Free Crochet Seashell Earrings are light, pretty and quick to make, with a neat ruffled edge. They suit beginners who want a small, stylish craft project, and they make lovely pastel spring earrings or a handmade Mother’s Day gift.
These Crochet Seashell Earrings are an easy crochet earrings pattern that is light, pretty and quick to make. You crochet a long ruffled strip, edge it with a neat reverse single crochet, and twist it into a spiral shell. A few stitches through the center hold the spiral, so these handmade crochet jewelry pieces are ready to wear after you add the hooks. Make a pair in yellow, mint or lilac. They suit beginners, add a boho earrings touch, and make a lovely pastel spring or Mother’s Day gift.
Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings Overview
- Construction: First, one long ruffled strip per earring, worked flat. Next, the strip is edged, twisted into a spiral and sewn through the center.
- Stitches: Also, chain, double crochet, increases, reverse single crochet and slip stitch.
- Skill level: A lovely beginner project, although the reverse single crochet may need a little practice first.
- Estimated finished size: Each spiral is about 3.5 to 4 cm wide, using super fine yarn and a 1.5 mm hook. A thicker yarn and a bigger hook will give you a bigger spiral.
Materials for Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
- Yarn: Super fine yarn or crochet thread in any color.
- Crochet hook: 1.5 mm.
- Findings: Earring hooks and two jump rings, for finishing.
- Tools: Small pliers, a tapestry needle and scissors.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- inc – two dc in the same stitch
- rev sc – reverse single crochet, also called crab stitch, worked from left to right
- sl st – slip stitch
Before You Begin the Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
How to Work Reverse Single Crochet
Do not turn your work. Insert your hook into the stitch on the right, instead of the left. Then yarn over and pull up a loop, and yarn over and pull through both loops. Keep working backward, from left to right. This creates a twisted, rope-like edge. Also, practice a few stitches on scrap yarn first if it feels awkward.
How the Steps Are Numbered
You make 2 strips, one for each earring. Therefore, the numbers in the lists below are steps, not rows.
How to Make Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings Step by Step
Step 1: Make the Foundation Chain (Make 2)
- First, tie a simple slip knot.
- Next, chain 80.
- Then chain 2 more, which will act as a turning chain.
Step 2: Work the Ruffle Row of the Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
- First, skip the 2 chains closest to your hook.
- Next, work 1 dc in each of the next 4 chains.
- Then work 2 dc in the fifth chain.
- After that, repeat 1 dc in each of the next 4 chains, then 2 dc in the fifth chain.
- Finally, continue along the chain until you reach the end.
The extra stitch at every fifth chain makes the strip curl and ruffle.
Step 3: Work the First Edging Row
- First, chain 1.
- Next, work 1 rev sc in each space between every two stitches along the top edge.
- Then keep working until you reach the end of the strip.
- Finally, turn your work.
Step 4: Work the Second Edging Row
- First, chain 1.
- Next, work 1 rev sc in each space between every two stitches along the other edge, which is the bottom side of the dc row.
- Then work until you reach the end.
Step 5: Finish the Cord
- First, work 2 sl st to finish the cord.
- Next, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail of about 15 cm.
Step 6: Twist the Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings Spiral
- First, tie a few small knots at the beginning of the cord to secure it.
- Next, start at one end and twist the strip into a flat spiral. Coil it around itself, keeping the ruffles on the outside.
- Then thread the leftover tail onto a tapestry needle.
- After that, sew through the center of the spiral several times. Pull the yarn gently so the spiral tightens and does not unwind.
- Finally, pass the needle through the back, knot it a few times and hide the end.
Tip: If your spiral looks too loose, take a few extra stitches in the center. However, if it looks too thick, uncoil it and twist it a little more slowly.
Step 7: Attach the Earring Hooks
- First, open a jump ring with pliers.
- Next, pass it through a stitch at the top of the spiral.
- Then pass the ring through the loop on the earring hook and close it.
- Finally, repeat for the second earring.
Note: The video does not show the earring hooks being attached. The pin shows silver fish hooks, so the jump ring method above is the way to connect them.
Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings Video Tutorial
Use the video to check the ruffle row and the reverse single crochet as you follow the steps above.
Bonus Section: Earring Color Sets for Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
Make a set of pastel pairs in yellow, mint, lilac and blue, just like the ones in the pin. Also, you can make a two-color spiral by changing yarn partway through the strip. A pair in cream or beige pairs well with almost any outfit, and a set of four makes a lovely gift.
Tips for Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
- Make both strips alike: Use the same chain count for both earrings, so the spirals match.
- Practice the edge: Try reverse single crochet on scrap yarn first if it feels new.
- Keep the ruffles outside: Coil the strip with the ruffles on the outside.
- Tighten the center: Take extra stitches in the center if the spiral looks loose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
What yarn and hook do I need?
Use super fine yarn or crochet thread with a 1.5 mm hook. Also, a thicker yarn and a bigger hook will give you a bigger spiral.
How big are the crochet spiral shell earrings?
Each spiral is about 3.5 to 4 cm wide. However, this is an estimate and not a measured size.
Are the earrings easy for beginners?
The write-up calls it a lovely beginner project. However, the reverse single crochet may need a little practice first.
How do I stop the spiral from unwinding?
Sew through the center of the spiral several times, then pull the yarn gently so it tightens.
Can I change the size of the spiral?
Yes. A thicker yarn with a bigger hook gives a bigger spiral. Also, you can adjust the chain for a bigger or smaller spiral.
Tiny Spirals, Big Style: Your Crochet Spiral Shell Earrings
Once you have made your first pair, you will find it easy to make a few more. Each earring is light enough to wear all day. Pick your favorite colors, adjust the chain for a bigger or smaller spiral, and build a small collection.
