Week 2: The Cluster Stitch

This is a very simple stitch that is actually just a couple double crochet worked in the same stitch and hooked together at the top. Yes, that's my technical description. We are going to do a 3 stitch cluster, different patterns may call for a different amount, though I think 3 seems fairly common.
Terms:
yo: yarn over
ch: chain
st: stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
( ): repeat across
{ }: total number of stitches

To make a cluster:
(yo, insert into st, yo and pull up loop, yo, pull through first 2 loops); repeat 3 times in same stitch. [You should have 4 loops on your hook at this point] yo, pull through all 4 loops, ch 1 to close off

Yes, that is it! Here it is broken down step by step with pictures.

yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over and pull up loop

pull through 2 loops (like the first half of a double crochet)

repeat 3 times in same stitch

yarn over

pull through all 4 loops on hook

yarn over

 pull through to close stitch

I used a J/10-6.00mm hook and 100% cotton 4 ply yarn (Peaches and Cream to be exact) Using these supplies my swatch was approx 4.25" wide.

I wanted mine to have small holes in between so I chained 1 and skipped a space between each cluster.  You can make a cluster in each chain if you prefer.  If you do be sure your foundation chain is pretty loose or it will really curl up on itself as you make your clusters.
Now let's make our swatch!

Ch 14, work will begin in 3rd chain from hook

Row 1: Cluster in next chain space, (ch 1, skip next chain, cluster in next chain), ch 3 turn {6 clusters made}

From here forward we are going to work in the holes made in the previous row

Row 2: (cluster, ch 1) - last cluster will be made in the ch 3 space

Row 3: repeat Row 2

Continue this as long as you'd like. You could make a little face scrubbie, washcloth or scarf. 

If you find your edges bowing out more than you'd like you can substitute the last cluster in the row with a double crochet.

Hopefully this all made sense and is typo free!  Sorry no video, my spare hands weren't home!  If you'd prefer video here you are.

Cluster Stitch Right Hand
This was the best I could find for you lefties!  It's a Cluster V stitch, but should work for you if you need it!


There you have it!  You are now a Cluster stitch master!  If you post a blog or your results I'd love for you to enter them here so we can check each other's out!