Crochet a Charming Shell Stitch Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The shell stitch is a classic in the world of crochet, beloved for its beautiful texture and elegant drape. It creates a fan-like pattern that’s both visually appealing and surprisingly sturdy, making it perfect for accessories like bags. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through making a lovely shell stitch bag – ideal for carrying your essentials or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

What you’ll learn:

  • The basic shell stitch pattern.

  • How to create a flat base for your bag.

  • Building the body of the bag in rounds.

  • Adding a simple strap.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we begin, gather your supplies:

  • Yarn: Approximately 200-300 yards (180-270 meters) of medium-weight (worsted weight / 4) yarn. Cotton or a cotton blend is recommended for bags as it holds its shape well. Choose your favorite color!

  • Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your yarn. For worsted weight, typically a 5.0mm (H/8) or 5.5mm (I/9) hook. Check your yarn label for recommendations.

  • Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.

  • Scissors: For cutting yarn.

  • Stitch Marker (optional but helpful): To mark the beginning of your rounds.

  • Understanding the Shell Stitch (Basic Pattern)

    The shell stitch is made up of multiple double crochet (dc) stitches worked into the same stitch or space.

    Abbreviations:

    • ch: chain

    • sc: single crochet

    • dc: double crochet

    • sk: skip

    • st(s): stitch(es)

    • sp: space

    How to make a basic shell: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space.

    Let’s Begin: The Bag Base

    We’ll start by crocheting an oval base in rows, then working around it to create the first round of the bag.

    Chain: Ch 26. (This will be the length of your bag. Adjust as desired, ensuring an even number.)

    Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 23 chs. 3 sc in last ch. Now you’ll work along the opposite side of the starting chain. Sc in next 23 chs. 2 sc in last ch. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (52 sts)

    Round 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). 2 sc in same st. Sc in next 23 sts. 2 sc in next 3 sts. Sc in next 23 sts. 2 sc in next 2 sts. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (60 sts)

    Round 3: Ch 1. Sc in same st and in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (60 sts)

    Your base should now be a sturdy oval shape.

Building the Bag Body (Shell Stitch Rounds)

Now we’ll transition to the beautiful shell stitch pattern, working in continuous rounds.

Round 1 (Shells): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 2 dc in same st (this creates half of your first shell). Sk 2 sts. *Sc in next st. Sk 2 sts. 5 dc in next st (this is a full shell). Sk 2 sts.* Repeat from * to * around. End with sc in the last st. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3.

Round 2 (Shells): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 2 dc in the same st. *Sc in the center (3rd) dc of the next 5-dc shell. 5 dc in the next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. End with sc in the center (3rd) dc of the last 5-dc shell. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial Ch 3.

Repeat Round 2 until your bag reaches your desired height. A typical small bag is about 10-12 rounds of shell stitch, but you can make it taller or shorter.

Finishing the Top Edge

Once your bag body is complete, we’ll finish the top with a simple round of single crochet to give it a neat edge.

Last Round (Sc): Ch 1. Sc in each dc and sc around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Fasten off your yarn and weave in all loose ends securely using your yarn needle.

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