How to Crochet the Triton Shell (My Version)

Photos copyright by Sandi Marshall

I worked up my own version of the old Triton Shell Stitch. This one turns out a bit smaller than the traditional one.

Instead of being worked in rows, this stitch is crocheted in columns that are worked from the bottom up. Directions Step 1: chain 6, slip stitch in first ch to form a ring. chain 2, 5 double crochet in ring.

Step 2: * chain 4, but do not turn; instead, single crochet in the 3rd dc (counting over from the left edge).

Step 3: chain 2, 5 double crochet through chain 4 just made **. Repeat the directions between * and ** until the strip is the desired length (locate * at the beginning of Step 2 above). Hint: If the strip seems to be leaning unevenly toward the right after you have added some length to it, just hold the top while pulling downward on the left-hand side of the strip, which will position the 5 dc better on the chain-4 of each section, straightening the strip.

Below are the complete instructions, including steps 1 - 3, as above, in abbreviated form, plus how to join the strips:

Triton Shell (My Version) First Strip: ch 6, sl st in first ch to form a ring; ch 2, 5 dc in ring. * ch 4, but do not turn; instead, sc in 3rd dc from left edge, ch 2, 5 dc through ch 4 just made. ** Repeat from * to ** until strip is desired length. End off.

Additional Strips to Join: ch 3 for a starting chain, then begin to join to the previous strip by making an sc through the ch-2 at the edge of the first shell made on the previous strip, ch 3, sl st in first ch (of the starting chain) to form a ring. ch 2, 5 dc in ring. * sc through ch 2 of next shell of previous strip. ch 4, but do not turn work; instead, sc in 3rd dc from left edge. ch 2, 5 dc through ch 4 just made **. Repeat from * to ** until same number of shells has been completed as in previous strip (count each time; it's easy with this stitch to accidentally end up with one less each time). sl st in top of 2nd dc of last shell of previous strip. End off.

Continue working joined strips until desired width is reached.

I'm sure you'll come up with many ideas for items you can make using the Triton Shell Stitch.

For starters:
With crochet cotton thread, a single strip for a bookmark or multiple strips for a table runner.

With yarn, an afghan. With cotton worsted weight yarn, a dishcloth.

When you're doing your first strip, decide on the length you want for the item you are making; then continue adding strips that same length until you've reached the width you want.

Warning: This stitch can be addicting.

Photography by Sandi Marshall, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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