How to Crochet Cluster Stitch (Easy Beginner Tutorial)

Save it Now, Make it Later!

The crochet cluster stitch creates textured crochet fabric by partially completing several stitches and joining them together at the top. Unlike bobble stitch, cluster stitches are worked across multiple stitches rather than into one stitch. This creates a soft, textured fabric that works beautifully for blankets, scarves, shawls, bags, and decorative crochet projects. This tutorial will show you how to crochet cluster stitch step by step as well as several varations.

How to Do Cluster Stitch (Quick Guide)

Here is a quick summary of how to do a cluster stitch. Keep reading for the step by step tutorial.

Leave the final loop unfinished
Repeat incomplete stitches across multiple stitches
Keep all loops on the hook
Yarn over and pull through all loops together
Chain between clusters if required

What Is Crochet Cluster Stitch?

A crochet cluster stitch is made by partially completing several stitches, then joining them at the top. The grouped stitches form a textured triangle or shell-like shape across the crochet fabric. Cluster stitches can be made using:

double crochet
half double crochet
treble crochet

The number and height of stitches used change the size and texture of the cluster.

Get more easy stitches for beginners in my full crochet stitches types and patterns guide.

How to Crochet Cluster Stitch (Step by Step)

Abbreviation for Cluster Stitch Crochet

In crochet abbreviation, cluster is written as cl. All instructions for the cluster crochet stitch are written in US terms.

Making a double crochet cluster stitch is almost the same as decreasing a stitch in crochet. If you are working with double crochet (dc), to decrease, you would dc2tog, creating a small cluster of 2 double crochets. You will use the same process to create a cluster stitch, just grouping more stitches together.

1. First Incomplete Stitch

This is how you make a 4 double crochet cluster stitch, step by step. The first stitch is made up of 4 incomplete double crochets.

Start with your foundation chain. Work your foundation chain in a multiple of 4 + 3
Yarn over. Insert hook into 4th chain of the foundation chain
Yarn over, draw up a loop (You will have 3 loops on your hook. This is just how you would start your normal dc.)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. (2 loops left on your hook. This is 1 incomplete dc.)

Crochet Cluster Stitch - First Incomplete DC

2. Second Incomplete Stitch

Yarn over. Insert hook into next stitch
Yarn over, draw up a loop (4 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook. This is the 2^nd incomplete dc.)

Crochet Cluster Stitch - Second Incomplete DC

3. Third Incomplete Stitch

Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch
Yarn over, draw up a loop (5 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops left on hook. This is the 3^rd incomplete dc.)

Crochet Cluster Stitch - Third Incomplete DC

4. Fourth Incomplete Stitch

Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, draw up a loop (6 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (5 loops left on the hook. This is the 4^th incomplete dc.)

Crochet Cluster Stitch - Fourth Incomplete DC

5. Complete the Cluster Stitch

Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops (1 loop on hook). This will draw all your incomplete dc stitches together at the top. You have now completed a cluster stitch.

6. First Row of Cluster Stitches

Now that you have done your first DC cluster, you will need to continue to the first row.

Now you will need to work 3 chains between clusters
Start your second cluster stitch, inserting the hook into the next stitch on the foundation chain, or into the next stitch on the row below

Keep going with 1 cluster, 3 chains, all the way across the row
Your last stitch should just be 1 dc

7. More Rows of Crochet Cluster Stitch

Work ch3 turning chain and continue with the 1 cluster stitch, 3 ch across the row again

When working the second row, some patterns require you to work into the top of your cluster stitch to make each new cluster, and some require that you work into the chain spaces between clusters.

BESTSELLER

The Luna Cardigan Pattern

go to shop

bestseller

Summer Hat Pattern

go to shop

Cluster Stitch Variations

Cluster Stitch with Chains

Working into the top of the cluster looks like this: (It loses its triangle shape)

Working into the top of the chain looks like this:

Cluster Stitch with Single Crochet

I feel that the easiest and neatest method is to work 1 row of single crochet in between each row of clusters.

Single Crochet Cluster Stitch:

So, you would complete your cluster row, ch1, turn, 3 sc into 3 chain space between clusters, and sc into the top of the cluster. Continue in this way across the row.

Then ch3, turn and continue with the next cluster row. Work into each sc stitch.
Repeat 1 row of clusters, 1 row sc until you reach the desired length of your fabric.

