Originally published February 2017 · Updated September 2026 with full framework treatment and FAQ.
⚡ Quick Answer:
The Crochet Cables and Lace Shell stitch combines front and back post double crochet with delicate shell stitches to create a textured, flat-worked pattern perfect for cowls, scarves, and more. The stitch multiple is 14 + 4, and it's easier than it looks once you master the post stitches.
Hey bestie! 💛 You'll find this beautiful stitch in the free Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl. The Crochet Cables and Lace Shell Stitch Pattern is both gorgeous and surprisingly easy to memorize once you get comfortable with the post stitches.
The cowl pattern is worked in the round, but I know many of you love this stitch and want to use it for other projects… so I've included instructions for working it flat too! The stitch uses front post double crochet (FPdc), front post treble crochet (FPtc), and back post double crochet (BPdc) alongside delicate shell stitches to create beautiful texture and drape.
What You'll Learn
Post stitches might sound intimidating, but they're one of the most rewarding techniques in crochet. This stitch pattern teaches you how to work post stitches in a beautiful, purposeful way — the cables they create look professional and add serious texture to any project.
The Crochet Cables and Lace Shell stitch features front post stitches that create a 3D cable effect, balanced against delicate shell stitches that add lightness and visual interest. It's a pattern that reads as “advanced,” but it's actually perfect for adventurous beginners who want to level up their skills.
Materials
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials Stripes (Bulky weight) — or any bulky weight yarn of your choice
Hook: [MARLY: What size hook was used? Please confirm.]
Notions:
- Stitch markers (affiliate: Stitch Markers)
- Tapestry needle or yarn needle (affiliate: Yarn Needle)
- Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl (free pattern)
- Easy Crochet Cable Cowl
- Explore All Free Crochet Patterns
Yarn Notes: [MARLY: Red Heart Soft Essentials Stripes affiliate link — add here. Confirm if there's a Yarnspirations link or if we need to direct to Michaels.]
Abbreviations
FPdc — Front Post Double Crochet — watch a Front Post Double Crochet tutorial on YouTube
FPtc — Front Post Treble Crochet — watch a Front Post Treble Crochet tutorial on YouTube
BPdc — Back Post Double Crochet — watch a Back Post Double Crochet tutorial on YouTube
Ch — Chain — watch a Chain stitch tutorial on YouTube
Sc — Single Crochet — watch a Single Crochet tutorial on YouTube
Hdc — Half Double Crochet — watch a Half Double Crochet tutorial on YouTube
Dc — Double Crochet — watch a Double Crochet tutorial on YouTube
Tc — Treble Crochet — watch a Treble Crochet tutorial on YouTube
TCH — Turning Chain
St(s) — Stitch(es)
Crochet Cables and Lace Shell Stitch Pattern Instructions
Stitch Multiple: 14 + 4 (worked flat)
Designer Note: It's best to make at least three repeats of the pattern for your gauge swatch so you can get accurate measurements.
Foundation Row (RS)
Work a chain in a multiple of 14 plus 4 stitches.
Skip 5 chains (counts as a dc, and 2 foundation chains), [(dc, ch 1) 3 times, dc] (shell stitch created) in next ch, skip next 2 chain, *dc in next 4 ch, skip 2 chain, shell in next chain, skip 4 chain, shell in next chain, skip 2 chain; rep from * to last 10 chain, dc in next 4 chain, skip 2 chain, shell in next chain, dc in last chain, turn.
Begin Crochet Cables and Lace Shell Stitch Pattern (Worked Flat)
Row 1 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as a Dc), shell in center ch-1 space of next shell, skip [dc, ch 1, dc], *BPdc in next 4 sts, *[shell in center ch-1 space of next shell] twice, skip [dc, ch 1, dc]; rep from * for repeat to last shell, shell in center ch-1 space of last shell, dc in top of TCH, turn.
Row 2 (RS cable row): Ch 3 (counts as Dc), shell in center ch-1 space of next shell, *FPdc in next post stitch, skip 1 post stitch, FPtc in next post stitch, FPtc in skipped post stitch (crossing in front of previous st), FPdc in next post stitch, [shell in center ch-1 space of next shell] twice; rep from * for repeat to last 4 post stitches, FPdc in next post stitch, skip 1 post stitch, FPtc in next post stitch, FPtc in skipped post stitch (crossing in front of previous st), FPdc in next post stitch, shell in center ch-1 space of next shell, dc in top of Tch, turn.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to desired length, ending on a Row 1.
