3Dc Cluster Stitch- Full Photo Tutorial

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How to Crochet the 3Dc Cluster Stitch Tutorial

Today, you’ll learn how to crochet the 3Dc Cluster stitch with me. I love the unique shape and texture of this stitch, and it gives just a little bit of texture to your crochet piece, along with a cute round shape that’s perfect for crocheted hat patterns, crochet baby blankets, and so much more. Cluster stitches usually show up in intermediate patterns, but even a beginner can master them with a little practice and a great cluster stitch tutorial!

If you haven’t seen them already, I recently released two coordinating patterns, the XO Textured Toque and the XO Textured Cowl that use the 3Dc Cluster Stitch to make the nice “O” shaped stitching. Here’s a yummy closeup of the crochet stitches so you can see the Cluster Stitches (and the Crossed Dc X Stitches). Doesn’t it look a bit like cotton candy to you?

Click on the XO Textured Toque it to your Ravelry favorites or queue so you can practice the 3dc cluster stitch later!

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The Cluster Stitch really adds to the charm of this hat and cowl, don’t you think? I love incorporating subtle details and messages (like hugs and kisses!) into the crochet items I make for my loved ones. After a row or two of 3dc Clusters, they felt really natural, and I could enjoy working up each item while chatting and hanging out with my family.

Before you start, be sure to pin this image to your crochet stitch tutorials on Pinterest!

I’m sure you’ll get to love this stitch as much as I do, too! So let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials for Crocheting the 3Dc Cluster Stitch:

• 1 Cake of Lion Brand Mandala Yarn is enough to make BOTH the XO Textured Toque AND the coordinating Cowl!

For this tutorial, I’m using a Boye ergonomic H/5.0mm crochet hook.

Feel free to substitute the yarn and hook of your choice! I have a fairly average tension, so I usually use the hook size recommended by the manufacturer.

Abbreviations

Ch: chain

Cl: cluster

Dc: double crochet

Lp: loop

St: stitch

Yo: yarn over

3Dc Cluster Stitch Swatch Pattern Instructions:

Begin with a chain as long as you would like your project to be, then add 2 more for a turning chain. (Note: I don’t count my turning chain as a stitch.)

For a flat item or this swatch, you’ll want an odd number of stitches. If you’re working in the round, as in the XO Textured Toque or Cowl patterns, you’ll end up with an even number of chains.

Row 1: Cl, *ch 1, sk 1, cl.*

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. Dc in each cl and each ch space across.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until you’ve reached the size swatch you’d like, or until you feel comfortable with the stitch.

3Dc Cluster Stitch Step By Step Photo Tutorial

You’ll begin each cluster just like you would for a regular double crochet stitch. Yarn over, and insert your hook into the stitch from the previous row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops, and pause.

You’ll have two loops on your hook. Next, we’ll continue to make the 3dc cluster by repeating that process two more times.

Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops. That will leave three loops on the hook.

Repeat that once more, and you’ll be left with four loops on your hook.

Now, yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook to complete your cluster stitch.

Chain one and skip one to allow your cluster stitches some breathing room.

Then, simply repeat across the row, alternating 3dc cluster stitches and chain stitches. When you’re finished, it will look something like this:

And that’s all there is to it! Did you enjoy practicing the cluster stitch? I’m sure I’ll be using them in lots of future designs, because I really like how it adds volume and texture while still allowing air to pass through the finished garment.

Looking to try it out? Hop over to the XO Textured Toque or XO Textured Cowl patterns to practice! Both are free, and you can make both from one Mandala Cake.

Looking for the supplies featured in this stitch tutorial?

Here are some handy online shopping links!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning the 3Dc Cluster Stitch. If you decide to make the XO Textured Toque and Cowl Set, I would love to see your WIPs and Finished Projects! Share them with me on the Salty Pearl Crochet Facebook Page or tag me on Instagram @SaltyPearlCrochet or with the hashtag #saltypearlcrochet.