📚 What you’ll learn
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to work multiple stitches into the same base and then join them at the top to form a single composite stitch. We’ll focus on the construction of Cluster Stitches, while also providing the understanding to apply the same principles to other stitches like Bobble, Popcorn, and Puff. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to add texture, dimension, and visual interest to your crochet projects.
🎥 Watch
📋 Instructions
The Cluster Stitch can be worked with a variety of stitches, such as hdc, dc, or tr. These instructions show how to make a cluster using three double crochets - also called the 3 double crochet cluster (3 dc cl).
- Begin by wrapping your yarn over your hook and inserting your hook in the next stitch, yoh, pull up a loop, yoh, pull through 2 loops only (first partial dc made).
- Yoh, insert hook in the same stitch, yoh, pull up a loop, yoh, pull through 2 loops only (second partial dc made, 3 loops on your hook)
- yoh, insert hook in the same stitch once more, yoh, pull up a loop, yoh, pull through 2 loops only (3rd partial dc made, 4 loops on your hook)
- yoh, pull through all 4 loops, dc 3 cl complete.
🔑 Key tips
- The cluster stitch is joined at both the base (all stitches start in the same stitch) and the top (incomplete stitches are pulled together through the tops of all stitches).
- You can make clusters with a variety of stitches, including hdc, dc, tr, and more.
- Other stitches can also be joined at the top and base (JATAB). For more information, watch the video linked in the lesson.
- Many stitches joined at top and base have different names and can be easily confused. Always check your pattern instructions to ensure you are creating the stitch correctly.
- You may see the name of the basic stitch and number reversed. For example a 3 dc cluster is the same as a dc 3 cluster.
🏋️ Practice
In this practice, the same joining technique from the instructions is applied using treble crochets instead of double crochets. This shows how clusters can be worked with different stitch heights, altering the texture and appearance of the fabric.
- Start with a base: Chain 18, sc in the 2nd chain and across, turn. (17 sc)
- Make your first cluster row:
- Ch 4 (counts as first tr; place a stitch marker in top ch).
- Tr 3 cluster in the next stitch (skip the stitch under the ch 4).
- Ch 1, skip 1 stitch.
- Repeat across row, ending with a tr in the last stitch. (8 clusters + 2 tr)
- Frame with single crochet: Ch 1 (doesn’t count), sc in each stitch and ch space to end, turn. (17 sc)
- Repeat: Alternate cluster rows and sc rows until you have 4 cluster rows and 5 sc rows. Fasten off or continue for a longer swatch. Weave in ends.
🎯 Goal
Create a composite stitch that is joined at both the top and the base (JATAB). Confidently navigate the Stitch Dictionary on Design Crochet’s website. Make a swatch by following a diagram and reading the written stitch instructions.