Designer Note: The last row for working this stitch pattern flat should be a Row 1 (WS). However, if you're making the cowl in the round, you'll notice that I have you end on a cable row — that's because I was using up only one skein of yarn and needed to make sure I didn't break into a new ball.
Final Row to Even Up the Height of the Stitches (RS)
Ch 3 (counts as a Dc), dc in space between tch and first Dc of shell, hdc in next ch-1 space, sc in next ch-1 space, hdc in next ch-1 space, dc in space between last dc of shell and next post stitch, *FPtc in 4 post stitches, dc in space between last FPdc and first dc of shell, hdc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp, hdc in next ch-1 sp, hdc in space between the two shells, hdc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp, hdc in next ch-1 sp, dc in space between the last dc of the shell and the first FPdc of next repeat; rep from * to last 4 post stitches, FPtc in 4 post stitches, dc in space between last FPdc and first dc of shell, hdc in next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1 sp, hdc in next ch-1 sp, dc in space between the last dc of the shell and the TCH, dc in top of Tch. Fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in ends with your tapestry needle, and give your finished piece a gentle blocking to even out the stitches and help it lay beautifully.
🧵 Love Making Crochet Projects?
If you love exploring fun stitch patterns like this one, come join me in the Crochet Collection inside Marly Bird House — where I teach all the techniques that make crochet magical. 💙
Where to Use This Stitch
This stitch is absolutely perfect for the free Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl — but don't stop there! You can use it for scarves, blankets, shawls, or anywhere you want to add beautiful texture and dimension to your project.
If you love this stitch, you might also enjoy these other crochet patterns:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this stitch for something other than a cowl?
Absolutely! While the stitch shines in the Crochet One Skein Soft Essentials Cowl, you can use it for scarves, blankets, shawlettes, or any project where you want beautiful texture and drape. The flat-worked version makes it even more versatile.
What yarn do you recommend for this stitch pattern?
Red Heart Soft Essentials Stripes is my top pick because it's a bulky weight that really makes the cables and shells pop! The texture shows beautifully in this weight. Any bulky weight yarn will work, especially ones with a slight sheen to highlight the post stitches.
I'm a beginner — can I really do this stitch?
Yes! This is an Adventurous Beginner pattern. Post stitches might sound fancy, but they're just a variation of double or treble crochet where you work around the post of the previous row's stitch instead of into the top loop. Once you get the hang of it, you'll love how dimensional they make your projects look.
Do I have to crochet this in the round?
Nope! The original Soft Essentials Cowl is worked in the round, but I've included full instructions for working this pattern flat. Just follow the “Worked Flat” section and you'll have beautiful results.
What does “shell stitch” mean in this pattern?
A shell stitch is a group of stitches (usually double crochets) worked into the same stitch or space, spreading out to create a fan or shell shape. In this pattern, the shell is (dc, ch 1) repeated 3 times, then dc — that creates the delicate lacy part between the cables.
Why do I need to make a gauge swatch before I start?
Your gauge determines how big your finished project will be. Post stitches can vary in size depending on how tightly or loosely you crochet, so it's worth making a small swatch first to make sure your finished cowl or project turns out the size you want. Plus, practicing the pattern on a swatch before diving into the full project builds confidence!
Final Thoughts
Post stitches are one of my favorite crochet techniques because they let you create so much texture and dimension in your projects. The Crochet Cables and Lace Shell stitch is the perfect place to start mastering this skill, and once you do, you'll open up a whole world of beautiful stitch patterns and projects.
I can't wait for you to try this pattern and see what you create! Share your finished projects with me on social — I love seeing what you all make. Happy stitching! #MMMDI #MarlyBird
Written pattern copyright Marly Bird 2017, all rights reserved. Please do not reprint or repost this pattern, but link to this page to share it with others. To print or download, use the Print Friendly button. If you wish to make items for sale from this pattern or translate it into another language, please visit the About page for details. Thank you to Red Heart Yarn for providing the yarn for this pattern!
