In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to work the cluster stitch. This is a beautiful two-row, very easy repeat pattern that works wonderfully when changing colors every row, as I’ve done for the piece shown here. It’s also just as stunning when worked in one solid color. The cluster stitch creates a dense fabric, which makes it perfect for baby blankets, and the edges stay nice and straight.

Materials Needed:

  • Yarn (in your choice of colors)
  • Crochet hook

Step 1: Chain and Single Crochet

Start by creating a slip knot on your hook. The pattern multiple for the cluster stitch is simple—it’s just two. So, you’ll need to chain in multiples of two to achieve the desired width for your project. For this small sample, I’m chaining 16, but you can chain any even number that works for your project.

Once you have your desired chain length, work into the second chain from the hook. (Remember, the loop on your hook does not count as a stitch.) So, count these chains hanging below, and in the second chain, work a single crochet.

Now, chain 1, skip a chain, and single crochet into the next chain. Repeat this sequence of chain 1, skip a chain, and single crochet into the next until you reach the last stitch. If you want to change colors at the end of this row, you can do so at this point. Otherwise, continue with the same color.

Step 2: Changing Colors (Optional)

If you're changing colors, insert your hook into the last single crochet and draw up a loop. Then, drop the current yarn and bring in your new yarn. Lay it over the hook and draw it through the two loops on your hook to finish the stitch. Snip off your old yarn, leaving a long tail to weave in later.

Step 3: Row 2 – Cluster Stitch Row

Row 2 is where we begin the two-row pattern repeat. Start by chaining 3 and turning your work. We will be working our cluster stitches into the chain-1 spaces from the row below, which are located between the single crochets.

To create a cluster stitch, yarn over and go into the first chain-1 space, draw up a loop, and you should have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops, but stop there, leaving 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over again and go into the same chain-1 space, draw up a loop, and now you should have 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops again, but stop with 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over one last time and go into the same chain-1 space, draw up a loop, so you have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, then draw through all the loops on your hook to finish the cluster stitch.

After completing the first cluster stitch, chain 1 and work another cluster stitch into the next chain-1 space. Repeat this process down the row, working a cluster stitch in each chain-1 space, separated by a chain 1. When you reach the last chain-1 space, don’t chain 1. Instead, work a double crochet into the top of the first single crochet from the row below. This will help keep your edges straight.

To change colors again, repeat the process of changing yarn as described earlier.

Step 4: Row 3 – Single Crochet Row

Row 3 begins with chaining 1 and turning your work. Work a single crochet into the top of the double crochet from the previous row. Then, chain 1, skip the cluster stitch, and work a single crochet into the chain-1 space between the clusters. Continue with this pattern: chain 1, skip the cluster stitch, and single crochet in the chain-1 space between the clusters. Repeat all the way to the end of the row.

When you reach the very end, work your final single crochet into the top of the turning chain from row 2. You may need to rotate the work a little bit to find the correct spot, but that’s where you will finish.

Step 5: Repeat the Pattern

To continue the pattern, repeat rows 2 and 3. Row 2 is the cluster stitch row, and row 3 is the single crochet row. Keep repeating these two rows until your project reaches the desired length.

Step 6: Finishing the Project

Once you’ve completed your final row, cut your yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in. Chain 1 and pull the yarn through, securing it. Now, go ahead and weave in all the loose ends to finish your project.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful! If you did, please give it a thumbs up and feel free to share your finished projects. Until next time, happy crocheting