Crochet abbreviation
What does sh mean in crochet?
Several stitches, often 5 dc, worked into the same stitch to form a fan. The pattern defines the exact count.
By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Updated · Editorial policy
| US patterns | UK patterns | |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | sh | sh |
| Meaning | shell | shell |
sh is short for shell in US patterns; UK patterns write sh (shell).
How to work sh (shell stitch)
- Ch a multiple of 6 plus 2, for example 26.
- Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
- Sk 2 ch, 5 dc in the next ch, sk 2 ch, sc in the next ch — 1 shell made.
- Repeat the shell sequence across the row.
- Ch 3 and turn; 2 dc in the first sc for a half shell.
- Sc in the centre dc of each shell and 5 dc in each sc across, ending with a half shell.
How sh appears in real patterns
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, sh in next ch, sk next 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, turn. (8 shells, 9 sc)
Rnd 13: *Sk next st, sh in next st, sk next st, sl st in next st; rep from * around. (8 shells)
Row 7: 4 ks, 3 sh in next sps (or k), 4 ks, * repeat to end of row, ch 4 in ch 4 of last row, turn, ch 4 in ch 4.
From Crocheted Shell Bedspread, Plate 10 (1918): vintage crochet pattern
Sources and scope
- Craft Yarn Council: Crochet Abbreviations Master List
Reference for US abbreviations and the main US/UK stitch-name differences. A designer's own abbreviation key takes precedence for special stitches.