If you love open, airy crochet stitches with beautiful texture and drape, the Shells and V-Stitch pattern is one you’ll want to add to your collection. This easy two-row repeat combines delicate V stitches with full double crochet shells to create a lightweight fabric that works beautifully for garments, accessories, and home decor projects.

Two crocheted swatches, one white and one pink, featuring v-stitch crochet, are displayed on a white surface near balls of yarn, a candle, and a floral-patterned fabric.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through how to crochet the Shells and V Stitch both flat in rows and in the round. Once you learn the repeat, this stitch pattern becomes relaxing and repetitive, making it perfect for mindful crochet projects and easy summer stitching.

The Shells and V-Stitch has quickly become one of my favourite stitch patterns for warm-weather garments because it creates such beautiful movement and drape without becoming too dense or heavy. The open-stitch design gives projects a breathable feel while still adding plenty of texture and visual interest.

Home » Patterns » Shells and V-Stitch Crochet Tutorial

This stitch pattern is also very versatile. You can easily use it for:

Lightweight cardigans
Summer tops
Market bags
Shawls
Beach coverups
Baby blankets
Home decor projects

If you love this stitch pattern, be sure to check out my:

Both patterns use this gorgeous stitch combination and feature step-by-step video tutorials to help guide you through the process. I also have more crochet patterns coming soon that use this stitch, as it has quickly become one of my favourite lightweight textures for garments and accessories.

Key Takeaways

The Shells and V-Stitch pattern features an airy design that is perfect for lightweight crochet projects.
This stitch works well for a variety of items including summer tops, shawls, and baby blankets.
You can crochet the Shells and V-Stitch both flat in rows and in the round, making it versatile.
The pattern consists of alternating V stitches and shell stitches, creating beautiful texture and drape.
The article includes links to patterns that incorporate the Shells and V-Stitch for further inspiration.

Yarn and Hook

You can easily substitute other worsted-weight yarns depending on the look and drape you want for your project.

What is a Shells and V Stitch Pattern?

This stitch pattern alternates between:

V stitches
Shell stitches

The V stitches create open spacing and drape, while the shells add fullness and texture. Together, they create a balanced stitch pattern that looks intricate but is actually very simple to crochet.

V Stitch

A V stitch is worked as:

dc, ch 1, dc
all in the same stitch.

Shell Stitch

A shell is worked as:

5 dc
all in the same stitch.

The shells are always worked into the V stitches, and the V stitches are always worked into the centre of the shells.

Once you understand that, repeat the pattern, and it becomes very easy to memorize.

A hand holds a square piece of white crocheted fabric, possibly made with shells crochet; in the background, a pink crocheted square, yarn, and a candle sit on the table.

Shells and V Stitch Crochet Pattern in Rows

Stitch Multiple

Multiple of 4 + 2

Example shown in tutorial:
Ch 22

Foundation Row

Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Row 1

Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), skip next 3 sts, *work V st in next st, ch 1, skip next 3 sts; repeat from * across, ending with dc in last st. Turn.

Row 2

Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 4 dc in first V st, *work shell in next V st; repeat from * across, ending with dc in turning ch. Turn.

Row 3

Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), *work V st in centre dc of next shell, ch 1; repeat from * across, ending with dc in turning ch. Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.

Shells and V Stitch in the Round

This stitch pattern also works beautifully in the round and creates a soft blended seam.

Stitch Multiple

Multiple of 4

Example shown in tutorial:
Ch 36

Join with sl st to form ring, being careful not to twist chain.

Foundation Round

Sc evenly around. Join with sl st.

Round 1

Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in same st, *ch 1, skip next 3 sts, work V st in next st; repeat from * around, ending with ch 1. Sl st to starting V st to join.

Round 2

Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 4 dc in first V st, *work shell in next V st; repeat from * around. Sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join.

Round 3

Sl st in next 2 dc to centre dc of shell, ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in same st, *ch 1, work V st in centre dc of next shell; repeat from * around, ending with ch 1. Sl st to first V st to join.

Repeat

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for pattern.

Video Demonstration

Watch the tutorial on YouTube

Helpful Tips for Crocheting the Shells and V Stitch

The shells are always worked into the V stitches.
The V stitches are always worked into the centre stitch of the shell.
The centre stitch of the shell is the third double crochet of the five double crochet shell.
The chain 4 at the beginning of V-stitch rows and rounds counts as a double crochet and a chain 1.
This stitch pattern has excellent drape and works especially well for lightweight garments.
Blocking can help open up the stitch pattern even more for summer projects.

Why I Love This Stitch Pattern

One of my favourite things about this stitch is how quickly it works up while still looking elegant and detailed. The alternating shell and V-stitch combination creates a beautiful, flowing texture that looks much more complicated than it actually is.

This stitch also works beautifully with solid colours, stripes, and tonal yarns because the shells help showcase the texture without overwhelming the design.

If you’re looking for a crochet stitch that is relaxing to work, beginner-friendly, and versatile enough for many different projects, the Shells and V-Stitch is definitely one to try.

Be sure to check out my Solea Shell Stitch Cardigan and Selene Top patterns to see how beautifully this stitch works in wearable crochet garments.