Project
Explore composite stitches by making swatches with Cluster, Bobble, Popcorn, or Puff stitches from the Design Crochet Stitch Dictionary.
📋 Instructions
- Pick a stitch from the Stitch Dictionary.
- Make a small swatch to practice and get comfortable with the stitch. Treat it like a “stitch playground.”
- Try a variation: adjust stitch height, yarn, or spacing to discover new textures.
- Dream big: decide where you might use this stitch in a larger project (scarf, blanket, etc.) and make a tiny sample for that idea.
- Tip: There’s no wrong way to experiment—every swatch teaches you something new!
🎯 Objective
Gain hands-on experience with composite stitches, experiment with variations, and build confidence in incorporating them into your own projects.
🔀 Optional Variation
- Check out Kate Kosenko’s Blossoms pattern for inspiration on using multiple composite stitches together. You can even try the pattern yourself with our shared discount code:
- DESIGNCROCHET — 25% off
- On Etsy: Valid for the Blossom pattern
- On Ravelry: Valid for all patterns, as long as the Blossom pattern is included in your purchase (either on its own or bundled with others)
Reflection & Next Steps
✅ Skill Check
- Can you identify stitches that are joined at the top (JAT), at the base (JAB), at the top and base (JATAB) and at the center (JAC)?
- Are you confidently making decrease, increase and clustered stitches?
- Does your work lay flat and neat with clear division between groups of stitches?
👀 Looking Ahead
Next week, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of crocheting in the round. We will cover several ways to start a circular design and different methods of completing those designs. You will gain the confidence and skills needed to complete a neat and even circle. We will also cover troubleshooting those circles.
Community Connection
📸 Share Your Progress
Snap a pic of your Increase/Decrease stitch swatches or your Tr 3 Cluster square. Went wild with any X, Y, or Inverted Y stitches? Don’t be shy—show them off in #LearnToCrochetDC!
💬 Group Discussion
Tried joining stitches at the top to decrease? How did it go—smooth sailing or a bit wobbly? Shells and fans: nailed it or need a retry? Fancy experimenting with fans using different stitch heights? Go for it! Which stitch gave you the most “aha!” moment—or the most head-scratching challenge: a set of stitches only joined at the top, or a group joined at both top and bottom?
