The shell stitch is made by working a group of 3 to 7 stitches into a single stitch (or space). The tops of these grouped stitches flair out, creating the look of a fan or a shell. The shells are usually anchored on each side by a shorter stitch, usually a single crochet stitch.

The shell stitch is a stitch pattern in crochet that can be worked in a variety of different ways. In general, it refers to a pattern in which multiple stitches are worked into the same stitch from the row or round below to create the "shell" shape.