• Doilies patterns often use crochet shell stitches.crochet serviettes image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Crochet shell stitches use common, versatile crochet stitches to form individual fans in an ascetically pleasing pattern. Shells, also referred to as fans, work up quickly and easily. They are used in a variety of projects including curtain, blankets and clothing. Crochet shell stitches make elegant trims for pillowcases, towels, hair accessories and decorations.
  
  

Basic Shell Stitch

• Crochet shells make delicate trims.ladies" handkerchieves with crochet lace image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Use a combination of five common crochet stitches in each space, divided by a solitary stitch to create a basic crochet shell stitch. Flower petals can be made by starting with short stitches and working up to tall stitches, then back down to short stitches (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). Create more versatility by adding spaces between stitches (hdc, dc, ch, dc, hdc). Use the same stitch repeatedly, dividing shells by a single stitch (sc, 5 dc, sc).
  
  

Vertical Crochet Shell Rows

• Crochet shells create pretty flowers.hand crocheted lace with green background image by AardLumens from Fotolia.com
  
  Using chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet, you can make a lacy pattern of vertical shell rows. Each shell consists of five double crochet stitches, while chain and single crochet stitches create an open weave effect. This pattern can be used for clothing, doilies and trims.
  
  Make a chain divisible by six plus two extra chains. Double crochet five times in the fifth chain from hook, *skip two chains, single crochet in next chain, skip two chains, double crochet five times in next chain. Repeat from asterisk to end, finishing with a single crochet in last chain.
  
  Row 2: *single crochet in third (center) stitch of first shell, chain two, double crochet in next single crochet between shells, chain two. Repeat from * to end finishing with a double crochet in chain one turning chain of previous row. Chain one, turn.
  
  Row 3: *work shell in single crochet in center of previous shell, single crochet in double crochet. Repeat from * across. Finish row with a single crochet in third chain of turning chain. Chain five, turn. Repeat rows two and three for pattern.
  
  

Multicolored Shell Stitch

• Use three or more colors to create colorful rows of crochet shell stitches. Begin with a foundation chain of six plus one stitches. Double crochet five times in the fourth chain from hook, *skip two chains, sc in next chain, skip two chains, double crochet five times in next chain. Repeat from * to end. Do not cut yarn. Finish row with a single crochet in the last chain.
  
  Row 2: Join second color, chain three, turn, make two dc in same space, *single crochet in center of first shell, five dc in next sc. Repeat from * ending with three dc in chain one. Do not finish off.
  
  Row 3: Join third color, chain one, turn, make five dc in next sc, *sc in center of next shell, five dc in next sc. Repeat from * ending with sc in third chain of turning chain. Pick up first color. Repeat rows two and three for pattern.