How to Crochet a Cluster Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Are you ready to add texture and depth to your crochet projects? The cluster stitch is a versatile and decorative stitch that creates a raised, dimensional look. It’s perfect for garments, borders, and flower petal motifs. This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cluster stitch step by step. Let’s get started!
A cluster stitch is a group of partially completed stitches worked into the same space and then closed together at the top. This creates a unique, puffy texture that can be used in various crochet patterns. Cluster stitches can be made using different stitch heights, such as double crochet or treble crochet, depending on the design. The cluster stitch has a petal-like look, perfect for making floral granny squares!
The cluster stitch is often abbreviated simply as cl. You may also see abbreviations of this sort: 3dccl, meaning 3 double crochet cluster stitch. For this tutorial, we will be using 4dccl, meaning we will work 4dc into our stitch.
To get started, you’ll need the following:
Begin with a row of stitches, such as half double crochet or double crochet, according to your pattern. I am using my square from my How To Do a Half Double Crochet tutorial. In the following photo, you can see I have one cluster stitch already completed for reference.
We will be working a 4 double crochet cluster stitch (4dccl). Yarn over (yo) and insert your hook into the designated stitch or space where the cluster stitch will be placed.
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on the hook. You will once again have two loops on your hook. This step is similar to making a double crochet but stopping before completing the stitch.
Depending on the pattern, you may need to repeat steps 2-4 multiple times in the same stitch or space. Typically, a 3-cluster or 4-cluster stitch is used, meaning you will have multiple incomplete stitches on your hook. For this tutorial, we are doing a 4dccl, so we want to repeat until there are 5 stitches on our hook.
Here is after working 2 incomplete double crochets, when you will have 3 loops on your hook:
After 3, with 4 loops on your hook:
And after 4, with 5 loops on your hook:
Once you have the required number of incomplete stitches on your hook (in this case it is 5), yarn over one final time and pull through all the loops on your hook. This brings the stitches together into a single cluster.
You will most likely want to chain stitch after completing the cluster to secure it and create space before the next stitch. For this tutorial, I ch2 after the cluster stitch, then skip the next stitch, and work my next cluster into the next stitch after that. Here is what a row of cluster stitch looks like:
Now that you know how to make a cluster stitch, you can start using it to create beautiful, textured crochet projects. Whether adding dimension to a blanket, designing a unique garment, or adding petals to a flower, this stitch is a great addition to your crochet skills. Happy crocheting!
Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!
How to Do a Stacked Single Crochet
Want to try out a pattern using the cluster stitch? My daisy curtain ties incorporate the cluster stitch shown in this tutorial as petals on the daisies.
