Stitches

How do I increase using a shell stitch in crochet?

I want to try a diagonal afghan using shells, but I've never tried increasing/decreasing using shells and I can't seem to find instructions for it. Can anyone tell me what to do or suggest a website with a pattern that uses shell increases? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Okay, the way to do it is by making a half shell, either at EITHER end or at both ends. Next round, Make your regular shell. You can do that by making a few chains and then proceed with half the number of shells you've been using. If it were up to me, I would make a one shell increase and then on BOTH ends the second round. that way it wouldn't be too drastic. Like I had written before the edit, it really depends on the pattern or the look you want. Some people just go ahead and go up a half size of hook, too. Experiment on a swatch and see what look you wish to have. I hope you do well on your piece! Another way to do it. Suppose your shell consists of: (2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet). Your increase could be: {Double crochet, (chain 1, double crochet) 3 times} in the middle or end of your piece, depending on what type of piece you're making. In the next round, you would make your regular shell, and the increase will barely be noticeable. Hope this helps!
2. ,If you have 14 shells and want to have 15 at the row before the increase crochet a chain out and then when you turn crochet in the increase shell.