How to Crochet Cluster Stitches
Cluster stitches in crochet are multiple stitches worked together in a single stitch to form a bobble with a narrow bottom and a narrow, single-stitch top. The stitch is worked similarly to a decrease stitch since you are combining multiple stitches into one. Clusters most commonly involve grouping three stitches, but more stitches can be used for thicker bobbles.
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Instructions
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Basic Double Crochet Cluster Stitch
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1
Create a chain that is approximately three inches long to use as your practice swatch. If you are new to crochet, review basic crochet stitches for chain, single crochet and double crochet.
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2
Single crochet across the chain to create a base row. Turn the work.
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3
Chain three, skip the stitch directly below the chain three, and begin the cluster in the next stitch.
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4
Wrap the yarn around the hook for a yarn over, referred to as a "YO" in crochet patterns.
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5
Insert the hook into the current stitch, YO, pull up a loop, YO again and pull through two loops on the hook. Two loops will remain.
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6
Repeat steps 4 and 5 two more times in the same stitch. You will have four loops on the hook at the end. YO once more and pull through all four loops on the hook to complete the cluster.
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7
Chain one and skip the next stitch to give some room between your clusters. Repeat steps 4 through 7 across the row and work a double crochet into the last stitch.
Popcorn Stitch
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8
Create a new swatch with a single crochet base row as describe in step 1 of the first section, or turn the swatch you created in the previous section so you can work this new stitch in the tops of the clusters.
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9
Chain three to start a new row and skip the stitch directly below the chain three.
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10
Work five double crochet stitches in the next stitch, then pull the loop on the hook up slightly to widen it.
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11
Remove your hook from the loop, move it back to the right and insert from front to back beneath the loops at the top of the first double crochet in this group.
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12
Grab the loop you left at the end of the five double crochet stitches with your hook and pull it across the backs of the double crochet stitches and through the first double crochet. This forces the cluster of stitches to "pop" out toward you, hence the name.
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13
Chain one, skip the next stitch and work a popcorn stitch in the next stitch. Repeat this across to the end, finishing with a double crochet stitch in the last stitch.
Puff Stitch
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14
Create a new swatch with a single crochet base row as described in step 1 of the "Basic Double Crochet Cluster Stitch" section, or turn the swatch you started for either of the earlier sections so you can work this new stitch in the tops of the clusters, or popcorns.
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15
Chain three to start a new row and skip the stitch directly below the chain three.
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16
YO, insert the hook into the current stitch, YO again, pull the loop up tall about half an inch (YO, insert hook into same stitch, YO, pull loop up tall) two more times, then YO and pull a loop through all seven loops on the hook. This completes the puff stitch.
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17
Chain one, skip the next stitch and repeat step 3. Notice that the puff stitch resembles the basic cluster, but because of the long loops pulled up, it's smoother.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Two double crochet clusters in the same stitch form a V that resembles a heart or leaves on a flower.
