Learn how to crochet the mixed cluster stitch in this quick and easy tutorial, including common problems, video and photo tutorials and more.

The mixed cluster stitch is a variation of single crochet that makes a wonderfully textured fabric. Never tried this stitch before? Grab a hook and some yarn and let’s learn something new!

Mixed Cluster Stitch Video Tutorial

How to Crochet: Mixed Cluster Stitch

How to Crochet the Mixed Cluster Stitch

Stitch Descriptions and Abbreviations
Chain (ch)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Mixed Cluster (MC): yo, insert hook into first st as indicated, yo, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, skip 1 st, (yo, insert hook into next st, yo, draw loop through) twice all into the same stitch (6 loops on hook), yo, draw through all loops on hook.

Let’s take a look at the Mixed Cluster a little closer:

Step One: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into first st as indicated and draw up a loop.

Step Two: Yo and draw through two loops, skip one stitch, yo, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop (4 loops on hook).

Step Three: Yo, insert hook into same stitch, yo and draw up a loop (6 loops on hook).

Step Four: Yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook.

How to Crochet the Mixed Cluster Stitch

Chain an odd number of stitches.

Technically, this is a stitch multiple of 2 + 1, so you will need to chain an odd number of stitches for the stitch pattern to work out correctly.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and each ch across; turn.

Some instructions tell you to sc into the 3rd ch from the hook and count the skipped chains as a st, but I hate working into chains so I made my swatch start with a regular sc.

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), MC inserting hook into first then third st, *ch 1, MC inserting hook first into same st as previous MC; repeat from * ending last repeat in top of last sc hdc in same st; turn.

This row can get confusing!! Be sure to check out the video tutorial if you have any questions about this row. This is where those cluster stitches come into play.

Row 3: Ch 1, skip first st, sc in next st and each st across, working last st into top of turning ch; turn.

This is a row of sc. You should end with the same stitch count as row 1.

Repeat rows 2-3 for pattern.

Once you get the foundation row set up, this is a simple two row repeat. It may take you a few minutes to get the hang of the cluster stitches, but once you do they are easy!

Common Problems with the Mixed Cluster Stitch

My project is turning out crooked.
This often happens when you don’t work into the turning chains properly or if you forget and work into the hdc on row 3. Both of these problems can make you end up with the wrong st count or can skew your work.

I’m losing stitches.
The most common reason for this is that you aren’t working into the ch-2 that counts as a hdc. Make sure you always work into this turning chain.

I’m gaining stitches.
This usually happens when you forget to skip the hdc that shares a space with the last MC. Make sure you skip this stitch and that you end a row of sc with the same number of sts you started with.

Whew! What a great stitch!! Today we learned how to crochet the mixed cluster stitch and saw what a wonderful texture it can create.