Open Shell and Picot Stitch {Crochet Stitch Tutorial}

Today, I am going to show you how to do a fun and stylish crochet stitch called the Open Shell and Picot Stitch.

This crochet stitch is not only pretty, but it has a lovely drape, so it is perfect to use for a throw, a shawl, or a light wrap. It would be nice for an elegant swimsuit cover, too.

The open shell and picot stitch is easy to work. It is made up of single crochet, double crochet, triple (treble) crochet, and chain stitches. The main pattern simply alternates 2 working rows.

To get started, you will need a foundation chain with multiples of 7 sts, + 1.
For this tutorial, I started with 22 chains (7×3=21+1=22).
(As always, if you need help with abbreviations, you can check out my post on Common Crochet Abbreviations. There is even a free printable.)

Open Shell and Picot Stitch

Ch 22 (or multiple of 7 + 1)
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *skip 2, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch, skip 2, sc in next ch,** ch 3, sc in next ch. Repeat from * ending your last rep at **. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 7 (counts as tr and 3 ch) *work (1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc) in the center dc of the shell (this is the picot), ch 3,** 1 dc in next ch 3 space, ch 3. Repeat from* ending your last rep at **. 1 tr in last sc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in tr, *skip next ch 3 space, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in center of next picot, skip next ch 3 space, ** (1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc) in next dc, repeat from * ending last rep at **, 1 sc in 4th ch of ch 7. Turn.
Pattern: Repeat rows 2 & 3.

Now, let’s break it down with photos.

Ch 22 (or multiple of 7 + 1)