I have a new crochet tutorial for you today – How to Crochet the Interlocking Shell Stitch.
I have used this stitch before and loved it! It is especially visual when made in a 2-row colour repeat, as it gives the effect of a ripple pattern.
Here is a sneak peek of a baby blanket I have been making using this lovely shell stitch.
Shell Stitch Crochet Details
I am crocheting the baby blanket as a gift and wanted a stitch that was striking – using 2 colours – and easy and quick to make, and I just love this result!
The Crochet Interlocking Shell Stitch creates a substantial fabric with a lot of visual interest and loads of potential for colour play. It is a very relaxing stitch to work.
You can change colours every row, or every two rows as I did, which gives the illusion of a wavy pattern.
Here is a sample square I crocheted using the Interlocking Shell Stitch. You can find the Instructions and a picture tutorial below.
You might like to check out my patterns for baby blankets using the Granny Spike Stitch
Click on the heading to find the free pattern!
Poppy’s Blanket
Granny Spike Stitch Blanket
How to Crochet the Interlocking Shell Stitch
Materials
I used two colours of a DK weight yarn and a 4.5mm crochet hook for my sample square. You can use any yarn you like and matching hook.
Abbreviations
US Crochet terms
t-ch – turning chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
ch – chain
st – stitch
rep – repeat
UK Crochet terms
t-ch – turning chain
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
ch – chain
st – stitch
rep – repeat
Special stitches
Double Crochet 5 together – Dc5tog (cluster): Yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops left on hook), (yarn over, insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) 4 times, yarn over and draw yarn through all 6 loops on hook.
Changing Colours – Work the last yarn over of the row with the next colour, for a neat colour change
Instructions (in US crochet terms)
Using Yarn A and 4.5mm hook, chain a multiple of 6 sts + 1, + 2 for the foundation row
Row 1: 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 3 dc), skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, * skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch; rep from * to last 3 ch, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch, turn. Fasten off yarn
Row 2: Using Yarn B, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in 1st st, * ch 2, dc5tog over next 5 sts, ch 2, 1 sc in next st; rep from * ending by working last sc in top of t-ch, turn
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), 2 dc in 1st st, skip 2 ch, * 1 sc in top of next cluster, skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 ch; rep from * to last cluster, 1 sc in top of cluster, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last sc, turn. Fasten off yarn
Repeat rows 2 – 3, ending on a row 2, following colour sequence above. Fasten off.
Instructions with Picture Tutorial
Using Yarn A and 4.5mm hook, chain a multiple of 6 sts + 1, + 2 for the foundation row
Row 1: 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 3 dc), skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, * skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch; rep from * to last 3 ch, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last ch, turn. Fasten off yarn
Row 2: Using Yarn B, ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 sc in 1st st, * ch 2, dc5tog over next 5 sts,
ch 2, 1 sc in next st;
rep from * ending by working last sc in top of t-ch, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), 2 dc in 1st st, skip 2 ch, * 1 sc in top of next cluster,
skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 ch; rep from * to last cluster, 1 sc in top of cluster, skip 2 ch, 3 dc in last sc, turn. Fasten off yarn.
Repeat rows 2 – 3, ending on a row 2, following colour sequence above. Fasten off.
Now that you know how to Crochet the Interlocking Shell Stitch, you can use it for blankets, wash cloths and many accessories!

Check out some other Stitch Tutorials I have shared here
Find more Free patterns here
No unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, or distribution of this pattern or content is permitted. If you make this pattern, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and be sure to tag me in your photos so I can see it too, @anniedesigncrochet or #anniedesigncrochet – I can’t wait to see what colours you use with this pattern!
The photographs and pattern contained on this page are the property of Annie Design Crochet.com.
This pattern is for personal use only. You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern. I would appreciate if you could link back to my blog. Thank you!
That is a lovely blanket! I have just finished the Lacy Shells in blue, I have extra yarn, considering making this one. Any plans for a video tutorial on it? As always, thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your art.