Simple Cluster Stitch Pattern – Crochet Blanket Project Part 23

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Welcome to Part 23 of our Crochet Blanket Project!
This square features a simple yet striking dc3tog cluster stitch that creates a dense, textured fabric with lots of character.

It’s quick to work, wonderfully rhythmic, and beginner-friendly—perfect whether you’re following along with the full series or just making a one-off square.

Let’s get started

 
crochet pattern stitch tutorial for beginners

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Weekly Pattern Sampler: A Square at a Time! -
PART 23


✵ How It Works:

Each week, you'll receive a brand-new square pattern straight to your inbox (make sure you're on the mailing list so you never miss a pattern!).

Crochet two squares in complementary colours to practice the technique—and by the end of the week, you’ll have two finished pieces that show off your progress and growing confidence. 🌟

With every new square, your collection grows—adding texture, skill, and beauty to your future blanket. It’s a fun and relaxed way to improve your crochet skills, stay creatively inspired, and craft something truly one-of-a-kind, all at your own pace. ✨

✵ Are you new to crochet?

Start your crochet journey with A Beginner’s Guide to Crochet: Starting Your Journey to a More Relaxed You and discover the calming power of crafting! Followed by this this post - for a step-by-step guide to get started with the basic crochet stitches.


free crochet pattern stitch tutorial

✵ Materials You’ll Need

Yarn Recommendations

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn is ideal—easy to work with and great for beginners.
Fiber: Go for organic cotton or wool for softness, durability, and crisp stitch definition.
Colours: Use two complementary shades per square for contrast and texture.

Inspiration combos:
🌿 Forest green & cream
❄️ Smoky grey & pale blue
🌼 Yellow & muted lavender

Using two colours really makes your stitches shine!

Yarns to Avoid
Skip slippery yarns like silk blends or super thin lace-weight cotton—they can be tricky to control and might cause frustration. Go for something soft, smooth, and easy to work with.



🧶 Yarn & Hook Tips for This Pattern

Recommended Yarn
Try Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn in a light color. It’s beginner-friendly, doesn’t split easily, and the stitches show up clearly—perfect for practice. Plus, it holds up well wash after wash.

Best Hook to Use
Start with a G-6 (4mm) hook for worsted weight yarn. Metal or plastic hooks work great for beginners—they help the yarn glide smoothly.

If you're looking for a full set, the Yarniss Crochet Hook Set on Amazon is a great choice. It includes 14 sizes (2mm–10mm), has comfy rubber grips, and smooth aluminum tips to help keep your tension just right.


✵ More about crochet hooks: Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes and Types


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Designed especially for this weekly blanket adventure. This planner keeps everything in one beautiful, organized place.

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Crochet Pattern

Skill Level – Easy

Pattern Notes

This pattern uses US crochet terms.
I used a chunky yarn with a 6 mm hook.


Crochet Stitch Abbreviation & Conversion Chart


▶ Note: In the following instructions, I’ll spell out the abbreviations to make it easier for beginners who are just learning to read crochet patterns.


How To Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog) – US Terms

This stitch is a decrease — it turns 3 stitches into 1. You’ll often see it used in textured stitches (like bobbles or clusters) or in shaping.

Instructions (US terms):

  1. Yarn over (YO), insert hook into the next stitch, YO again, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

  2. YO, pull through 2 loops (you now have 2 loops left on hook).

  3. YO, insert hook into the next stitch, YO, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).

  4. YO, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook).

  5. YO, insert hook into the next stitch, YO, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).

  6. YO, pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain on hook).

  7. YO, pull through all 4 loops on hook.

✨ You’ve now completed a dc3tog – three stitches decreased into one.

📌 UK Terms

  • In UK patterns, this exact stitch would be called tr3tog (treble crochet 3 together).

  • The method is identical, but instead of starting with a US double crochet, you’re working UK trebles.


crochet pattern instructions cluster stitch

Insert your hook into the 1 chain space.

crochet pattern stitch tutorial

Yarn over again and pull through all 4 loops on your hook.

crochet pattern cluster stitch instructions

Yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 (leaving one loop on hook); repeat this in the same stitch until you have 4 loops on the hook

easy crochet pattern tutorial

You’ve now completed a dc3tog .

New to crochet? Start here: How to do the single crochet stitch


Pattern Instructions

Foundation Chain

Chain 30. To adjust the size of your square, simply increase or decrease the number of chains to an even number.

Row 1

  • Make a double crochet three together [ treble] in the 4th chain from your hook.

  • *Chain 1, skip 1 stitch, dc3tog [tr3tog UK]*

  • Repeat from * to * “to the end of the row.

  • Turn your work.

Row 2

  • Chain 3 .

  • Skip the first dc3tog [tr3tog UK]

  • * dc3tog [tr3tog UK] in chain space, chain 1, skip the next dc3tog*

  • Repeat from * to * the end of the row.

  • Turn your work.

To continue

  • Repeat Row 2 until your square reaches the desired size.

To Finish:

  1. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail.

  2. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure.

  3. Weave in all ends with a yarn needle.

  4. Block your finished square to smooth out the edges.


Tips for Success with This Crochet Pattern

Keep Your Tension Even

Because you’re working a lot of dc3tog clusters + chain spaces, it’s easy for tension to get tight or loose. Try to keep your chain stitches the same size as your regular stitches—otherwise the square may pull in or look uneven.

. Count Your Stitches Often

At the end of each row, make sure you still have the same number of clusters and chain spaces. Missing one chain or skipping the wrong stitch can throw the whole row off, but catching it early is much easier than ripping back several rows.

Use a Smooth, Light-Coloured Yarn for Practice

When trying this pattern for the first time, choose a smooth yarn (not fuzzy or textured) in a lighter colour. This makes it much easier to see your stitches and spot the chain spaces where the dc3tog clusters go. Once you’re confident, you can switch to any yarn you like


You did it!

And just like that, your another blanket square is complete! e. Whether you’re making just one or planning a whole blanket, this stitch pattern gives such a lovely texture and rhythm. Don’t forget to block your square so it shows off its best shape, and share your finished project—I’d love to see how yours turned out!

If you enjoyed this pattern, be sure to check out my other crochet tutorials and projects for more inspiration. 💛

Happy crocheting!


What’s Next?

📌 Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so you can easily come back to it later.

💬 Leave a comment: We love hearing your feedback. Tell me in the comments below—how did this square go for you? This simple pattern works beautifully as a standalone design element or as part of a larger project.

🧶 Download the Blanket Square Planner: Ready to take your project to the next level? Click here to download the free planner and stay organized as you crochet your blanket squares.

Get the Crochet Pattern Customization Kit: This download it full of tips, techniques and cheat sheets to help you make each project uniquely yours. Get it here.


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Claudia Elliott

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The Best Yarn for Crochet Baskets (and Why It Matters)