How to Crochet the Tunisian Crochet Lacy Shells Stitch – VIDEO TUTORIAL

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]

Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blanket – Lacy Shells Square Pattern

This tutorial was made as a supplement to the Lacy Shells Square as part of the Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blanket pattern. Find the full pattern to make your square below.

Join the Double the Fun 2024 Crochet Along! This free crochet along to make the Crochet Amour and Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blankets runs from November 11th, 2024, to December 20th, 2024. Get full details in this blog post and join the fun!

Lacy Shells Square Pattern

• Prefer a printable version? Purchase the ad-free Tunisian Snowy Sampler pattern from my shop HERE.
• Find Gauge and Abbreviations in this blog post.

MATERIALS

• Worsted weight yarn – color A
• 6.5mm corded Tunisian crochet hook
• 6.5mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

FINISHED SIZE

12 x 12 inches square after blocking

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 + 2 when creating the foundation chain.

NOTE

When seaming the Lacy Shells Square to your Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blanket, rotate the square 180 degrees so the arches of the square are facing up, as in the photo below.

INSTRUCTIONS

ROW 1: With A 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 each of the 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 23 rows at this point.

LAST ROW: Rep Row 3 through *, yo, pull through 1 lp, (yo pull through 2 lps) until 1 lp rem on hook. Slip stitch in each vertical bar loosely to bind off. Do not cut yarn – proceed to Standard Border.

STANDARD BORDER

1. Change to 6mm crochet hook and ensure the square is facing right side up.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Snowy Sampler Blanket.

Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blanket Layout

Get the printable PDF version of the Tunisian Snowy Sampler Blanket here!