Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch Free Crochet Tutorial

What is the Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch?

The Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch is a mini version of the Tunisian Shell Stitch. It’s a beautiful Tunisian crochet pattern that mimics the look of traditional crochet shell stitches, but with a more structured and vertical texture. The “shell” look is formed during the return pass, which is a fun change from the previous stitches we’ve learned as part of the 2025 Tunisian Crochet Along!

The Tunisian Simple Shell stitch has a slightly open, lacy structure and is a two-row repeat, making it really easy to memorize once you get going. The stitch pattern pops beautifully in solid-colored yarn, especially light or neutral tones where the texture really shines!

Is It Beginner Friendly?

While I wouldn’t label this as a novice stitch, I think it’s manageable with a little practice, so I would say it’s great for confident beginners who are already comfortable with the basic Tunisian crochet stitches: Tunisian Simple Stitch, Tunisian Knit Stitch, and Tunisian Purl Stitch.

If you’ve done a few Tunisian projects before and want to try something with more visual interest, this stitch is a perfect stepping stone. All you really need to know is how to:

• Tunisian foundation row
• Locate chain spaces
• Locate tops of previous shell stitches
• Make a standard return pass (although you will not work it in the standard fashion here).

If that’s already in your skill set, then I think you’ll get the hang of this stitch very quickly!

What yarns should I use?

The Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch can be worked up in any yarn weight or fiber, it’s just a matter of what kind of project you want to make! This stitch does yield a dense fabric at the stitches, but it is a bit more lightweight than other Tunisian stitches due to the lacy details, so you will want to plan around that!

The rule of thumb when choosing a Tunisian crochet hook is to use one that is two sizes larger than what’s listed on the label of your chosen yarn. For instance, if you choose a worsted weight yarn that is labeled for use with an I/9/5.50mm crochet hook, then you want to use a K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian crochet hook or bigger.

Why You’ll Love the Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch

Let’s break down why this stitch is a keeper in your Tunisian toolkit:

Visual Texture Without Bulk

You get that beautiful, raised stitch definition—almost like ribbing—with less thickness than cables or puff stitches.

Easy to Learn

Once you get the repeat down, it’s a breeze to memorize. Great for stitching while watching TV or listening to a podcast.

Works Up Fast

The combination of skipped stitches and grouped shells means fewer stitches per row—and fewer rows overall.

Fabric That Feels Good

Not too stiff, not too floppy. It’s got just the right balance, especially when worked in soft acrylics or cotton blends.

Perfect for Gifting

Whether it’s a scarf, cowl, or blanket panel, anything made in this stitch looks advanced and fancy—even though it’s simple!

What materials are needed for the afghan square?

These afghan squares are for the 2025 New Year New Stitch CAL. We will assemble them into a blanket at the end of the year and the Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch is the September stitch. For this afghan square I used 100% Acrylic worsted weight yarn and a K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian Crochet Hook, but any fiber can be used and you can easily change the yarn weight and hook size combo since this is an easy stitch to adjust!

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn (#4)

• 6” = .75oz/40yds
• 12” = 3oz/160yds
• 15” = 4.6oz/246yds

K/10.5/6.50mm Tunisian Crochet Hook

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Gauge

5 shells x 8 rows = 4”

Finished Measurements

Block to 6”(12”,15”)

Stitch Guide

BO = See Special Stitches

ch = chain

TSS = See Special Stitches

sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)

YO = Yarn Over

Skill Level

Easy

PATTERN WRITTEN IN U.S. TERMS

Pattern Notes

• This square is worked from bottom to top.
• Where asterisks appear, repeat the instructions between them.
• This pattern is worked in multiples of 3 + 2; the instructions are written for a beginning ch-23 for a 6” square, ch-45 for a 12” square, and ch-56 for a 15” square.
• To work a gauge swatch, chain 17 then work pattern below for 8 total rows.
• Tutorial photos and stitch chart are included in the PDF version.
  
  
  

Special Stitches

Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) = Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of stitch, yarn over, pull back under vertical bar.

TSS Bind Off (Bind Off) = Insert hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of stitch, yarn over, pull back under vertical bar and through the loop on the hook (i.e. slip stitch).

Instructions

R1. 

Forward Pass: Working in the back bump of the chain across:

Ch 23(45,56), insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yarn over, draw up a loop, *insert hook in next ch, yarn over, draw up a loop* across

Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook, ch 1, *YO, pull through 4 loops on hook, ch 2* across until 5 loops remain on hook: YO, pull through 4 loops, ch 1, YO, pull through remaining two loops

R2. 

Forward Pass: [1st loop on hook counts as 1st st, so skip 1st vertical bar], 1 TSS in each ch and in the top of each shell across; for last stitch place hook under both front and back vertical bars on the end, YO, pull through both loops.

Return Pass: Yarn over, pull through 1 loop on hook, ch 1, *YO, pull through 4 loops on hook, ch 2* across until 5 loops remain on hook: YO, pull through 4 loops, ch 1, YO, pull through remaining two loops

Repeat R2 (Fwd & Rtn Pass) until fabric measures 5 ¾ – 6” (11 ¾ – 12”, 14 ¾ – 15”)

R3. Bind off; Fasten.

Tunisian Simple Stitch:

Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch:

Finishing

• Block to 6” x 6” (12” x 12”, 15” x 15”) as needed.
• Hide all strings.
  
  
  

That’s the Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch!

The Tunisian Simple Shell Stitch is a great blend of beauty and simplicity. It gives your projects a textured, upscale feel without adding too much complication to your crochet routine. If you’re comfortable with the basics of Tunisian crochet, this is one of those patterns that’ll instantly elevate your work—plus it’s a whole lot of fun to make!

Happy Tunisian Crocheting!