Learn how to crochet the cluster linen stitch with this step-by-step photo and video tutorial! This easy crochet stitch uses only single crochets to create a unique textured stitch surface.
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The Cluster Moss Stitch is a simple crochet stitch that is perfect for a wide range of projects! It’s dense yet flexible so you can use the Cluster Linen Stitch for sweaters, hats, homeware – pretty much anything!
I’ll be honest with you – I have no idea what this stitch is actually called? (If this stitch has an official name please let me know!) I’d been experimenting with a bunch of different stitches but I couldn’t find a stitch texture that was unique, easy to crochet and would work well for a blanket pattern. (Free Crochet Pattern - Sablé Chunky Blanket with Tassels) After some trial and error and luck, I discovered this stitch!
I named it the Cluster Moss Stitch because I think it looks similar to the much loved and popular Linen/Moss Stitch (Check out the Aria Cardigan for a drapey linen stitch sweater!).
However, instead of having one single crochet and then a chain which gives a more open and flatter look, the Cluster Linen Stitch has two single crochets grouped together to create a more textured surface but you’ll be surprised with the movement and drape.
Textured stitches tend to use up more yarn, which results in denser fabric however the Cluster Moss Stitch is perfect for a cosy and cuddly blanket.
I tested this stitch on a wide variety of yarn and hook sizes and it works well with all weights of yarn but I noticed that hook size made a huge difference. Normally, if you change your hook size too much the stitch will start to look too holey or it’ll just be too tight and impossible for your hook to get through the stitches.
However, when I swatched the Cluster Linen Stitch with WeCrochet’s Wool of Andes Superwash Bulky, a chunky / bulky (5) yarn, I tested it out with a 6.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm and 10mm hook and all the swatches looked great! Obviously the 6.5mm hook made the densest fabric but even with the 10mm hook the swatch still had great stitch definition. If you’re trying out this stitch for the first time, I recommend crocheting a few different swatches with different hook sizes to get your desired drape.
So, you’re probably wondering if we’re only using single crochets how do we get this textured look? You’ll be surprised at how simple it is!
The key is to pick up an extra strand of yarn. So instead of inserting your hook underneath the ‘v’ of the stitch as per normal to have 2 strands of yarn (front + back loop) on your hook, we’ll insert our hook underneath the right strand of the next stitch. This will also ‘pick up’ the front and back loop so we’ll have 3 strands on our hook.
It might seem a bit strange but once you get used to placing your crochet hook in a slightly different place you’ll find this stitch ridiculously easy! And if you have any questions, the photo and video tutorials will guide you along the way 🙂
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Cluster Linen Stitch Crochet Pattern
*The Cluster Moss/Linen Stitch is a one-row repeat stitch.
*The turning chain, ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
*This Cluster Moss Stitch is reversible and either side of this stitch can be considered the ‘right’ side.
*This stitch is worked in multiples of 2.
*FOUNDATION CHAIN: (2 + 1) Chain an odd number of stitches = number of desired stitches + 1
*The sample swatch for this crochet stitch tutorial uses a chunky/bulky (5) yarn and a 9mm (US M/N) crochet hook.
Stitches & Abbreviations
Ch = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
CM = Cluster Moss Stitch – Insert hook underneath right strand of next SC, push hook through to the back of the current st (hook should be inserted under 3 strands of yarn – right strand of SC + front + back loop of st), place 2SC in same stitch.
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Rep = Repeat
Basic Written Pattern
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch odd number of stitches.
ROW 1: SC in 2nd from hook, *skip 1 st, 2 SC in the same stitch; rep from * until 1 ch left, SC in last ch, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, *skip 1 st, CM in next st; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, *skip 1 st, CM in next st; rep from * until last st, skip last st, SC in ch 1 (turning chain of previous row), turn.
*Working the last SC into the ch 1/turning chain gives this stitch a straight edge.
Repeat ROW 3 for pattern.
Video Tutorial
Photo Tutorial
*The sample swatch has 14 stitches.
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 15.
ROW 1: SC in 2nd from hook, *skip 1 st, 2SC in same stitch ...
… rep from * until last st, …
… SC in last st, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 1, SC in 1st st …
… skip 1 st, …
… CLUSTER MOSS STITCH: insert hook underneath right strand of next SC …
… Push hook through gap to the back of the st …
… place 2nd SC in same st …
… repeat *skip 1 st, CM in next st; until you have 1 stitch left in the row …
… SC in last st, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, *skip 1 st, CM in next st; rep from * until last st …
... skip last st …
… SC in ch 1/turning ch of previous row …
… turn.
Repeat ROW 3 for pattern.
And you've crocheted the Cluster Moss Stitch! 🙂
I am very excited to learn the cluster moss stitch but I can't find the video tutorial anywhere? Could you help me locate it? By the way, I love the patterns you create and your videos are very helpful. Thanks for making cool stuff for people to create!
I can’t find it either 🙁