Crochet stitch · 3-dc cluster, worked in one place
Cluster stitch
A cluster is several stitches worked partway and closed together at the top, so they make one stitch. This 3-dc cluster puts all three in the same place. With a chain 1 between clusters, and each new cluster worked into the space below, the rows build a soft, textured fabric.
- Stitch
- 3 dc closed together
- Counts as
- One stitch
- Between
- Ch 1
- UK terms
- 3-tr cluster
How to
How to crochet cluster stitch
- To make one 3-dc cluster: [yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] 3 times in the same stitch. You have 4 loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through all 4.
- Chain 14. Row 1: the last 3 ch count as a dc. Starting in the 4th ch from the hook, [cluster in the next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch] 5 times, and dc in the last ch.
- Row 2: ch 3 (counts as a dc) and turn. [Cluster in the next ch-1 space, ch 1] 5 times, and dc in the top of the beginning ch-3.
- Repeat row 2.
Chart
Cluster stitch chart
Reading this chart
- Start at the bottom. Each row begins at its number, beside its turning chain, and the rows turn back and forth.
- Rows alternate dark and blue so they read apart.
- The key under the chart names every symbol, following the Craft Yarn Council chart standard.
Drawn by Krowshea from the checked counts. New to charts? How to read crochet charts.
Written pattern
The swatch, row by row
Written in US crochet terms
Ch 14.
- 1
The last 3 ch count as the first dc. Starting in the 4th ch from the hook, [3-dc cluster in next ch, ch 1, sk next ch] 5 times, dc in the last ch, turn.
2 dc, 5 clusters, 5 sps - 2–5
Ch 3 (counts as a dc), [3-dc cluster in next sp, ch 1] 5 times, dc in the top of the beginning ch-3, turn.
2 dc, 5 clusters, 5 spsFasten off and weave in ends.
Written in UK crochet terms
Ch 14.
- 1
The last 3 ch count as the first tr. Starting in the 4th ch from the hook, [3-tr cluster in next ch, ch 1, miss next ch] 5 times, tr in the last ch, turn.
2 tr, 5 clusters, 5 sps - 2–5
Ch 3 (counts as a tr), [3-tr cluster in next sp, ch 1] 5 times, tr in the top of the beginning ch-3, turn.
2 tr, 5 clusters, 5 spsFasten off and weave in ends.
Tips
Tips
Shared top
On a chart, a cluster is drawn as stitches whose tops meet. When their feet meet too, all of them go in one place.
Its relatives
Worked across several stitches, a cluster becomes a decrease, such as dc3tog. Puffs, bobbles and popcorns are related stitches with their own closing.
Keep loops even
Pull each loop up to the same height, so the cluster stands straight.
More stitches
Krowshea is in beta
Use it in your own pattern
In the Krowshea Studio, members will be able to:
- Build the cluster repeat with clusters and chains
- See it as a chart, in color and in 3D Yarn as you build
- Have every row counted and checked
- Read it in US or UK terms and print it