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Double Crochet Shell Stitch (5dc Shell): Tutorial & Multiples

Skip two, fan five double crochets into the next stitch, skip two, anchor with one single crochet: the classic scalloped shell, staggered like bricks.

Alice Jackie

9 min read

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Macro photograph of a crocheted 5dc Double Crochet Shell Stitch swatch in alternating two-row stripes of terracotta, cream, and sage green cotton yarn with a 5.0mm hook.

Stitch at a glance

US terms
Double crochet shell stitch5dc shell
UK terms
Treble shell stitch5tr shell
Easy

Turning chain: Ch 3 on full-shell rows; ch 1 on half-shell anchor rows

By the DoubleCrochet Team | Last Updated: November 2026 | Skill Level: Easy / Confident Beginner

The classic 5dc double crochet shell stitch is worked by placing 5 double crochet (dc) stitches into a single stitch or space so the tops fan out like a seashell, then skipping 2 stitches and anchoring the fan down with 1 single crochet (sc). For flat rows with straight side edges, chain a multiple of 6 + 2 (such as 20 chains for a 3-shell practice swatch) and alternate Row 2 (starting and ending with a 3-dc half-shell) with Row 3 (starting and ending with 1 sc) so each new row of shells nests neatly into the valleys of the row below.

(Terminology note: This tutorial uses US crochet terms; in UK patterns, a US 5dc shell is called a 5-treble shell (5tr shell) and a US single crochet (sc) is called a double crochet (dc).)

Each 5dc shell fans out from a single stitch while a low single crochet anchor on either side pulls the edges down to create a classic scalloped wave.

Quick Reference: Classic 5dc Shell Stitch Specifications

Attribute

Specification

US Stitch Name & Abbreviation

5 Double Crochet Shell (5dc shell or shell)

UK Equivalent

5 Treble Crochet Shell (5tr shell) anchored with UK dc

Foundation Chain Multiple

Multiple of 6 + 2 (e.g., 14, 20, 26, 32, 38...)

Row Repeat

2-row repeat (Rows 2 and 3)

Chart Symbol

Five dc T-bars converging at a single base point, alternating with a + (sc) symbol

Turning Chains

Ch 3 (counts as first dc of a half-shell on even rows) and Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch on odd sc-start rows)

Best Project Uses

Baby blankets, striped throws, scalloped blanket borders, summer tops, and washcloths

How the Classic 5dc Shell Stitch Works (The Brick-Stack Stagger)

Unlike a V-stitch ((dc, ch 1, dc) stacked in vertical columns) or a 3D bobble (where 5 stitches are closed together at the top—see our bobble vs shell comparison), a shell stitch is wide at the top (5 stitches) and narrow at the base (1 stitch).

Crochet symbol chart and brick-stack diagram for the 5dc Shell Stitch (Multiple of 6 + 2), showing Row 1 full shells, Row 2 half-shell edges, and Row 3 nested shells.
In the classic staggered shell stitch, each 6-stitch repeat uses 1 anchor stitch, 2 skipped stitches, 1 shell center stitch, and 2 skipped stitches—while even rows start and end with a 3-dc half-shell to keep the sides vertical.

To make a 5-stitch fan lie flat without ruffling, the pattern uses two geometric rules:

  1. The 6-Stitch Horizontal Balance: Because you place 5 stitches into 1 chain (+4 extra stitches created), you must skip 2 stitches before the shell and skip 2 stitches after the shell (-4 stitches skipped). Combined with the 1 sc anchor stitch, every repeat consumes 1 (sc) + 2 (sk) + 1 (shell base) + 2 (sk) = 6 stitches, and produces 1 (sc) + 5 (dc shell) = 6 stitches on top!
  2. The Half-Shell Edge Offset: On Row 2, you work 5 dc into each low sc valley between the shells of Row 1, and you work 1 sc into the 3rd (center) dc at the peak of each shell below. Because the shells shift sideways by half a repeat, every even-numbered row begins and ends with a 3-dc half-shell (ch 3 + 2 dc at the start, 3 dc at the end) so the side edges form a straight 90-degree line.

Classic 5dc Shell Stitch Written Pattern (Step-by-Step)

Four-panel step-by-step macro guide to crocheting a 20-chain 5dc Shell Stitch swatch: 1. Sc in 2nd Ch & Skip 2 Chs, 2. Work 5 dc in Next Chain, 3. Row 2 Start (Ch 3 + 2 dc Half-Shell), and 4. Sc in Center (3rd) dc of Shell Below.
Step-by-step progression on a 20-chain swatch: anchoring with a single crochet (1), fanning 5 dc into a single chain (2), starting Row 2 with a 3-dc half-shell (3), and anchoring into the 3rd (middle) dc of the shell below (4).

