How to Crochet: Reverse Shell Crochet Border using Single Crochet
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My all-time favorite crochet border? The reverse shell crochet border using single crochet – especially when used in a baby blanket. I’ll show you how. 😉
Similar to this tutorial using double crochet, this version uses single crochet is just as beautiful – if not more so.
This crochet border is so much easier than it looks. Just a repeat of three of the most basic stitches: the single crochet, the double crochet and the slip stitch. Each shell is three stitches wide, so ideally you’ll want your stitch count to be a multiple of three before you start this portion of the border. If you find that you are short a stitch, just add one in an inconspicuous place (a corner perhaps?) and continue along.
How to Crochet the Reverse Shell Border Using Single Crochet
Written instructions (video tutorial below)
Note: The first shell will be slightly different than the rest.
- To start, attach your yarn with a slip stitch. Then chain-1 and single crochet in each of the first three stitches. You should now have a row of three single crochets.
- Chain-3 and turn your work (to the left so you are looking at the back side) and slip stitch to the top of the very first single crochet made. Chain-1. This creates a chain-3 space that you will then crochet the shell into.
- Turn your work back to front side and double crochet seven times into that chain-3 space you just created.
- First shell complete!
- For each subsequent shell you will single crochet once into each of the next three stitches, chain-3 and turn your work so that you’re looking at the back side. Slip stitch to the nearest post of the last shell (also could be described as the chain-3 from the last shell). Chain-1 and turn your work so that you are once again looking at the right side. Double crochet seven times into that chain-3 space.
- When you get to the very end of your piece, you’ll want to end with a slip stitch to the front of very first shell completed, so that the very first shell sits behind the very last shell, as seamlessly as possible. That’s it!
To see the video crochet border tutorial:

More crochet tutorials:
How to Add a Border in Crochet
How to Crochet the Triple Crochet (Treble Crochet) Stitch
Understanding Crochet Gauge and How to Measure It
How to Crochet the Invisible Decrease for Amigurimi Crochet
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch (Written and Video Tutorial)
Third Loop Half Double Crochet (Video Tutorial)
You can find dozens of our Free Crochet Patterns here!