Crochet Shell Border Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

What Is A Crochet Shell Border?

A crochet shell border is a decorative technique that adds a pretty scalloped edging to any number of crochet projects.  Resembling beautiful seashells this technique can add a touch of elegance to your crochet creations.  

This tutorial will help you through the process of crocheting a simple shell border, both directly onto a granny square or onto any crocheted piece.  Whether you are and experienced crocheter or just starting out, I will provide you with everything you need and a free pattern to crochet a shell border.

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Why Choose A Shell Edging?

There is an endless variety of different shell stitches and their timeless charm can add that finishing touch to many crochet designs.  Whether you are finishing a cozy blanket or adding delicate touch to a shawl, adding a shell edging can add that professional and polished look that really makes your project shine.

Free Simple Shells Edging Pattern

Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a beginner, this straightforward tutorial will guide you through crocheting a border with ease. We'll start by discussing the essential supplies for this lovely project and introduce you to the crochet stitches and techniques required to create the Simple Shell Edging.

Can a beginner crochet this edging?

Absolutely! This project is an ideal place to start, especially for those new to crochet as this crochet border pattern only uses basic stitches. It provides an easy to follow introduction to adding a border to a crochet project and an opportunity to perfect this technique whilst creating something truly beautiful.  The pattern is oh so simple and will soon be one of your favourites that you come back to over and over.

Looking for other easy edgings?  Try my  Cute Bobble Edging 

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Equipment

Let's start by getting everything we need ready. Just like most patterns for borders, we'll only require a few crochet supplies -

• Yarn:  I recommend a worsted (Aran) or DK weight yarn in soft cotton or acrylic to practice with or the yarn used for your project that you are adding the border to
• Crochet hook:  An ergonomic hook is comfortable to hold, go for the size recommended on your yarn ball band or your pattern
• Scissors:  Any small sharp scissors will do
• Darning needle:  A special darning needle with a large eye 

Choosing Your Yarn

I crocheted these swatch in Sheepjes Softfun. It comes in a gorgeous variety of colours and I love it because the blend of cotton and acrylic is soft and easy to work with.

Choose a colour that compliments your project or something that makes the edging pop.  For clothing consider colours that compliment the wardrobe of the intended wearer and for home décor, consider the existing colour scheme.  Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone occasionally.  Trying new colour combinations can lead to surprisingly beautiful results.

Making a test swatch is a great way to try out new colours and can avoid you committing to something you later regret.  If you are having a hard time choosing colours try looking at current trends in fashion and interior design, or simply look out of your window and take your inspiration from nature.

Selecting the Perfect Crochet Hooks

For this tutorial, I used a 4mm hook. I love to use these Clover Soft Touch hooks as they have a smooth surface that glides through the yarn easily and the handles are comfortable to hold.  These are my preferred hooks to use and I have them in many sizes.

Handy Tools and Notions

Additionally, you'll need some helpful items like a pair of scissors, a measuring tape or gauge ruler, and a darning needle for neatly securing loose yarn ends. While not essential, stitch markers can be quite convenient for keeping track of your stitches.

Exploring the Simple Shells Edging Pattern

Now, let's take a look a the elegant stitch pattern we'll be using for this border. Though it might look complicated at first glance, the shell effect is surprisingly simple and easy to master and only uses single and double crochets.  Shells are made by crocheting multiple stitches into the same place.  This charming scalloped stitch creates beautiful little shells that add a feminine touch to your projects.

Before we begin this pretty border, let's familiarize ourselves with the basic stitches for this pattern -

• Slip Stitch:  Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. pull this loop through the loop on the hook
• Single Crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops
• Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops

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Video Tutorial

Simple Shell edging

Materials

Sheepjes Softfun or yarn required for your project

Darning needle

4mm hook or size to match your yarn

Difficulty

Easy

Abbreviations / Terms

US terms are used through out (UK terms)

sc - single crochet (double crochet)

dc - double crochet (treble crochet)

sl st - slip stitch

st(s) - stitch(s

ch - chain

sp - space

sk - skip

sh - shell

csh - corner shell

About the Yarn

Scheepjes Softfun is a premium cotton and acrylic blend perfect for babywear projects as it is especially soft and allergen-free.  Available in a wide selection of colours from the lightest pastels to the deepest berry shades, this DK is ideal for clothes, accessories, toys and blankets.  Each 50g ball has 140m of yarn.

I used a variety of colours from my stash also including the other yarns in the Softfun brand, Softfun Denim and Softfun Aquarel.  You can purchase the yarn here at Lovecrafts.

Special Stitches

Shell:  7 double crochet into the same stitch or space.

Corner shell:  9 double crochet into the same stitch or space.

Single crochet 2 together:  Insert hook into stitch, yo and pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through all loops.

Pattern Notes:

• Read pattern carefully before starting
• Pattern is in US terms
• When adding to any crochet edge, this pattern requires multiples of 9 +2 corner stitches across each edge  
• Adjust your stitch count in the single crochet round by adding or subtracting stitches, or skip an extra stitch or one less stitch on the shell round to get the right number of stitches
• subtract stitches by crocheting 2 together
• increase stitches by crocheting 2 into the same space
• When adding directly to a granny square, the border is added to any odd numbered round

Start Crocheting Here...

Adding to a granny square.

Round 1 with sl knot on hook, sc in 1st sp to the right of any corner, csh in corner sp (work over your tail as you go), sc in next sp, [sh in next sp, sc in next sp] repeat across each side, csh in each corner sp.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Adding to any other project

Round 1 with sl knot on hook join with sc in any corner st, 2sc in same st, sc in each st across sides and 3sc in each corner (adjust stitches if needed by increasing or decreasing evenly across each side), join with sl st to 1st sc.

Round 2 sl st to corner st, ch3 (counts as 1st dc of csh) csh in same st, [sk2 sts, sc in next st, sk2 sts, sh in next st] repeat across each side ending with sk2 sts, sc in next st with csh in each corner st.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shell Border

Maintaining Consistent Tension

Keep your stitches even and consistent in tension to achieve a neat and uniform shell border. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be mindful of stitch counts and placement to avoid uneven shells. Using stitch markers can help maintain accuracy, especially on larger projects.

Customizing Shell Sizes and Spacing

Experiment with the number of double crochets in each shell and the spacing between shells to customize your border. Larger shells create a bolder look, while smaller shells offer a dainty finish.

Where Can I Use A Shell Border?

Enhancing Blankets and Afghans

A shell border can transform a plain blanket into a stunning focal point. The scalloped edge adds texture and interest, making your blanket stand out.

Adding Elegance to Garments

Incorporate shell borders into clothing items like cardigans, shawls, and baby garments for that special touch. The border provides a finished, professional look that enhances the overall design.

Decorating Home Accessories

Use shell borders to embellish home accessories such as pillows, table runners, and curtains. The decorative edge adds a charming detail that complements various interior styles.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing Uneven Borders

If your border appears uneven, recheck your stitch counts and tension. Frogging (unraveling) a few stitches and reworking them can often resolve the issue.

Correcting Stitch Mistakes

Mistakes happen. If you notice an error, carefully unravel the affected stitches and redo them correctly. Taking the time to fix mistakes ensures a polished final product.

Looking for more easy edgings?

Crab Stitch Edging

Iris Stitch Edging

Cute Bobble Edging

Or maybe some blanket patterns?

Stormy Horizon Throw
The Jacob Baby Blanket
Weekend Wonder Blanket
The Beginners' Blanket
Sweet Dreams Baby Blanket
Spring Garden Baby Blanket

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