How to Crochet Cluster Work Into a Cluster Stitch

One way to deviate from a pattern involves using crochet cluster stitches.

Crochet offers you many different ways to make a pattern your own and is an enjoyable pastime for hobbyists of all ages. One way to deviate from a pattern involves using crochet cluster stitches. Crochet cluster stitches, which resembles a group of stitches crochet close together in small bunches, adds a decorative pattern or design to any garment. In fact, you can add cluster stitches to hand bags, baby afghans, shawls and even dollies. Making the stitches involves crocheting various number of stitches that are half closed before being fused together.

Instructions

Crochet a Foundation Chain

1. Make a slip knot. Place the slip not onto the shaft of the crochet hook with your forefinger. Place the yarn over the hook from front to back. Holding the tail end of the slip knot between your thumb and middle finger of the hand yarn.

2. Draw the yarn the through the loop of the slip knot. This represents the completion of one chain.

3. Repeat the procedure to work several chains to complete the foundation chain.

Cluster Stitch

1. Wrap the yarn over the crochet hook.

2. Insert the hook in the next chain stitch. Bring the yarn over the hook, and then draw the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over and draw the yarn through two loops on the crochet hook. Two stitches remain on the hook. You have one half-closed double crochet completed.

3. Repeat the procedure three more times -- five loops on the crochet hook.

4. Move the yarn over the hook, and then draw the yarn through the five loops on your hook. Bring your yarn over hook and join the cluster together with one chain stitch at the top of the cluster. One four double crochet cluster completed.

5. Continue working the four double crochet stitch across the foundation chain for as many stitches as are needed for pattern instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Clusters are worked over several stitches.

• Slip stitch consists of inserting your hook under the top two strands of yarn of the stitch or chain. The stitch will look like a V-shape on your crochet hook.

• Chain stitch consists of wrapping the yarn clockwise over your crochet hook and pulling or drawing through the loop on the hook.

• When reading crochet instructions, you may find abbreviations for commonly used stitches instead the terms spelled out. For example, a half double crochet is abbreviated as "HDC," a chain stitch as "CH," a double crochet "DC" and a slip stitch as "SS" or "SL."

References

• Crochet Geek -- Free Instructions and Patterns: Cluster and Double Crochet Pattern Stitch