Among the hidden treasures of the Pinky Sea, there is a little journey through time: the Crochet Nautilus Shell.
With its elegant spiral shape, this ancient fossil shell inspires a creative and relaxing project, perfect for using leftover yarn and enriching your crochet ocean world.
You can use it to decorate mesh bags, baskets, or photo backdrops or create a seaside corner together with seashells, corals, and the characters from the Pinky Summer Time collection.
In this tutorial, I will guide you step by step through the creation of a crochet nautilus shell, a small sea treasure inspired by the famous marine fossils known for their beautiful spiral shape.
Thanks to its simple construction and decorative appearance, this project is perfect for anyone who loves creating original and customizable ocean-themed decorations.
Choose your favorite colors, play with the shades of the sea, and create a unique collection of marine treasures to match your amigurumi.
Grab your crochet hook and yarn: a new adventure in the Pinky Sea is about to begin!
What you’ll find in this tutorial:
Video tutorial Crochet Nautilus Shell
Watch the complete video tutorial to create the Crochet Nautilus Shell step by step. It is perfect if you prefer following every movement in a practical and visual way, together with the written pattern that you will find just below the video. WATCH THE VIDEO.
🕰️ Time: about 30 minutes
📊 Skill level: intermediate
*Time is approximate and depends on your speed. This is the average time required!
Yarn and Supplies for the Crochet Nautilus Shell
- 100 gr L’Occasione 80% Cotton and 20 % Acrylic Medium category yarn
- Crochet hook 3,5 mm
- needle
- scissor
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If you use the recommended yarn, the finished shell will measure approximately 6 cm (2.4 inches).
You can experiment with almost any type of yarn for this project, and it is always fun to see how the final result changes when made with multicolored cotton yarn, cord yarn, or acrylic yarn.
Crochet Nautilus Shell Pattern
The shell begins with two circles that will later be joined together using central chains. A sequence of stitches worked only in the back loops will then create the characteristic raised spiral effect.
- MR = Magic Ring
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double crochet
- SC = Sigle crochet
- SL ST= Slip Stitch
- REP * = repeat the instruction between the two asterix (*…*) for the indicated time
Start by crocheting two circles following the pattern below:
- ROUND 1: MR, 7 SC (7)
- ROUND 2: 2 CHs, 3 DC in each stitch around. Close with 1 SL ST in the 2nd Starting CH (21)
Cut the yarn and weave in the ends. Then repeat the pattern to create the second circle.
Once the second circle is complete, do not cut the yarn. Continue by chaining 3 and join the two circles together with 1 slip stitch.
You will now work back and forth across the 3 central chains, always working only into the back loop of each stitch.
- ROW 1: 1 Turnig CH. 1 SL ST in the first CH, 3 SC in the 2nd CH, 1 SL ST in the 3rd CH. Make 1 SL ST on the circle.
- ROWS 2-3: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 1 SC in the next 3 stitches, 1 SL ST in the next stitch. Make 1 SL ST on the circle. (5×2)
- ROW 4: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 3 SC in the next stitch, 1 SC, 1 SLST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle. (7)
- ROWS 5 – 25: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 5 SC, 1 SL ST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle (7×21)
- ROW 26: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 2 SC, 3 SC in the next stitch, 2 SC, 1 SL ST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle (9)
- ROWS 27-37: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 9 SC, 1 SL ST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle (9×11)
- ROW 38: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 3 SC, 3 SC in the next stitch, 3 SC, 1 SL ST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle (11)
- ROWS 39-42: 1 Turning CH. 1 SL ST, 9 SC, 1 SL ST. Make 1 SL ST on the circle (11×4)
- ROW 43: 1 Turning CH. Make 1 SC in each stitch of the row but NOT BACK LOOP. (11)
- ROW 44: 1 SC on the side, 1 Turning CH, * 1 SC, INC *; REP * 6 times (18)
- ROW 45: 1 Turning CH, 1 FRONT POST SC in each stitch of the row.
Work slip stitches along the side of the project until you reach the circular base. Fasten the yarn securely inside the work.
How to Use Your Crochet Nautilus Shell
Congratulations! Your Crochet Nautilus Shell is now complete and ready to join your collection of Pinky Sea Treasures. 🐚✨
This little ocean decoration is perfect for adding a special touch to your summer projects.
- You can attach it to a mesh bag to create a sea-inspired accessory,
- use it to decorate baskets and containers,
- or include it in your photo setups together with starfish, corals, and other inhabitants of the Pinky Sea.
- Nautilus shells are also perfect for decorating scrapbooks, picture frames, summer wreaths,
- and small seaside-themed displays.
By making them in different colors, you can create a beautiful collection of sea treasures to collect, display, and combine together.
Share Your Creation
If you make this shell, I would love to see your version! Share a photo on social media using the hashtag #PinkySummerTime to be featured and tag me @giuliapinkytime to join the Pinky Summer Time community gallery.
Every shell holds a little story from the sea.What story will yours tell?
Happy Pinky Summer Time, stay coriuos and see you in the next tutorial 😘
This pattern is an original pattern by Giulia Mollica of giuliapinkytime. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for your own personal use, but please DO NOT sell the pattern or distribute it.
You may sell products made from this pattern, but please clearly credit the design to me, Giulia Mollica of giuliapinkytime. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you!
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