Crochet Basics: Aligned Clusters Stitch

Crochet is an art form, a passion, a therapy, whatever you want to call it, to me, it is the most fun you can have with yarn. So, let’s continue to create yarn magic, one stitch at a time! Today’s stitch is the Aligned Clusters Stitch. I love this crochet stitch, it always reminds me of little pebbles. It’s pretty easy too! It’s a really fast-growing stitch that would suit almost any sort of project.

Every row the clusters will align with the crochet clusters below them, forming straight, orderly lines. I will alternate rows of clusters with rows of single crochet (worked similarly to the Moss Stitch) to keep everything on track and to create a definite “right” and “wrong” side to the fabric. 

Each Cluster stitch is the width of 2 single crochets. For this stitch you’ll want to start with a multiple of 2 + 1, then add one more for the beginning chain. For example, if I want to end up with a piece that is 10 clusters wide, I would need to start with a chain of 10 x 2 = 20 + 1 + 1 = 22 chains total. (Or, if stitch count doesn’t matter – say a blanket etc – just remember to chain an even number.) Each cluster row is separated by a row of single crochet/chain spaces. In the following row (a cluster row) you’ll place the clusters in these chain spaces.

Instructions

Step 1

Chain a multiple of 2 + 1, + 1 for the turning chain. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Chain one, skip one chain, single crochet in the next chain. Repeat this process to the end of the row. Chain one and turn. Half Double Crochet in the first stitch of the row.

Step 2

Make a 4-dc Cluster in the next chain space: Yarn over, insert hook into next chain space, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops. (2 loops on hook) Yarn over, insert hook into same chain space, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops. (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same chain space, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops. (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same chain space, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through two loops. (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops. Cluster made!

Step 3

Chain one, Cluster in next chain space, chain one, cluster in next chain space, repeat this step to the last chain space. Do not make a chain after the final cluster. Instead place a Half Double Crochet in the final stitch.

Step 4

Chain one and turn, single crochet in the first stitch of the row. Chain one, single crochet in between the next two clusters. 

Step 5

Chain one, single crochet in between the next two clusters, to the end of the row. Chain one and single crochet in the final stitch.

Step 6

Chain one and turn, Half Double Crochet in the first stitch, Cluster in the next chain space. 

Step 7

Chain one, Cluster in the next chain space, chain one, Cluster in the next chain space, all the way to the end of the row. Remember to NOT place an additional chain after the final cluster. Half double crochet in the final stitch.

Step 8

Alternate the single crochet, chain space rows with the Cluster, chain space rows. When desired height is reached, I like to finish with a single crochet row.

What will you make next with the Aligned Clusters Stitch? I hope you love this new stitch as much as I do! Happy ctocheting!