Sample Swatch Setup: Chain 20 (6 × 3 + 2 = 20 Chains)

Using worsted-weight (#4) yarn and a 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook, ch 20 to practice a swatch with 3 full shells (approx. 5.25" wide, estimate):

  • Row 1 (Right Side — 3 Full Shells):
    1. Work 1 sc into the 2nd chain from the hook (the 1 skipped chain is your turning height; 19 chains remain).
    2. *Skip the next 2 chains, work 5 dc all into the next chain (first 5dc shell made), skip the next 2 chains, and work 1 sc into the next chain (anchor made).
    3. Repeat from * 2 more times across the chain. Your final sc lands in the very last chain. Turn.
    • Row 1 Stitch Count Arithmetic: 4 sc anchors + (3 shells × 5 dc) = 19 stitches total (replacing 19 working chains).
  • Row 2 (Wrong Side — 2 Full Shells Framed by 2 Half-Shells):
    1. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc), and work 2 dc into the very first stitch (the sc right at the base of your ch-3). (Together, ch 3 + 2 dc forms your starting 3-dc half-shell.)
    2. *Skip the next 2 dc, work 1 sc into the next dc (which is the 3rd / center dc at the top peak of the 5-dc shell below), skip the next 2 dc, and work 5 dc into the next sc (the valley anchor between shells).
    3. Repeat from * across until 1 shell (5 dc) and the final sc remain.
    4. Skip the next 2 dc, work 1 sc into the center (3rd) dc of the last shell, skip the next 2 dc, and work 3 dc into the final sc at the end of the row (ending 3-dc half-shell made). Turn.
    • Row 2 Stitch Count Arithmetic: 1 starting half-shell (3 dc) + 3 sc anchors + 2 full shells (10 dc) + 1 ending half-shell (3 dc) = 19 stitches total.
  • Row 3 (Right Side — 3 Full Shells):
    1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), and work 1 sc into the very first dc at the base of your ch-1.
    2. *Skip the next 2 dc, work 5 dc into the next sc (the valley anchor between the half-shell and full shell below), skip the next 2 dc, and work 1 sc into the center (3rd) dc of the next 5-dc shell.
    3. Repeat from * across. On the final repeat, after working 5 dc into the last sc valley, skip the next 2 dc of the ending half-shell and work 1 sc into the top (3rd chain) of the turning ch-3. Turn.
    • Row 3 Stitch Count Arithmetic: 4 sc anchors + 3 full shells (15 dc) = 19 stitches total.
  • Pattern Repeat: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 to your desired length!

4 Types of Double Crochet Shell Stitches Compared

Once you master the classic 5dc staggered shell, you will spot three popular variations across modern patterns:

Overhead 4-panel comparison of shell stitch variations: 1. Classic 5dc Solid Shell, 2. Petite 3dc Shell, 3. Open / Iris Shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc), and 4. Stacked Shell (Aligned Columns).
Four ways to work double crochet shells: the classic staggered 5dc shell (1), the petite 3dc shell (2), the airy Open/Iris shell (3), and vertically aligned Stacked Shells (4).

Shell Variation

Stitch Construction

Foundation Chain Multiple

Texture & Drape

Best Project Match

1. Classic 5dc Staggered Shell

5 dc in one stitch, anchored by 1 sc (skipping 2 sts on each side)

Multiple of 6 + 2

Solid, opaque scalloped waves that nest like fish scales

Heirloom baby blankets, throw blankets, cushion covers

2. Petite 3dc Shell

3 dc in one stitch, anchored by 1 sc (skipping 1 st on each side)

Multiple of 4 + 2

Finer, flatter mini-scallops with less yarn use and subtle texture

Baby clothes, lightweight scarves, washcloths, narrow edgings

3. Open / Iris Shell (V-Shell)

(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) worked into the ch-1 space of the shell below

Multiple of 4 + 2

Airy, lacy openwork with faster row growth and fluid drape

Summer shawls, market wraps, beach cover-ups

4. Stacked 5dc Shell

5 dc worked directly into the center (3rd) dc of the shell below (separated by 1 dc posts)

Multiple of 6 + 2

Bold vertical columns of shells with openwork ladders between columns

Vintage afghans, vertical-striped throws, decorative runners

How to Add a Scalloped Double Crochet Shell Border (With Flat 90° Corners)

A single round of 5dc shells turns any plain single crochet, half double crochet, or double crochet blanket into a finished heirloom piece. The secret to making every side land evenly on the corners is a Round 1 Single Crochet Setup Frame:

Macro photograph of a scalloped 5dc Shell Stitch border in cream cotton yarn worked around the corner of a sage green blanket, showing the Round 1 sc setup frame and a 7-dc corner fan.
Work a Round 1 single crochet setup frame where each side has a Multiple of 6 + 1 stitches between corners, then work a wider 7-dc fan into each corner stitch on Round 2 so the border lies completely flat.

