Standard term: Cluster stitch
Standard abbreviation: cl or CL
Variations:
b or bo - bobble
mb - make bobble
Also sometimes referred to as a a puff stitch.
UK Examples:
3trcl - a cluster of 3 treble stitches
4dtrcl - a cluster of 3 double treble stitches
5trtog in same st - a cluster of 5 treble stitches
USA Examples:
3dccl - a cluster of 3 double stitches
4trcl - a cluster of 4 treble crochet stitches
5trtog in same st - a cluster of 5 double stitches
Notes:
A cluster of stitches, made into the same stitch or chain space that are joined together at the top. Usually made with
treble (USA double) crochet stitches but can also be made with
dtr (USA tr), or even longer stitches.
The stitch is made in a very similar way to a
trtog (USA dctog) stitch, but as the stitches are made all into the same place, no decrease is made.
Tutorial (3trcl):
1. This example will show a cluster made from joining 3 treble (USA double) crochet stitches together. To begin, wrap the yarn around the hook.
2. Insert hook into the stitch (or chain space) where the cluster is to be made.
3. Pull yarn through stitch (or chain space), there will be 3 loops on the hook.
4. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through 2 of the 3 loops already on the hook. The first of the treble (double) part stitches has now been made and there will be 2 loops on the hook. Don't complete the stitch as normal.
5. Instead, wrap the yarn around the hook and insert the hook into the same stitch (or chain space).
6. Pull through the stitch (or chain space), there will be 4 loops on the hook.
7. Wrap yarn around the hook and pull through 2 of the 4 loops already on the hook. The second of the treble (double) part stitches has now been made and there will be 3 loops on the hook. Don't complete the stitch as normal.
8. Instead, wrap the yarn around the hook, insert the hook into the same stitch (or chain space).
9. Pull the yarn through the stitch (or chain space), there will be 5 loops on the hook.
10. Wrap yarn around the hook and pull through 2 of the 5 loops already on the hook. The third of the treble (double) part stitches has now been made and there will be 4 loops on the hook.
11. To complete the stitch and join the 3 part made treble (double) crochet stitches together, wrap the yarn around the hook again.
12. Pull the yarn through all 4 of the loops already on the hook and a 3trcl (USA - 2dccl) has been made.
Smaller or Larger Cluster Stitches:
2trcl (US 2dccl) - Miss out steps 8 to 10 and go straight to steps 11 and 12 to finish.
4trcl (US 4dccl) - Repeat steps 8 to 10 once more, then work steps 11 and 12 to finish.
5trcl (US 5dccl) - Repeat steps 8 to 10 twice more, then work steps 11 and 12 to finish.
Examples:
Clusters made with 2, 3, 4 and 5 treble (double) stitches.
Used in solid fabric the clusters made with longer stitches create raised bumps or bobbles.
Used in open fabric the cluster lay flat and create a cluster of stitches in a oval or petal shape.
Clusters made with 2, 3, 4 and 5 treble (double) stitches.
Used in solid fabric the clusters made with longer stitches create raised bumps or bobbles.
Used in open fabric the cluster lay flat and create a cluster of stitches in a oval or petal shape.