Beautiful Crochet Techniques for Beginners and Beyond

Welcome to my crochet blog! Today I'm excited to share two wonderful crochet techniques that can help you create beautiful, textured projects. We'll learn the classic granny cluster stitch and then tackle a gorgeous corner-to-corner baby blanket with a lovely border.

Granny Cluster Stitch Tutorial

The granny cluster stitch creates a beautiful textured pattern that works well for blankets, scarves, and more. Here's how to create it:

Materials Needed

  • Yarn of your choice (multiple colors optional)
  • Appropriate size crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Instructions

  1. Begin with your foundation chain

    • Chain 30 (or any even number of chains)
    • Skip the first chain and single crochet in the next chain
    • Make another single crochet in the next chain

  2. Create the first row pattern

    • Chain one
    • Skip one chain and single crochet in the next chain
    • Chain one
    • Skip one, single crochet in the next
    • Continue this pattern across the row
    • At the end, you'll have one chain left - make a single crochet in it
    • Tip: You can switch colors at the end of the row if desired

  3. Begin the cluster row

    • Chain 4 and turn
    • Now we'll create clusters in the spaces of the previous row
    • Start with an unfinished double crochet in the first space (yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops - leaving 2 loops on the hook)
    • Make a second unfinished double crochet in the same space
    • Make a third unfinished double crochet in the same space
    • Yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook to complete the cluster
    • Chain one

  4. Continue the cluster pattern

    • In the next space, create another cluster following the same technique
    • Chain one between each cluster
    • At the end of the row, make a regular double crochet in the last stitch
    • You can change colors again if desired

  5. Create the next row

    • Chain one and turn
    • Make a single crochet on top of the double crochet
    • Single crochet in the space
    • Chain one
    • Make a single crochet between the previous row's clusters
    • Chain one
    • Continue this pattern across the row
    • At the end, place a single crochet in the final space
    • Make another single crochet in the top of the turning chain from the previous row

  6. Repeat pattern

    • Chain 4 and turn
    • Repeat row 2 again, starting with the cluster in the space
    • Continue alternating rows 2 and 3 for as many rows as you wish

This stitch creates a lovely textured pattern and works beautifully for many projects!

Corner-to-Corner Baby Blanket Tutorial

This gorgeous baby blanket uses a variation of the Suette Stitch, with alternating single and double crochet stitches. The finished blanket is approximately 24×24 inches (61×61 cm) - perfect for Moses baskets, strollers, or car seats.

Materials Needed

  • 1 ball of soft baby-friendly yarn (The tutorial used Sirdar Snuggly Pattercake in "Sweet Dreams" - shade 754)
    • 150g/3.5 oz
    • 498m/545 yards
    • 70% acrylic, 30% nylon
  • For the border: 1 ball of white yarn (The tutorial used Stylecraft Special Double Knit in shade 1001)
  • 5mm hook (US size H)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle
  • Stitch markers (optional but helpful for beginners)
  • Kitchen scale (if using self-striping yarn cake)

Tips Before Starting

  • If using a yarn cake, weigh it before beginning
  • You'll use just under half the weight for the first section and the remaining half for the second section
  • Pull yarn from the center of the cake for best results

Section 1: Creating the Triangle

  1. Row 1

    • Make a slip knot and chain 2
    • Work 2 single crochets into the second chain from the hook
    • You'll have 2 stitches at the end of row 1

  2. Row 2

    • Chain 1 and turn
    • Work an increase into the first stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet in the same stitch)
    • Work another increase in the last stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet)
    • You'll have 4 stitches at the end of row 2

  3. Row 3

    • Chain 1 and turn
    • Work an increase in the first stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet)
    • Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch
    • Work 1 double crochet in the next stitch
    • Work an increase in the last stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet)
    • You'll have 6 stitches at the end of row 3

  4. Row 4 (Pattern Row - Repeat for Section 1)

    • Chain 1 and turn
    • Work an increase in the first stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet)
    • Work the following sequence until you reach the last stitch:
      • 1 single crochet into the next stitch (which should be a single crochet)
      • 1 double crochet into the following stitch (which should be a double crochet)
    • Work an increase in the last stitch (1 single crochet + 1 double crochet)
    • You'll increase by 2 stitches with each row

  5. Continue Section 1

    • Repeat row 4 until your blanket measures 21 inches (53 cm) along one side
    • You should use just under half the weight of your yarn ball

Section 2: Creating the Square

  1. Decrease Row (Repeat for Section 2)

    • Chain 1 and turn
    • Begin with a single crochet 2 together (decrease) over the first two stitches
    • Work the following sequence until you have 2 stitches remaining:
      • 1 double crochet in the next stitch (which should be a double crochet)
      • 1 single crochet in the following stitch (which should be a single crochet)
    • End with a single crochet 2 together (decrease) over the last two stitches

  2. Continue Section 2

    • Repeat the decrease row until you have 4 stitches remaining

  3. Final Row

    • Chain 1 and turn
    • Work a single crochet 2 together over the first two stitches
    • Work another single crochet 2 together over the last two stitches
    • You'll have 2 stitches remaining
    • Fasten off, cut yarn, and weave in the end

Adding the Border

Round 1

  1. Join contrasting yarn in any corner stitch
  2. Chain 1 (doesn't count as a stitch)
  3. In the corner stitch work: 2 single crochet, chain 2, 2 single crochet
  4. Work single crochet evenly around all four sides
  5. In each corner work: 2 single crochet, chain 2, 2 single crochet
  6. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet

Rounds 2-4

  1. Chain 1 (doesn't count as a stitch)
  2. Work 1 half double crochet in same stitch
  3. Work 1 half double crochet in each stitch around
  4. In each corner chain-2 space work: 2 half double crochet, chain 2, 2 half double crochet
  5. Join with a slip stitch to first half double crochet

Round 5 (Final Round)

  1. Chain 1
  2. Work 1 single crochet in same stitch
  3. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around
  4. In each corner chain-2 space work: 1 single crochet, chain 1, 1 single crochet
  5. Join with a slip stitch to first single crochet
  6. Fasten off, weave in ends

This beautiful blanket features amazing texture and is reversible! The simple border adds a professional finish to your handmade creation.

I hope you've enjoyed these tutorials! If you create projects using these techniques, I'd love to see photos in the comments below. Happy crocheting!