I really like this effect! If you are using larger or smaller clusters, you will need to alter the number of chain stitches between each cluster, and then the number of sc into each chain space.

What are Granny Clusters?

Granny clusters are groups of 3 double crochet stitches worked into the same space. Unlike traditional cluster stitches, granny clusters are fully completed stitches rather than partially completed stitches joined together.

Granny clusters are commonly used in:

How to Crochet Cluster Stitch In The Round

As always, when working in the round, start with a magic ring, or 4 chains joined into a ring with a slip stitch.

I am working in 3 dc clusters for this project.

Round 1: 8 sc into the circle, Join up with a slip stitch
Round 2: Chain 3 (Counts as 1^st hdc + ch1.) Hdc, ch1 into each stitch around the circle. Join to 2^nd chain of the chain 3 with a slip stitch (This will be 8hdc, 8 spaces)
Round 3: Chain 3. Work 1 cluster, ch2 into each ch sp. Slip stitch into the beginning cluster
Round 4: Slip stitch to the next space. Work (1 cluster, ch2, 1 cluster, ch 2) into each ch2 sp (This group of clusters and chains into one space is an increasing cluster. [16 clusters, 16 sps])
Round 5: Slip stitch to the next space. Chain 3. *Work (1 cluster ch2, 1 cluster ch2) into first space, then (1 cluster ch2) into the following space (so you will alternate 1 cluster then 2 clusters). Repeat all the way round (24 clusters, 24 spaces)
Round 6: *(Work 1 cluster , ch1, 1 cluster, ch1) into next space, then (1 cluster ch1 ) into next two spaces. Repeat from * all the way round (32 clusters, 32 spaces)
Round 7: *Work (1 cluster, ch1, 1 cluster ch1 )into next sp, 1 cluster, ch1 in next three spaces (40 clusters, 40 spaces)

Continue working like this in rounds until the circle is the required size. As you work each subsequent round, increase the number of spaces between your increasing cluster by 1 each round.

Cluster Stitch Notes

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Stitch Multiple: Usually multiples of 4 + 3, depending on the pattern
Row Repeat: Commonly a 1-row or 2-row repeat
Best For: Blankets, scarves, shawls, bags, cushion covers, dishcloths
Reversible: Usually no, although both sides can look decorative
Yarn Recommendation: Smooth yarn with good stitch definition
Texture: Soft raised clusters with decorative texture
Works Best With: Textured crochet projects and layered stitch patterns
Special Technique: Partially completed stitches joined together at the top

Cluster stitch creates textured crochet fabric by grouping unfinished stitches together into decorative clusters. The stitch can be worked using double crochet, half double crochet, treble crochet, or taller stitches depending on the effect you want to create. Because the stitch adds texture without becoming overly bulky, it works beautifully for blankets, scarves, shawls, and decorative crochet projects.

Cluster Stitch vs Bobble Stitch

Although cluster stitch and bobble stitch are both textured crochet stitches made from grouped stitches, they are constructed differently and create distinct textures in the finished fabric.

Cluster Stitch	Bobble Stitch
Worked across multiple stitches	Worked into one stitch
Forms triangular texture	Forms rounded bump
Often flatter texture	Raised dimensional texture
Common in lace and textured fabric	Common in blankets and decorative texture

Crochet Cluster Stitch FAQs

Can I Change Stitches for Cluster Stitch?

Of course, you can easily change the number of stitches you want to include in your cluster. Use more stitches joined together for a larger cluster and less for a smaller cluster. You can also change the stitch you use for your clusters; you can make clusters with anything from hdc to dtr, as long as it is tall enough to pull together to make the cluster.

What Is The Difference Between a Cluster and a Bobble Stitch?

With both stitches, you make incomplete stitches and then finish by pulling the yarn through all the leftover stitches on your hook to draw them together. But while a cluster stitch is made by working into subsequent stitches, a bobble stitch is made by working all your stitches into a single base stitch.

Pin for Later

In Conclusion

Cluster stitch is a very popular crochet stitch. It is easy to do and gives a thick and satisfying result. You can use it to make absolutely anything – blankets, throws, shawls, scarves, bags, flowers, cushion covers, even slippers! It also makes great dishcloths, which are very absorbent when made from cotton or bamboo. Try your hand at creating some crochet cluster stitches and their variations, and then decide what you will make with this useful stitch. Crochet cluster stitch is an interesting variation of the conventional crochet stitches!