How to crochet the overlapping shell stitch (step-by-step challenged tutorial)
The overlapping shell stitch is a textured crochet pattern with a soft, layered look created by repeating simple stitches. It’s an easy yet eye-catching stitch that works beautifully for blankets, scarves, and other decorative projects.
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What is an overlapping shell stitch?
The overlapping shell stitch is a beautifully textured crochet pattern that creates soft waves and layered depth across your fabric. Although it looks intricate, the stitch is made using simple, repeating steps that are easy to follow once you settle into the rhythm.
This stitch works especially well for blankets, scarves, and other projects where you want a decorative yet relaxing pattern. Whether you’re learning a new stitch or looking to add interest to your crochet without complicated techniques, the overlapping shell stitch is a lovely and satisfying choice.
Step by step instructions
Materials you’ll need
Yarn: DK (light worsted) yarn I recommend using a smooth, light-coloured yarn when learning this stitch, as it helps the ribbed texture stand out clearly. DK yarn works particularly well for practice swatches, scarves, and blankets. I used Stylecraft Special DK for this tutorial as it shows the ribbed texture clearly.
Crochet hook: 4.0 mm I used a 4.0 mm hook for this tutorial. Ergonomic hooks like Tulip Etimo Murasaki crochet hook are especially helpful for textured stitches like this one, as they keep your tension even and reduce hand fatigue during longer sessions.
Scissors For cutting yarn neatly at the end of your work.
Yarn needle To weave in your ends once your swatch or project is complete.
Tip: If you tend to crochet tightly or loosely, don’t be afraid to adjust your hook size slightly to achieve a fabric you’re happy with.
To crochet the overlapping shell stitch, you don’t need a specific brand of yarn. A smooth DK yarn works best, as it helps the texture and stitch definition stand out clearly.
Yarn options:
UK gentle readers: A beginner-friendly DK yarn from Laughing Hen
International readers: A wide colour selection of DK yarns from LoveCrafts
Crochet skills required
Crochet stitches standard: I am using the US / International standard crochet terms.
This stitch is suitable for confident beginners and above. Before starting, it helps to be comfortable with the following basic crochet skills:
Tension is very important. The yarn must glide smoothly from your tension hand to your working hand —
not too tight, not too loose — and follow the gauge of your hook.
Featured stitch:
Shell stitch: For this tutorial the shell stitch is making 3 double crochet into a specified space
Overlapping shell stitch: making the shell stitch over the body of another shell stitch before it, allowing the root of the shell stitch to take over the design to the next level
Foundation chains
The overlapping shell stitch is a multiple of 8 + 5 + 8 . To create a sample tension, in this demo, I will be chaining 32 + 5 + 8, that’s 45 chains in total, so we can see the pattern more clearly.
Row 1
To start the first row, make 3 double crochet on the 5th chain from the hook. skip the next 3 chains, make 1 single crochet into the next chain, * [skip the next 5 chains, make 3 double crochet into the next chain, and then chain 2. From the previous single crochet made and skipped chains, skip the next chain and make 3 double crochet into the next chain wrapping around the the first set of shell stitch, skip the next chain and make 1 single crochet into the next chain]. You have made your first overlapping shell stitch. Repeat * until there are 4 chains left. Skip the next 3 chains, make 3 double crochet into the next chain, chain 1, and make another double crochet into the same chain.
Row 2
To begin with the second row, chain 1 (not counted as a stitch), and then turn. make 1 single crochet into the first stitch. * [chain 3, make 1 double crochet into the next single crochet from previous row (the stitch between 2 overlapping shell stitches), chain 3. Make a single crochet on the next chain 2 space (the top of the overlapping shell stitch). Repeat * until the last full overlapping shell stitch. Chain 3, make 1 double crochet into the next single crochet from previous row (the stitch between 2 overlapping shell stitches), chain 3. make a single crochet on the chain next to the last double crochet.
Row 3
To start the third row, chain 1, and make a single crochet into the first stitch. * [skip the next 3 chains space and double crochet, into the next chain 3 space, make 3 double crochet, chain 2. From the previously skipped chain 3 space, go back and make 3 double crochet wrapping around the the first set of shell stitch, make 1 single crochet into the next single crochet (the one at the top of the previous overlapping shell stitch)]. You have made your first overlapping shell stitch for this row. Repeat * until the the last single crochet at the end.
Row 4
To begin with the fourth row, chain 6 (counted as 1 double crochet and chain 3 space), and then turn. Make 1 single crochet into the next chain 2 space (the top of the overlapping shell stitch). * [chain 3, make 1 double crochet into the next single crochet from previous row (the stitch between 2 overlapping shell stitches), chain 3. Make a single crochet on the next chain 2 space (the top of the overlapping shell stitch). Repeat * until the last full overlapping shell stitch. Chain 3, make 1 double crochet into the next single crochet from previous row (the last stitch).
Row 5
To start the fifth row, chain 4, and make 4 double crochet into the first stitch. Skip the next chain 3 space, and make a single crochet into the next stitch (the top of the overlapping shell stitch). * [skip the next 3 chains space and double crochet, into the next chain 3 space, make 3 double crochet, chain 2. From the previously skipped chain 3 space, go back and make 3 double crochet wrapping around the the first set of shell stitch, make 1 single crochet into the next single crochet (the one at the top of the previous overlapping shell stitch)]. You have made your first overlapping shell stitch for this row. Repeat * until the the last single crochet at the end (the top of the overlapping shell stitch). Skip the next chain 3 space, and into the next chain make [3 double crochet, chain 1, and 1 final double crochet].
Row 6
To begin with the sixth row, is as simple as repeating row 2.
From here, you can repeat rows 3 to 6 for how many times as you like. This is the overlapping shell stitch
This pattern describes a common crochet technique. While crochet stitches and methods are not copyrightable, the written instructions, photographs, and explanations on this page are original and protected by copyright.
Made with care and shared with love. You may sell finished items made from this pattern, but please do not copy, reproduce, or redistribute the written instructions. Please credit Crafting with Beth when sharing your work.
How to crochet the overlapping shell stitch (step-by-step challenged tutorial)
