Shell Stitch (shell)
shell stitch is called the same thing in US and UK patterns, and matsu-ami in Japanese ones. Written as shell in patterns.
Several stitches worked into a single stitch so they fan out. Usually paired with a skipped stitch or a single crochet to keep the row flat.
The Japanese name 松編み (matsu-ami) literally means "pine knitting".
At a glance
| How many times you wrap the yarn first | once before you insert the hook |
|---|---|
| How tall it is | about the height of 3 chains |
| Turning chain at the start of a row | not usually needed |
| How it looks on a Japanese chart | fan of bars from one base point |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Stitch family | pattern |
What it is used for
- · Blanket borders
- · Ripple and chevron variants
- · Shawl bodies
Watch out for
Japanese patterns call this the pine stitch. The count inside the fan varies by pattern, so read the chart rather than assuming five.
A smooth aluminium or ergonomic hook in the size your pattern calls for.
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Related stitches
Full US to UK conversion table · Full US to Japanese table
Last updated 2026-08-30.