Crochet Argyle Shell Stitch

Introduction to Crochet Argyle Shell Stitch
Crochet Argyle Shell Stitch is a fun and intricate stitch pattern that creates a beautifully textured design resembling the classic argyle pattern found on socks. This stitch combines shell stitches with clusters of double crochet to form a unique diamond-shaped motif that adds a touch of elegance to your crochet projects. Whether you're making blankets, scarves, or even garments, the Crochet Argyle Shell Stitch is sure to impress with its eye-catching appeal. So grab your favorite yarn and crochet hook, and give this delightful stitch a try to add a special touch of charm to your next project!
Getting Started
The Argyle Shell stitch set is a four-row repeat. To start this pattern, you will need to chain a multiple of EIGHT + TWO for the foundation chain.
For this tutorial, we will start with a chain of 24 + 2 for a total of 26 chains.
Working the Stitch Pattern
Foundation Row
Next, you will single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Chain five, skip the next three chains, and single crochet in the next chain. Repeat the chain five, skip three chains, single crochet in the next chain to the end of the row. You should end with a single crochet in the last chain.
Four-Row Repeat
Now that you’ve got your foundation prepared, you will continue adding the following four-row repeat for the duration of the pattern.
Note that one SHELL = double crochet, ch-1, double crochet, ch-1, double crochet all in the same stitch.
First Row of the Four-Row Repeat
Chain 5, turn, * sc around ch-sp, shell in next sc, sc around next ch-sp. Ch-5 * repeat between * * 1 more time. Sc around next ch-sp, shell in next sc, sc around ch-sp. Ch-2, dc in last st.
Second Row of the Four-Row Repeat
Ch-1, turn, sc in first st. * Shell in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell, shell in next sc. Sc around next ch-sp * repeat between * * 1 more time. Shell in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in 3rd ch from beg ch.
Third Row of the Four-Row Repeat
Ch-5, turn, * sc in center dc of next shell, shell in next sc, sc in center of next shell, ch-5 * repeat between * * 1 more time. Sc in center dc of next shell, shell in next sc. Sc in center dc of next shell. Ch-2, dc in last st.
Fourth Row of the Four-Row Repeat
Ch-1, turn. Sc in first st, ch-5, * sc in center dc of next shell. Ch-5, sc around next ch-sp, ch-5 * repeat between * * 1 more time. Sc in center dc of next shell. Ch-5, sc in 3rd ch from beg ch.
Continuing the Pattern
To continue with the pattern, start over with the first row of the four-row repeat and continue adding the argyle shells until the piece is as tall as you like. In this photo, I have completed two of the four-row repeats.
To end the piece, you’ll want to replace the final (fourth) row of the four-row repeat with this row:
Ch-1, turn. Sc in first st, * ch-3, sc in center dc of next shell, ch-3, sc around next ch-sp * repeat between * * to end. Ch-3, sc in center dc of last shell, ch-3, sc in 3rd ch from beg ch.
Final Touches
At the end of this final row, you should have the same multiple of eight that you started with, plus one stitch. In this instance, that would be 25 stitches because we started with a foundation of 26.