This free crochet shell lace ribbon pattern creates a narrow trim with open oval-shaped windows and rounded fan shells. It is inspired by the airy cream crochet braid often seen in craft videos. You will make a row of chain arches, then crochet a shell into each arch. The repeat is written out so you know exactly where every stitch goes.
- Skill level
- Confident beginner
- Pattern
- 2 rows; repeat across
- Practice piece
- 6 shells and 6 open windows
- Yarn
- Smooth sport-weight (2) cotton, cream
- Hook
- 3.0 mm, adjust for yarn
- Size
- Variable; measure your own sample
What you need and how big it will be
Choose a smooth cotton yarn so you can see the chain arches and the top of every double crochet. Sport-weight cotton with a 3.0 mm hook is a starting combination, not a tested gauge.
- Sport-weight (2) cotton yarn in cream or ivory
- 3.0 mm crochet hook, or a size suited to your yarn
- Yarn needle and scissors
- Two removable stitch markers (helpful for beginners)
- Optional: linen napkin, pouch, or other fabric item to edge
The width and length depend on your yarn and tension. Make the six-shell sample before estimating how many repeats your project needs. No untested yardage or finished dimensions are promised here.
Stitches you will use
The repeating shell is made of nine double crochet stitches in one chain-7 arch. A slip stitch anchors each shell. This creates the rounded top edge, while the skipped foundation chains remain below as the lower edge of an oval opening.
Open US crochet abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sk: skip
- ch-7 arch: the loop created by seven chains
Double crochet (US): Yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
Slip stitch: Insert your hook into the indicated stitch, pull up a loop, and pull that loop through the loop on your hook.
Free crochet shell lace ribbon pattern
Start with the six-shell practice strip. The construction has two rows. The first creates six chain windows. The second adds six scalloped fan shells.
Step 1. Chain 50 for six repeats
Make a slip knot and ch 50. Do not join the chain into a circle. Keep the foundation chain loose enough that it can bend without pulling the arches tight.
The starting formula is 8 chains per shell + 2 chains. For six shells: (8 × 6) + 2 = 50 chains.
Step 2. Row 1: Make six open chain arches
Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook.
*Ch 7. Skip the next 7 unused foundation chains. Sc in the next foundation chain.*
Work from * to * 6 times in all. Do not turn until all six arches are finished.
Count check: 6 ch-7 arches, 7 sc anchor stitches, and no unworked foundation chains.
Step 3. Row 2: Make the rounded fan shells
Row 2: Turn your work. Do not make a turning chain.
*Work 9 dc around the next ch-7 arch from Row 1. Work 1 sl st into the next sc anchor stitch.*
Work from * to * 6 times in all. Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in.
Count check: Six fans with 9 dc each = 54 dc, plus 6 anchoring slip stitches.
Step 4. Check the ribbon before making more
Lay the trim flat. Each fan should sit above one open chain window. Each fan ends at a slip-stitch anchor. The fans form one scalloped edge, and the open windows run along the other side.
This version makes the openwork and shells in two passes across the whole strip. It is not a continuous, one-motif-at-a-time braid. That construction difference matters when comparing it with a video.
Stitch count and how to change the length
Use the formula 8 × N + 2 chains, where N is the number of fan shells you want. Do not add extra chains at the end.
| Fans (N) | Foundation chain | Row 1 | Row 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 26 ch | 3 arches, 4 sc | 27 dc, 3 sl st |
| 6 | 50 ch | 6 arches, 7 sc | 54 dc, 6 sl st |
| 10 | 82 ch | 10 arches, 11 sc | 90 dc, 10 sl st |
| 15 | 122 ch | 15 arches, 16 sc | 135 dc, 15 sl st |
To estimate length, measure the six-shell sample after finishing. Divide the length by six to find the average space per fan. Multiply that number by the fans needed for your project. This is more reliable than guessing a fixed length from an untested gauge.
Finish the lace trim and attach it
Weave both yarn ends securely along the back of the shell stitches. If the yarn label allows wet blocking, lightly dampen the strip and pin the open windows into an even shape. Let it dry fully.
For a linen napkin or small pouch, place the straight foundation edge along the fabric edge. Sew through the foundation anchors with matching thread. Do not pull the stitches so tightly that the oval windows close.
Safety note: Open loops can catch on little fingers or objects. Use this trim for decorative items, not infant sleepwear, crib bedding, or items meant to hang within a baby’s reach. Do not leave a long decorative cord near young children.
Common problems and quick fixes
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| The first row stops early | Count the chain: 8 × N + 2. For each arch, skip exactly seven unused foundation chains. |
| There are fewer openings than fans | Each shell must be worked in one distinct ch-7 arch. Count the arches before Row 2. |
| A fan looks smaller | Count nine complete double crochets in its arch, followed by one separate anchoring slip stitch. |
| The oval windows close up | Do not work into the skipped foundation chains on Row 2. Loosen tight chain arches slightly. |
| The ribbon curves a lot | Try a larger hook for the foundation or smaller shells. Check your tension on a short sample first. |
| The trim puckers when sewn | Place a few pins first, then attach only through the lower foundation edge without stretching it. |
Crochet shell lace ribbon questions
Can I use thicker yarn?
Yes, but the shells and oval windows will be larger. Try a hook matched to your yarn and make three shells first to judge the look.
Can I make it longer?
Yes. Choose the number of shells first, then use 8 × N + 2 for the starting chain. Both rows keep the same repeat.
Is this the exact ribbon from the reference image?
No. It is an original two-row trim inspired by the image’s repeated fans and open windows. The exact construction in the video cannot be confirmed from one still frame.
Where can I use this lace?
It works as decorative edging on napkins, small pouches, fabric gift wraps, or craft samples. Choose uses where the open loops cannot snag.
Save this pattern and keep learning
Bookmark this crochet shell lace ribbon pattern to return to the foundation formula and stitch counts. If you are new to the stitches, start with the step-by-step crochet guide. The crochet hook size chart can help when changing yarn weight.
For a different decorative repeat, try our crochet wind spinner pattern.
Before publishing: Verify the chain openings and fan shape with a real crocheted swatch. Use real close-up photos for precise hook-placement steps whenever possible.
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