Cluster Stitches

Cluster stitches are a decorative group, or “cluster,” of stitches all worked in one stitch or space. Any combination of basic stitches can be used to form clusters. You can also work any number of stitches into one stitch. You can work a cluster with two stitches or seven stitches, for example, depending on the look the designer is going for. Sometimes clusters also seem very much like how many decrease stitches are worked. It may just be a naming quirk (see note below).

Cluster stitches can have many abbreviations. They may be referred to be a simple “cl(s)” or something more descriptive. A more descriptive abbreviation will usually tell you the basic stitch being used and then number of them being worked in the cluster. For example, a 3-dc cl would have 3 double crochet stitches worked in the group, whereas a 5-tr cl would have 5 treble crochet worked all in one group.

Note: Crochet does not have standardized naming conventions for special stitches. Designers may call stitches by whatever name they prefer. For this reason, it is difficult to search online for how a particular special stitch is created. Another reason it is hard to find the “correct” way to work a particular special stitch is because each designer might work a special stitch in their own unique way. Below are examples of ways to work common cluster stitches.

Basic cluster (abbreviated cl or 3-dc cl)

The cluster stitch can be created with a varying number of stitches in the cluster. Follow the instructions for the number of stitches used in your pattern.

For this version: yarn over, insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook, [yarn over, insert the hook in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops on the hook, chain 1.

4-Double Crochet Cluster

This is another type of double crochet cluster. This one creates four double crochet together, worked into one stitch.

Yarn over, insert the hook in the indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook (2 loops on hook), [yarn over, insert the hook in the same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yarn over, draw through all 5 loops on hook.

Treble Cluster (abbreviated tr cl or 3-tr cl)

This is an example of a treble crochet cluster. In this cluster,  multiple treble crochet stitches are worked into one stitch.

Yarn over 2 times, insert the hook in the stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook] 2 times, *yarn over 2 times, insert the hook in the same stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the hook] 2 times; repeat from *, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops on the hook, chain 1.

Note: Not all cluster stitches will end with a chain-one to close. Follow the instructions in your pattern for how to work the stitch as the designer intended.