Freeform Crochet Basics, Part 5, The Nautilus Shell
The nautilus shell is a popular motif in freeform crochet. It’s made in the same way as the spiral, or two-colored spiral, except the height of the stitches progressively gets higher, creating a widening of the spiral towards the end.
The pattern is based on the actual living sea creature commonly called nautilus shell, a marine mollusc with a spiral shell divided into chambers.
The pattern is also called the Fibonacci Shell. The Fibonacci sequence, also known as the Golden Spiral, is a mathematical formula for natural spiral formations.
Here’s how to crochet a basic Nautilus Shell:
(With American terminology)
The shell is made in 3 rounds, with an increase in every stitch in the second and third round.
Besides single crochet and double crochet, you need to use triple and double triple crochet. These are the same as double crochet, but with one or two more yarn over than the double crochet. These are the higher stitches that will widen the spiral.
To clarify the stitch height, I’ve used different colors for the different stitches in my sample shell.
Start with a Magic Circle and chain 1.
Make into ring 2 Single Crochet (SC) …
… 2 Half Double Crochet (HDC) …
… 8 Double Crochet (DC)
Pull the magic circle tight.
Make 2 DC into the first SC, continue making 2 DC into the next 3 stitches. (8 DC in first round + 8 DC = 16 DC)
Next, you need to make triple crochet (TR). To make a TR you yarn over the hook twice, then go through the stitch, yarn over and pull through so that you have 4 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over again and pull trough two loops. I like to make the first stitch as a “half ” triple crochet to make the shift from one level to the other smoother.
I make the TR, but after the first “yarn over, pull through” I yarn over and pull through all 3 remaining loops.
This makes the stitch a little bit shorter than a TR, but taller than a DC.
Then, make a TR into the same stitch, and continue with 2 TR into next 5 stitches (12 TR, including the “half” TR)
Next you make 2 double triple crochet (DTR) into each of next 8 stitches, and here again you can make the first one as a “half ” DTR by pulling the yarn over through the last 3 loops. The DTR is made the same way as a TR, but with one more yarn over in the beginning. (16 DTR)
Fasten off yarn and weave in the ends.
You can use your shell as it is as a small decoration or applique, or you can incorporate it into your freeform crochet fabric or scrumble.
You can also embellish it with additional stitches. I’ve added a slip stitch relief spiral on top.
What will you do with your Nautilus Shell?
~ Marina
Related posts:
– Freeform Crochet Basics: The Spiral
– Freeform Crochet Basics: The Two Color Spiral
– Freeform Crochet Basics Part 4
– Freeform Crochet Basics 4b: Bigger Spirals
– Freeform Crochet Spiral Scrumble
– Freeform Crochet: Single Crochet Spiral
– Hump Stitch in Freeform Crochet
– Freeform Crochet World Let’s meet on Facebook!
More Crochet Patterns:
Thank you! LINDA
Love your tutorials, please be patient, new on internet, still stupid!
Thank you, Linda!
I’m still “stupid” too … but we’re learning … step by step … =)
Thanks to you not so stupid any more! Thanks for teaching us!! Linda
[…] Find the instructions here: http://snovej.com/archives/freeform-crochet-basics-part-5-the-nautilus-shell […]
I absolutely love this! I am going to use my shells on an ocean scape afgan for alittle boy! It’s perfect! Thank you for sharing!
What a nice idea! Have fun with that, and thank you!
Thanks again! Completely hooked on FF, getting better by the day with generous people like you sharing!
Have you read my post about a page and a group on Facebook? Do join!!!
http://snovej.com/archives/freeform-crochet-world
╭♥╯
Do you have instructions on another blog post about how to do the slip stitch relief spiral? Thanks 🙂
Hmmm … I guess i should write about that too, eh! I quickly talk about it in my birch leaf pattern, as the vein over the leaf. Hope it helps …
http://snovej.com/archives/spring-twigs
Thanks! I think it does help 🙂
Here the nautilus shell has been made into a lavender pouch by Monas Blog. In German.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/504262489501023427/
Thank you so much ! I do love to crochet,, can u please tell me ,, what kind of yarn u use ? Can I use cotton or wool ?
The yarn used in this tutorial is cotton. You can use any fiber you like. Try using your favorite yarn. The finer the yarn the smaller the nautilus will be, and vice versa … =)
Do u know how I could get ato the right facing the last round instead of.lookimg to the left? Hope is understandable
Thamk you!
You want the spiral to go to the right instead of the left? There’s only one way: You have to crochet with the left hand!
I’ve done it, with a lot of help of my right hand … =)
Another option is to turn it, and show the wrong side as the right side!
Thanks for the pattern! I used cotton for the main and tule for the ‘relief spiral’ and gave it to my mom for a washcloth in her beach themed kitchen. I had to add one more step to make it big enough. ( triple-triple? quadruple?) She loves it. And I am left handed so my shell is “backwards”
COOL! =D
I wanna try make earrings
Hi, nice one, this Nautilus. You might like seashell crochet models at http://www.biomathcraft.blogspot.com
Curious if you’ve ever tried to do a nautilus/multicolored spiral? I’m trying to find an easier way to make a peppermint blanket using a magic circle. I don’t like any of the tutorials I’ve seen as they seem too complicated and more involved than my level… I think I’m going to try this and see how it turns out!
Yes. I’ve done two and three colored nautilus spirals. Sorry, no picture to show. But you basically do a two colored spiral with the stitches getting “higher” as in the nautilus shell. Hope this helps!
http://snovej.com/archives/freeform-crochet-basics-the-two-color-spiral
Thank you so much for learning me free form!❤
[…] The Nautilus Shell by Marina […]
I love this! I’m seeing, as a start, coasters, then a bedside rug, you have instantly addicted me. My LYS thanks you
Hi! I love your postings! Could you explain how you did the slip stitch relief spiral on top?
Hi Hande!
Look at the photo without the slip stitch spiral. You start by inserting the hook in the center hole, hold your yarn behind the shell and pull up a loop. Next, insert the hook in the hole above the first single crochet and pull up a loop and pull through the first loop. Continue in this manner following the spiraling holes …
[…] (valamilyen tengeri herkentyűféle, nagyon hasonlít egy csigaházra) mutatom be, szokás szerint Snovej cikkei alapján. A motívum részben a horgolt spirál logikájára épül, erről részletesebben ide és […]
[…] The Nautilus Shell […]
I have just discovered Freeform Crochet and I’m so excited. I taught myself to crochet and was sure I could do nothing without direction. You are so kind to provide the tutorials and I’m beginning to believe I may be able to create something, but only because of you. Thank you so much!
Hi,
This is wonderful, thank you so much for the free pattern!
Here’s just a suggestion. I found that the sides of my shell were curling when I did 2 tr and 2 dtr each in a stitch. Instead, I tried 2 tr, 3tr, 2tr, 3tr … in each of 6 stitches, and then same for dtr (2 dtr, 3dtr, 2dtr, 3 dtr) in each of 8 stitches. This gave me a flatter and “fuller” look if you know what I mean.
I would show comparative pics if there were an option to upload pics ☺️