The Shell Stitch Beanie – A Free Shell Stitch Crochet Beanie Pattern

We made it! Welcome to the sixth and final release of the Winter Wardrobe Freeze-Along.

To wrap up our 2025 journey, I wanted to feature a stitch that is pure crochet elegance: The Shell Stitch Beanie.

The shell stitch is a timeless favorite for a reason.

By grouping multiple stitches into a single base, you create a scalloped, fan-like texture that adds a touch of softness to your winter gear.

As you can see in the final sample, alternating colors between the shell rows and the base rows creates a gorgeous “flutter” effect.

It’s the perfect way to use up those last bits of #4 weight yarn and finish your collection with a boutique-quality piece

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How to Get the Pattern

Print it Out: Grab the clean, ad-free PDF of the Puff Stitch Beanie (or the full CAL bundle!) over in my Payhip Shop .

View it Free: Scroll down to find the free instructions right here on this page👇

Find all Winter Wardrobe Freeze-Along free patterns HERE

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Find the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free PDF version of this pattern HERE. The PDF is designed for printing, and this way, you can support me! Thank you

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Purchase the ad-free PDF Bundle HERE

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Why is the shell stitch perfect for the end of a stash-buster CAL?

The free shell stitch crochet beanie pattern is incredibly versatile when it comes to yardage.

Because the “shells” are distinct clusters, it is very easy to visualize where to swap colors.

If you are down to the very bottom of your yarn bins, you can work each row of shells in a different scrap color for a “meringue” look, or stick to two high-contrast colors to really define the scalloped edges.

It’s a rewarding, high-texture finish to a month of hard work!

Is the shell stitch beanie warm enough for the “Deep Freeze”?

Despite its delicate appearance, the shell stitch is surprisingly dense. Because you are working several stitches into one space, the clusters overlap slightly, creating a thick fabric that blocks out the wind.

When paired with a solid ribbed brim (like the one we’ve used throughout this series), it stays snug against your ears while the shell body provides a stylish, breathable crown.

It’s the ideal blend of fashion and function for the end of winter.

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Before you get started, check out my newest favorite finds!

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Yarn Winder – a perfect crochet accessory

Steamer for Clothes – Portable, ideal for crochet projects

Blocking Mat – 12.5″ for all your squares

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Let’s get to the pattern, shall we? Making The Shell Stitch Beanie

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Notes

• This pattern is written in US terminology
• The pattern is worked in rounds, top down
• Ch1 does not count as st at the beginning of a round
• Ch 3 does count as 1st st at the beginning of the row 
• You can work this pattern with one color or multiple, as you wish- I used 2 colors

Specialty Stitches

Shell st = Sc1, skip 1 st, dc 3 in next, skip 1 st:

In this video, I use a different shell stitch

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Beanie # 6 – Shell Stitch Beanie

Materials:

• For this sample, I used weight #4 Acrylic yarn
• You can use any yarn of your choice and in any colors
• Hook: US Size (5 mm) 
• Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• sk = skip

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Top/Cup (Rounds 1–4)

Round 1:

• Make a magic circle (or chain 4 and slip stitch to form a circle).
• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
• Work 12 dc into the circle.
• Slip stitch to the top of the first dc (not the chain 2).

Round 2:

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
• Work 2 dc on top of each dc around.
• Slip stitch to the first dc.
• Stitch count: 24 dc

Round 3:

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
• [1 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] repeat around.
• Slip stitch to first dc.
• Stitch count: 36 dc

Round 4:

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
• [1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch] repeat around.
• Slip stitch to first dc.
• Stitch count: 48 dc

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Round 5 – First Shell Round

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).
• Work 3 dc in the first stitch.
• Skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, 1 sc in next stitch — repeat around.
• Slip stitch to the first dc.

Rounds 6 & 7 – Staggered Shell Rounds (Pattern Repeat)

Round 6:

• Slip stitch to the middle dc of the first 3-dc cluster from the previous round.
• Work 1 sc in that stitch.
• Skip to the next single crochet from the previous round and work 3 dc in that stitch.
• Repeat around: 1 sc in cluster middle, 3 dc in next sc.
• Slip stitch to the first stitch.

Round 7:

• Chain 3 (counts as first dc).
• Work 2 dc more in the same stitch.
• Skip to the middle dc of the next 3-dc cluster from the previous round and work 1 sc.
• Skip to the next single crochet and work 3 dc.
• Repeat around, slip stitch to the first dc.
• Repeat Rounds 6 & 7 a total of 3 times, giving 7 rounds of shell stitch (including Round 5).

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Final Round – Half Double Crochet Edge

• Chain 1.
• Work 1 hdc on top of each stitch around.
• Slip stitch to the first hdc to close the round.

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Finishing:

• Fasten off and weave in all ends.
• Your Shell Stitch Beanie is complete!

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**This is an original Sandra Regev pattern: Owner /Designer of Sandra Stitches. This pattern may not be redistributed for free, sale, or trade, but finished products can be sold with credit to this shop – enjoy!

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Looking for more crochet hats 👇

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