The crochet design shown in the image is a beautiful 3D Fan Shell Stitch, a textured pattern loved for its soft, scalloped rows and raised shell details. This stitch is commonly used in baby blankets, shawls, scarves, decorative throws, and even garments. Its layered effect gives the fabric depth while still feeling light and drapey.
What makes this design stand out is the combination of simple base rows and dramatic fan shells that sit on top like little half-circles. It looks intricate but is surprisingly easy once you learn the repeat. The shells are created by stitching multiple tall stitches (like treble crochets) into one base stitch, causing them to fan outward in a beautiful curve.
🌸 Why This Stitch Is Popular
✔ Soft, cushy texture
The raised fans add a plush, cozy feel—perfect for baby projects.
✔ Eye-catching 3D design
Each shell sits above the fabric, giving a delicate, layered look.
✔ Beginner-friendly
If you know double crochet and treble crochet, you can make this pattern.
✔ Works well with many yarns
From baby yarn to worsted weight, it always looks stunning.
🌸 Materials Needed
- Yarn: Any medium or DK weight yarn (image shows soft acrylic baby yarn)
- Hook: Size recommended for your yarn (4.0–5.0 mm works well)
- Scissors & yarn needle
🌸 3D FAN SHELL STITCH PATTERN
Foundation
Chain a multiple of 6 + 2.
Example: 6 × 20 = 120 + 2 = 122 chains
⭐ Row 1 – Double Crochet Base
- Dc in the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Dc across the row.
- Turn.
⭐ Row 2 – Double Crochet
- Ch 2 (counts as dc).
- Dc in each stitch across.
- Turn.
(This row creates a strong base for the shells.)
⭐ Row 3 – Fan Shell Row
This is where the beautiful 3D fans form.
- Ch 1, sc in first stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches.
- Shell: work 7 treble crochets (tr) into the next stitch.
- Skip 2 stitches.
- Sc in next stitch.
Repeat steps 2–5 across the row.
End with a sc in the last stitch.
Turn.
⭐ Row 4 – Backing Row (Double Crochet)
This row sits underneath the next set of shells.
- Ch 2 (counts as dc).
- Dc in each stitch across including the tops of all sc and tr stitches.
- Turn.
⭐ Row 5 – Repeat the Shell Row
Repeat the same steps as Row 3, but place the shells in between the shells of the previous row.
To do this:
- Work your 7-tr shell into the sc between two shells from Row 3.
This creates the staggered, layered effect.
⭐ Repeat
Continue repeating:
- Row of dc
- Row of shells
…until your desired length is reached.
🌸 Tips for Best Results
- Keep your treble crochets loose to allow the shells to fan out beautifully.
- Use soft yarn for a plush, baby-friendly texture.
- A solid color (like the pink shown) highlights the 3D stitch best.
- Block lightly for perfect, even fans.
🌸 What Can You Make with This Stitch?
- Baby blankets
- Shawls
- Bed runners
- Cushion covers
- Scarves
- Decorative throws
