Shells stitches are a classic when it comes to traditional crochet, but did you know you can achieve shell stitches in Tunisian crochet?! The Tunisian crochet Lacy Shells stitch will challenge your crochet skills but the payoff is 100% worth it.
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Tunisian crochet has a reputation for creating thick, heavy, and dense fabrics. But there is, in fact, a lighter side to this fun craft. Like in traditional crochet, adding chains to a Tunisian crochet pattern creates negative space and airiness in the finished fabric.
When it comes to the Tunisian crochet Lacy Shells stitch, chain spaces are interspersed with small shell stitches, with most of the hard work being done on the return pass. You’ll really want to pay attention to each step of this stitch to get the beautiful, symmetrical shells that the pattern creates.
Ready to try the interesting Tunisian Crochet Lacy Shells Stitch?! Grab your crochet hooks and watch this video:
Learn even more Tunisian crochet with these helpful videos:
- Tunisian Crochet for Absolute Beginners [watch here]
- How to Choose and Use Tunisian Crochet Hooks [watch here]
- 5 More Tunisian Crochet Stitches to Try [watch here]
Holiday Tunisian Sampler Blanket – Lacy Shells Square Pattern
This tutorial was made as a supplement to the Lacy Shells Square as part of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket. Find the full pattern to make your square below.
Join the Holiday TCAL 2020 event! This free crochet along to make the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket runs from October to November 2020. Get full details in this blog post and join the fun!
Lacy Shells Square Pattern
*Get the printable PDF version of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket pattern HERE.
MATERIALS
- Worsted weight yarn – color C
- 6.5mm Tunisian crochet hook with 16″ cord
- 6mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
FINISHED SIZE
12 x 12 inches square after blocking
GAUGE
The gauge varies for each square of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket. Reference the starting chain stitch multiple to make adjustments to your square. All squares should measure about 11.5″ square before the border is added.
ABBREVIATIONS
- 2sc = 2 single crochet in the same stitch (increase made)
- Ch(s) = chain(s)
- Lts = last Tunisian stitch (see Special Stitches below)
- RetP = return pass (see Special Stitches below)
- Sc = single crochet
- Sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (decrease made)
- Sk = skip
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- Tss = Tunisian simple stitch
- Yo = yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES
- Last Tunisian Stitch (Lts) – insert hook under BOTH vertical bars of the last stitch and complete as for Tunisian simple stitch
- Return Pass (RetP) – ch 3, yo, pull through next 6 loops on hook, (ch 4, yo, pull through next 6 loops on hook) to last 2 loops, ch 2, yo, pull through last 2 loops
STITCH MULTIPLE
Work the Lacy Shells stitch over a multiple of 5 plus 2 when creating the foundation chain.
NOTE
When seaming the Lacy Shells Square to your Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket, rotate the square 180 degrees so the arches of the square are facing up as in the photo below.
BORDER NOTES
To ensure that all squares of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket will join evenly, apply the Standard Border. All squares need to have 35 single crochet stitches on each size. This means you will have to increase the number of edge stitches in some cases, and decrease the number of edge stitches in other places.
- To increase the number of stitches along an edge, evenly place 2sc increases along the edge where needed.
- To decrease the number of stitches along an edge, evenly place sc2tog decreases along the edge where needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
ROW 1: With C and 6.5mm Tunisian crochet hook, ch 42, pull up a loop in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook and each ch across row, ch 1, (yo, pull through next 2 loops) until 1 loop remains on hook.
ROW 2: Tss across to last st, Lts, RetP as noted above.
ROW 3: Tss in next 2 ch, tss in top of shell, (tss in next 4 chs, tss in top of shell) to last 3 ch, tss in next 2 ch, sk next ch, Lts, RetP as noted above.
Repeat Row 3 until your square measures 11.25″ tall when slightly stretched. My square had 21 rows at this point.
LAST ROW: Tss in next 2 ch, tss in top of shell, (tss in next 4 chs, tss in top of shell) to last 3 ch, tss in next 2 ch, sk next ch, Lts, ch 1, (yo, pull through next 2 loops) until 1 loop remains on hook.
Slip stitch in each vertical bar loosely to bind off. Do not cut yarn.
STANDARD BORDER
- Change to 6mm crochet hook and ensure the square is facing right side up.
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), single crochet 35 stitches evenly across the first edge of the square, placing increases and decreases where needed. At corner, ch 2 and rotate to work along the next edge.
- Single crochet 35 stitches evenly across the edge, placing increases and decreases where needed. At corner, ch 2 and rotate to work along the next edge.
- Repeat Step 3 for the remaining 2 sides. At the end of the round, join with a slip stitch in the first single crochet of the round. Fasten off and block your finished square to 12″ x 12″.
Click HERE to access stitch patterns for the other squares in the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket.
Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket Layout
Get the printable PDF version of the Tunisian Holiday Sampler Blanket here.
Thank you so much for the written instructions for this beautiful pattern. I just got my corded Tunisian hook set and I can’t wait to try it!
This is a great tutorial! I’m a beginner crocheter and this was really helpful.