I have a very pretty stitch pattern for you to try on the Maisie and Ruth blog…the Alternate Crochet Cluster Stitch!
This crochet stitch pattern consists of a 1-row repeat, making it super easy and quick to work up.
The pattern is reversible making it ideal for many crochet projects such as blankets, scarves, hats and shawls.
If you’re ready to see how this attractive pattern is worked up, let’s have a look now…
THE CROCHET ALTERNATE CLUSTER STITCH PATTERN
LEVEL
Easy (see details of project levels at the Craft Yarn Council).
SUPPLIES
- Yarn: Category 3 (light) / DK yarn. I used part of 1 skein from Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in the colour Vintage Pink (456), 137 yds / 1.8oz (125m / 50g)
- Crochet Hook: G (4mm)
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
GAUGE
8 stitches and 7 rows = 4 inches / 10cm
FINISHED SIZE
Width: 6 ¼ inches (15 cm)
Length: 6 ¼ inches (15 cm)
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US CROCHET TERMS)
(If you crochet using UK terms, the Craft Yarn Council have a useful page detailing the crochet term differences between the US, UK and Canada).
beg – beginning
ch(s) – chain(s)
sc – single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop, 2 loops remaining on hook. Yo, pull through both loops on hook. 1 single crochet completed.
sk – skip: Do not crochet into these stitches.
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
* to * – Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.
[ ] – The total number of stitches at the end of a row.
SPECIAL STITCHES
Click on the links below to see a step-by-step photo tutorial for each special stitch.
2dcCL – 2 Double Crochet Cluster Stitch: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st (or space), yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops. One 2dcCL made.
3dcCL – 3 Double Crochet Cluster Stitch: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st (or space), yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st (or space), yo pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 4 loops. One 3dcCL made.
PATTERN NOTES
- US crochet terms used throughout.
- 1-row pattern repeat (repeat row 3).
- This pattern calls for an even number of stitches (add 1 for the foundation chain).
- The ch3 made at the beginning of each row counts as the first st of the row.
- At the end of rows, your last stitch should be worked into the top of the ch3 from the previous row.
- This pattern is reversible.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
Ch25
Row 1. 1sc in the 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in each ch until end of row, TURN [24 sts].
Row 2. Ch3 (counts as a st here and throughout), 3dcCL in next st *ch1, sk 1 st, 3dcCL in next st*, repeat from * to * across row to last 2 sts, ch1, sk 1 st, 2dcCL in last st, TURN [24 sts].
Row 3. Ch3, sk first 2dcCL, 3dcCL in next ch1 sp, *ch1, sk next 3dcCL, 3dcCL in next ch1 sp*, repeat from * to * across row to last 2 sts, ch1, sk next 3dcCL, 2dcCL in top of beg ch3 from the previous row, TURN [24 sts].
Repeat row 3 for 9 times more (12 rows in total).
Leave a comment below and let me know if you plan on making something using this particular stitch!
If you get around to crocheting up an item using the alternate cluster stitch I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram using @maisieandruth in a photo of your work.
And finally, if you plan on using this stitch (for a particular crochet pattern or just for practise) but don’t have the time right now, pin the image above and save it for later 😊
Happy crocheting,
