From Tutti Frutti to timeless neutrals—shell stitch never goes out of style.

If you’ve already made the Tutti Trutti Top or Pants, you might recognize this texture—but don’t be fooled. With soft neutrals and a completely different silhouette, the Shell Stitch Skirt tells a whole new story.

Worked from the waistband down, this skirt is all about volume, movement, and comfort. The dramatic flare is created with gradual increases that open the silhouette without bulk. The result? A wide, swishy skirt that still feels light and easy to wear.

And yes, there are pockets.

The waistband is snug and stretchy, with a woven-in elastic to keep it comfortably in place. The pattern includes clear instructions for customizing the length, and notes on how to size down if you want to wear it lower on your hips. But for that dreamy, full-skirted shape, I recommend wearing it high on the waist—it gives the best silhouette and keeps the balance right.

📄 Get the Written Pattern

The Shell Stitch Skirt pattern is available as a printable PDF in my shops:

👉 get it on etsy
👉 grab it on ravelry

You’ll find all the instructions you need—including how to adjust the length, customize the fit, and work those dreamy pockets.

🎥 Follow the Tutorial on YouTube

Need a little extra guidance? The step-by-step video tutorial is now live on my channel!

Perfect if you’re a visual learner or just want to crochet along with me.

The Pattern

Difficulty

Intermediate.

Materials

yarn

Yarn A: DROPS LOVES YOU 7, 100% cotton, yarn group A (sport weight), color 45 (bright sand)

200 g / 680m (250 g / 850 m, 300 g / 1020 m, 350 g / 1190 m, 400 g / 1360 m, 450 g / 1530m)

Yarn B: DROPS LOVES YOU 7, 100% cotton, yarn group A (sport weight), color 32 (pearl)

175 g / 595m (175 g / 595m, 200 g / 680 m, 225 g / 765 m, 300 g / 1020 m, 350 g / 1190m)

Yarn C: DROPS LOVES YOU 7, 100% cotton, yarn group A (sport weight), color 01 (white)

175 g / 595m (175 g / 595m, 200 g / 680 m, 225 g / 765 m, 300 g / 1020 m, 350 g / 1190m)

other

• Hook:  3.5 and 4 mm
• Thin elastic for the waistband 
• Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers

Gauge

Waistband (fpdc, bpdc)

24 sts x 11.5 rows = 10 x 10 cm

Body (Shell Stitch)

18 sts (3 shells + 3 sc) x 10 rows = 10 x 10 cm (in shell stitch, 4 mm hook)

Finished Measurements (in cm)

XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Waist Circumference: 55, 61, 69, 79, 89, 99

Length: 49, 49, 53, 53, 57, 57

Skirt Opening Width: 137, 151, 164, 191, 217, 244

Stitch Key (US terminology)

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet
• sc blo = single crochet back loop only
• sk = skip
• slst = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Shell Stitch

The multiple for this stitch is 6 plus 2. (i.e. 12,18,24,30,36, Plus 2. So 30 + 2 = 32 chains to start.)

Foundation row. Ch 32.

Row 1: Ch 32. Work 1 sc in the 2nd ch from, 1 sc in each st across. (31)

Note: This first row of sc is optional, however I feel like it makes the work so much neater.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in the 1st st, *sk 2, 5 dc in the next st, sk 2, sc in the next st* repeat from * to * across. (5 shell sts)

Row 3: Ch 2 (doesn’t count as a st), turn. Work 3 dc in the 1st st, *sk 2, 1 sc in next st, sk 2, 5 dc in next st* repeat from * to * across. (4 full shell sts and 2 half shells)

Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Notes

• The skirt is worked from the waistband down. You’ll make two panels, attach the pockets, sew the sides together, and finish by weaving elastic into the waistband.
• This skirt is designed to be very wide at the bottom to create a flowy, dramatic shape. The skirt opening width ranges from 137 to 244 cm (sizes XS to 2XL). For the best fit and look, it should be worn high on the waist. If you prefer to wear it lower on your hips, consider choosing a smaller size so it doesn’t feel too loose or overwhelming.
• At the end of each shell stitch row, don’t cut the yarn—just drop it and pick it back up when it’s time to use it again. You’ll alternate rows in this order: yarn A, then yarn B, then yarn C, and repeat—A, B, C.
• Instructions for adjusting the skirt length are included in the pattern.
• Odd numbered rows on the “Body” are the RS.
• Ch 2 and ch 1 at the beginning of each row don’t count as a stitch
• I recommend you watch my YouTube tutorial, if there are any uncertainties.

It’s twirly. It’s textured. It’s got pockets.

Whether you go full Tutti Frutti or keep it soft and neutral, the Shell Stitch Skirt brings drama without the effort. Make it your own, wear it high, and let it swish.