Step-by-Step Tutorial in Rows & Rounds (+ Yarn Weight Tips)
The V-Stitch/Shell Stitch Combo is a beautiful marriage of texture and elegance, making it one of the most versatile stitches you can add to your crochet arsenal. With its unique mix of openwork and structure, this stitch creates a delicate yet durable fabric that’s perfect for everything from cozy blankets to airy shawls and even stylish cardigans. Whether you’re looking to create something soft and lacy or bold and structured, this combo stitch delivers endless possibilities.
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you step-by-step through crocheting the V-Stitch/Shell Stitch Combo in both rows and rounds, so you can use it in a wide range of projects. I’ll also share swatches worked in worsted, DK, and fingering weight yarn, so you can see how this stitch shines in different textures and thicknesses. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or eager to try something new, this stitch is a must-have for your collection!
Skill Level
The V-Stitch/Shell Stitch Combo is beginner-friendly with a touch of intermediate flair, making it perfect for those looking to expand their stitch repertoire. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like chains, double crochets, and working into spaces, you’ll find this stitch both approachable and rewarding to master.
Materials & Yarn Recommendations
Hook: You’ll want to work with the hook size recommended on the yarn label from the yarn you are using OR play with guage to find the best look for your project (See gauge note below). *For the examples shown in the tutorial, I was working with a J Hook.
Yarn: This stitch is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with any yarn weight, from delicate lace to chunky worsted. Your choice of yarn will largely depend on the type of project you’re creating—lighter yarns are ideal for airy shawls and scarves, while heavier yarns lend themselves to cozy blankets and home decor. *For the examples show in the tutorial, I was working with worsted weight yarn.
Gauge: Gauge plays a big role in how the V-Stitch/Shell Stitch Combo looks and feels. A tighter gauge (smaller hook) will create a denser, more structured fabric with less drape, while a looser gauge (larger hook) enhances the stitch’s openwork, resulting in a softer, more delicate appearance. Adjust your hook size to achieve the right balance for your project.
Here is a comparison of three different weight yarns! From left to right, I have used worsted, DK and fingering weight yarns. Each one was created with the hook size suggested on the labels (J/6mm, G/4mm and E/3mm) and the texture worked up pretty much identically in each weight.
Of course, to get the most drape and lace appearance, working with a fingering weight and a larger hook than suggested on the label would be the way to go. If you want to create a fabric that is more structured and denser, you’ll want to work with a worsted and the suggested hook or even a smaller than suggested hook. There are so many ways to play with stitch combo!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Rows
To begin, chain your desired length in multiples of 6 + 3. (I’ve chained 21 here in the sample.)
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, [sk 2, shell st, sk 2, v-st] repeat across until 6 chs remain, sk 2, shell st, sk 2, dc.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, 2dc, sk 2, [v-st in center dc of shell st, sk 3, shell st in ch 1 of v-st, sk 3] repeat across until one shell st remains in row below, sk 3, v-st in center dc of shell st, sk 2, 3dc.
**This will be the placements of v-sts and shell sts throughout your work.
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, dc, [sk 3, shell st, sk 3, v-st] repeat across until one v-st remains in row below, sk 3, shell st, sk 3, dc in turning ch of previous row.
Rows 4-??: Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have your desired length!
So easy right? You are essentially creating “partial” v-stitches and shell stitches at the beginning and end of each row so that your pattern can continue to be worked, and you’ll create a nice straight edge on either end. You could easily use this stitch combo for anything from blankets to panels on a cardigan.
But that’s not all because this stitch can also be worked in the round!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Rounds
To begin, chain your desired length in multiples of 6, join. (I’ve chained 36 here in the sample.)
Round 1: Ch 2, 2dc in ch you joined to, [sk 2, v-st, sk 2, shell st] around until 2 chs remain, sk 2, 3dc into first ch, join to first dc.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc and ch 1), turn, dc, [sk 3, shell st in ch 1 of v-st, sk 3, v-st in center dc of shell st] repeat around until 7 sts remain, sk 3, shell st in ch 1 of v-st, join to 2nd ch of ch 3.
**This will be the placements of v-sts and shell sts throughout your work.
Round 3: Sl st into ch sp, ch 2, turn, 2dc in same ch sp, [sk 3, v-st, sk 3, shell st] repeat around until 7 sts remain, sk 3, v-st, sk 3, 3dc in same ch space as first 2dc, join.
Round 4: Turn, sl st into last st of previous round, ch 3 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in same st, [sk 3, shell st, sk 3, v-st] repeat around until you have 7 sts remaining, sk 3, shell st, join to 2nd ch of ch 3.
Rounds 5-??: Repeat rounds 3 and 4 until you have your desired length!
I love a stitch combo that can be worked in both rows and rounds! And the way the rounds work with this one makes the seam almost invisible. Use it for anything from bags to hats and get a nice clean fabric that you’ll have to worry less about having an obvious “back”.
Need a little more help? I walk you through the process on YouTube!
This stitch combo was part of the 2 Stitch Repeat Roundup hosted by Sweet Potato 3! Want to learn even more stitches? Head over to the post to see more amazing stitches you can add to your crochet library!
Try this Stitch in a Pattern!
I designed the Tanglewood Wall Organizer using this exact stitch combo! If can be made with one or two pockets perfect for storage in your home or office. Find the pattern free on my blog now!
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