Round 1: The Single Crochet Setup Frame (Multiple of 6 + 1 Per Side)

  1. Join your border yarn in any corner with a sl st, ch 1, and work 1 sc evenly around all 4 edges of your blanket, placing 3 sc into each of the 4 corners (mark the center sc of each 3-stitch corner group with a stitch marker).
  2. As you approach the end of each side, count the stitches between the marked corner stitches (not including the marked corner stitches themselves). Aim for a count that is a multiple of 6 + 1 (for example, 61, 67, 73, 91, or 121 stitches).
    • Easy Fudge Trick: If your side count is off by 1 or 2 stitches, simply work an sc2tog or 2 sc in one st near the end of Round 1—or use our border stitch calculator to space your setup stitches automatically!

Round 2: The Scalloped 5dc Shell Edging Round

  1. Starting in the stitch immediately after a marked corner stitch, work 1 sc in the first stitch, then repeat *`skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, work 1 sc in next st`* all the way across the side. Because your side has 6n + 1 stitches, your final sc will land right next to the next marked corner stitch!
  2. Turning the 90-Degree Corner: Instead of skipping 2 stitches at the corner, work 7 dc (a wider corner shell) directly into the marked center corner stitch (or skip 1 st, work 7 dc in marked corner st, skip 1 st), then 1 sc in the first stitch of the next side. Those 2 extra double crochets (7 dc vs 5 dc) give the outer curve enough circumference to lie flat without curling up!

Blanket Starting-Chain Quick Table for 5dc Shell Stitch (Multiple of 6 + 2)

Planning a full-size shell stitch blanket using Category 4 worsted-weight yarn and a 5.0 mm (H-8) hook (approx. 1 repeat / 6 sts = 1.75 inches wide, estimate)? Use these pre-calculated starting chains that already satisfy the Multiple of 6 + 2 formula:

Blanket Size

Target Dimensions (W × L) (estimate)

Full 5dc Shells on Row 1

Exact Starting Chain (6n + 2)

Est. Worsted Yardage (estimate)

Security Lovey

~14" × 14" (35.5 × 35.5 cm) (estimate)

8 shells

Chain 50 (6 × 8 + 2)

~180–220 yds (estimate)

Stroller / Receiving Blanket

~30" × 35" (76 × 89 cm) (estimate)

17 shells

Chain 104 (6 × 17 + 2)

~850–980 yds (estimate)

Crib / Nursery Blanket

~36" × 48" (91.5 × 122 cm) (estimate)

21 shells

Chain 128 (6 × 21 + 2)

~1,350–1,550 yds (estimate)

Lapghan / Reading Throw

~42" × 50" (106.5 × 127 cm) (estimate)

24 shells

Chain 146 (6 × 24 + 2)

~1,650–1,900 yds (estimate)

Classic Sofa Throw

~50" × 60" (127 × 152 cm) (estimate)

29 shells

Chain 176 (6 × 29 + 2)

~2,350–2,700 yds (estimate)

Twin Bed Blanket

~66" × 90" (168 × 228.5 cm) (estimate)

38 shells

Chain 230 (6 × 38 + 2)

~4,600–5,200 yds (estimate)

Queen Bed Blanket

~90" × 95" (228.5 × 241 cm) (estimate)

51 shells

Chain 308 (6 × 51 + 2)

~6,600–7,400 yds (estimate)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a 5dc Shell Stitch and a 5dc Bobble or Popcorn Stitch?

In a 5dc Shell Stitch, you work 5 complete double crochets into the same base stitch, leaving all 5 stitch tops separate so they fan out into a flat semicircle (1 stitch → 5 stitches). In a Bobble or Popcorn Stitch, you work 5 double crochets into the same base stitch and then join all 5 tops together into 1 stitch (1 stitch → 5 posts → 1 stitch), forcing the stitches to pop out in 3D relief. Read our full guide on bobble vs shell stitches to see both side by side.

How do I make the top edge of a Shell Stitch blanket straight instead of scalloped?

If you want the top edge of your blanket or scarf to be flat like the bottom foundation edge (for seaming a garment shoulder or adding a straight border), work one Leveling Row after finishing a Row 3 (full-shell row):

  • Leveling Row: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 1 hdc in the next dc, 1 sc in the next dc, 1 sl st in the center (3rd) dc of the shell, 1 sc in the next dc, 1 hdc in the next dc, and 1 dc into the sc valley anchor. Repeating *hdc, sc, sl st, sc, hdc, dc* across fills in the valleys and flattens the peaks into a straight horizontal line!

When striping colors in Shell Stitch, should I change colors every row or every 2 rows?

Both look great, depending on the style you want:

  • Every Row (1-Row Stripes): Highlights the interlocking "mermaid scale" or scalloped wave outline of each individual row of fans, though you will need to cut yarn or use 3 colors carried up the sides.
  • Every 2 Rows (2-Row Stripes — Easiest!): If you change colors at the end of every second row, your dropped yarn strand is waiting for you on the exact same side edge where you left it—meaning you can carry two colors loosely up one side edge with zero cut ends in the middle of the blanket!

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