Ready to add some delightful shell-stitch texture to your crochet projects? This elegant granny square pattern combines classic charm with gorgeous shell stitches, creating beautiful dimensional details that catch both light and attention. Each square measures 4.1 inches when worked with worsted weight yarn, making them perfect for dainty coasters, charming baby blankets, or even eye-catching wall art!
Follow along with my detailed step-by-step instructions and photo tutorial below to create these lovely textured squares. Trust me, once you master these delicate shell stitches, you'll be hooked and want to make dozens more!
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Don't forget to pin this Shell Stitch Granny Square tutorial for your next cozy crafting session!
Recommended Yarn and Crochet Hooks
Let's talk about the perfect materials to create these delightful Shell Stitch Granny Squares that'll make your projects absolutely shine!
For this elegant pattern, I highly recommend using Loopara milk cotton yarn. This yarn is truly perfect for these texture-rich squares – it's wonderfully soft yet holds its shape beautifully, making those delicate shell stitch details really pop! The yarn's natural sheen adds a sophisticated touch, while its durability ensures your creations will stay lovely wash after wash. Plus, it's incredibly smooth to work with, making those precise shell stitches a joy to create.
For our squares, consider choosing colors that complement your project's theme. Whether you opt for soothing pastels for a baby blanket, rich jewel tones for a statement piece, or elegant neutrals for home decor – the shell stitch texture will shine in any color palette you choose. The yarn's excellent stitch definition ensures those beautiful shell details stand out perfectly!
We'll be using a 2.5mm crochet hook for this pattern. This hook size is key for creating these 4.1-inch squares – it helps achieve those neat, defined stitches that give our squares their crisp, professional appearance. The precise hook size ensures your shells maintain their beautiful texture while keeping a firm, stable structure – perfect for creating those eye-catching dimensional details!
These granny squares are absolute gems to work on – they're perfect for using up yarn stash, they work up surprisingly quickly, and once you get into the rhythm of those shell stitches, you'll find them absolutely addictive to make. Whether you're creating a single square or planning a larger project, each one is a little masterpiece of texture and style!
Materials needed for Shell Stitch Granny Square Style II
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (Pink 51, Pink 57 and Pink 59)
- Hook – 2.5mm
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl – slip stitch
- Magic ring
How to Crochet a Shell Stitch Granny Square Style II – Step by Step
Round 1: Using color 57, start with a magic ring. Chain 3, chain 1. Work (double crochet, chain 1) 7 times into the ring. Tighten the magic ring and slip stitch to join.
Round 2: Chain 1. Work [single crochet, followed by 7 double crochet] 4 times around. Slip stitch to join.
Round 3: Switch to color 59. Work (chain 4, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5. Repeat [(double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5] 3 times. Slip stitch to join.
Round 4: Chain 1. Work [single crochet, 7 double crochet, single crochet, 7 double crochet] 4 times around. Slip stitch to join.
Round 5: Change to color 51. Chain 4, double crochet, chain 5. Work [(double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5, (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5] 3 times. Work (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5. Slip stitch to join.
Round 6: Chain 1. Work [single crochet, 7 double crochet] 12 times around. Slip stitch to join.
Round 7: Change to color 59. Chain 4, double crochet, chain 5. Work (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5. Repeat [(double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5, (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5] twice.] 3 times. Work (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, chain 3, double crochet, chain 1, double crochet), chain 5. Slip stitch to join.
Round 8: Change to color 51. Chain 1. Work [single crochet, 7 double crochet] 16 times around. Slip stitch to join. Weave in all ends to finish.
Tips: Keep consistent tension when working your shell stitches - it's key for even shells. Count your stitches in each round carefully, and don't forget to tighten your magic ring securely at the start.
How to Join Granny Squares
Granny squares are perfect for bags, clothing, and blankets. If you’re thinking of making one with those squares, I’m excited to share my comprehensive guide on 11 Ways to Join Granny Squares with you! I’ve detailed every method I know and love – each brings its own special touch to your finished piece. Let me help you discover which one works best for you!
How to Change Colors in a Granny Square
Are you looking for a different color palette? I totally get it—it’s why I love crochet! If you’re not crazy about our color palette, I put together two color-changing techniques that I use for all of my projects. Let me show you how to make these color transitions smooth and professional so you can bring your unique, creative vision to life.
How to Weave in Ends Crochet Granny Square
The secret for professional-looking granny squares is all about how you weave in those ends. I’m sharing 3 ways to weave in ends with you! These are techniques I’ve perfected over years of crocheting and use in all my projects. I’ll show you exactly how I secure my ends to make sturdy, polished pieces that last. Trust me, once you master these finishing methods, your granny squares will look absolutely stunning!
Care Instructions
Hey there, fellow crocheters! Now that you've created your beautiful Shell Stitch Granny Squares, let's chat about how to keep these textured treasures looking gorgeous for years to come.
When it comes to washing, I always recommend treating your squares with gentle care to preserve those lovely shell stitches. Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent meant for delicates. Give them a soft swish – no rough handling or wringing, please! We want to keep those shell stitches defined and beautiful. After rinsing thoroughly, gently squeeze out excess water without twisting to prevent distorting your careful stitchwork.
Now, drying time. Lay your squares flat on a clean, dry towel. This is your perfect chance to reshape – make sure those corners are crisp and shell stitches are well-defined. Let them air dry away from direct sunlight to keep your colors vibrant. The milk cotton yarn actually responds beautifully to this gentle blocking, helping maintain that perfect 4.1-inch size.
For storing your squares, keep them in a breathable fabric bag or box with cedar blocks (a little natural moth protection never hurts!). If you're stacking multiple squares, place acid-free tissue paper between them to prevent any color transfer or snags. Always store away from direct sunlight to keep those lovely colors fresh.
Remember, these squares are made to last! With proper care, they'll get softer with each wash while maintaining their beautiful shell stitch texture. A little love goes a long way in keeping your creations looking as stunning as the day you made them!
What’s Next?
Love this four-petal flower square pattern? Share your creation on Facebook with fellow crocheters, save it on Pinterest for your crafty collection, show off your beautiful work on Instagram, or tweet your color choices on Twitter! Let's spread the joy of these delicate floral squares!
