains. Work a double crochet into the third chain from the hook. Work one more double crochet into the same stitch.

  • 02 of 05

    Working V-Stitch Shells

    Work DC and V Stitches Into the Same Chain

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    Skip two chains.

    Make a v-stitch shell: In the next stitch, double crochet, v-stitch (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), double crochet.

    Repeat the steps above, skipping two chains and forming v-stitch shells. After the first shell, the next chain tightens up. That makes it easy to miss it when counting the stitches to skip.

  • 03 of 05

    Finishing Row 1 of V-Stitch Shells

    Crochet V Stitch Shells

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    Work v-stitch shells across the row.

    At the end of the row, skip two chains, then work three double crochets in the last chain.

  • 04 of 05

    Starting Row 2 of V-Stitch Shells

    Work Row 2 Shells Into Row 1 Shells

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    Row 2 is almost the same as row 1, with only a few small adjustments.

    Turn your work and chain 3. Work two double crochets in the first stitch.

    Make the first v-stitch shell of row 2 in the chain space on the first shell of row 1. Continue making shells in each chain space across the row.

    At the end of the row, work three double crochets in the turning chain from the previous row.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below
  • 05 of 05

    Rows of V-Stitch Shells

    V Stitch Shells Close-Up

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    Repeat row 2 until your crochet reaches the desired size.

    As you add rows, the vertical lines of shells show up. Between the shells, it's lacier, but it's also open in the center of each shell.

    Using the V-Stitch Shell Pattern

    Because this stitch creates an open stitch pattern, the crocheted fabric has excellent movement, making it perfect for so many projects. For even more drape and laciness, try a finer weight yarn with a larger hook.

    Try adding a round of v-stitch shells on a crocheted circle or mandala. To make it work out, skip fewer stitches depending on the size of the circle.

    Standard shell stitch works well for edging on blankets and other items, and so does this variation! Work it along the sides, and at each corner work a v-stitch shell, a chain, and another v-stitch chain.