Cluster Stitch (cl)

The cluster stitch joins several partly worked stitches together at the top, pulling a group of double crochets into a single point for a textured, gently decreasing effect.

US abbreviation: clUK abbreviation: clDifficulty: easy

Worked from these basic stitches

  • Double crochetDouble crochet

In a chart, the cluster stitch is drawn as a group of these symbols.

How to crochet the Cluster Stitch

  1. 1Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops. This leaves one unfinished double crochet on the hook.
  2. 2Repeat that partial stitch into the same stitch, or across the next few stitches, as the pattern directs, leaving each unfinished dc on the hook.
  3. 3When you have the number of unfinished stitches the pattern calls for (often 3 to 5), yarn over.
  4. 4Pull through all the loops on the hook at once to join them into one cluster.
  5. 5Chain 1 if the pattern asks, to secure the top of the cluster.

Tips

  • A cluster worked across several stitches also acts as a decrease.
  • Worked into a single stitch, it adds texture without changing the stitch count.
  • Keep the unfinished loops loose so the final pull-through stays even.

Used in

  • Blankets
  • Shawls
  • Shaped garments
  • Textured panels

Related stitches

Find more stitches in the complete crochet stitches library. To visualize this stitch in a chart, try the free stitch chart maker.