Glossary / Shell
shShell
A fan of complete tall stitches all worked into one stitch.
Also written: fan
How to work it
Work several full double crochets (five is classic) into the same stitch or chain space, then skip a few stitches on either side so the group spreads into a fan. Unlike a cluster, every stitch in a shell is finished on its own, so the group stays open at the top. Shells make scalloped edgings, lacy blanket rows, and the famous granny square corners.
Common confusions
What is the difference between a shell and a cluster?
A shell finishes every stitch separately, so the group fans open at the top. A cluster leaves each stitch unfinished and closes them together, so the group pinches into one point. Shells spread, clusters gather, and many stitch patterns pair them for the wave effect.
Why is my shell fabric rippling?
The skipped stitches on either side of each shell are not balancing the stitches inside it. A five-stitch shell usually needs two skipped stitches on each side. If the pattern is ruffling, you are adding more stitches than you are skipping.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Shell | sh |
| Español | Punto abanico | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Muschelmasche | Fächer |
| Français | Point d’éventail | no standard code |
| Italiano | Ventaglio | no standard code |
| 日本語 | シェル編み（貝殻編み） | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
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