
About the Shell Chain Stitch
The Shell Stitch is a decorative variation of the Chain Stitch that can be used for outlines, borders, and textured fillings. Sometimes, this stitch might look like a regular Chain Stitch. The features become more apparent with the kind of thread you use and the length of chains you make.
How to do the Shell Chain Stitch
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| Fig 1: Start by making a simple Chain Stitch. | Fig 2: Now, make your next chain by going in next to your earlier chain and coming out at roughly twice the length of the earlier stitch, as shown. |
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| Fig 3: Next, use this bigger chain to work your next regular Chain Stitch. | Fig 4: Again, make a bigger chain closer to the earlier chain, as shown. |
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| Fig 5: Keep up with this process. Anchor down the last stitch with a small stitch, as shown. | Fig 6: This is a row of the Shell Chain Stitch. |
Learn the Shell Chain Stitch along with 305 other stitches from our 600-page eBook.
Related Stitches from the Chain Stitch Family
There are plenty more of these Chain Stitch Variations! Please click The Chain Stitch Family to find the entire list!




















Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 18 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.






I loved, thank you very much
Happy, Celia. ❤️
super ce point
merci
Happy that you liked it. 🙂
I like the Shell stitch and it curves nicely too.
I am thinking, it will make a great stitch to add beads.
Or shells 😀
After all, it’s a shell chain stitch!
Yes, why not! 🙂