Learning to crochet the star stitch was one of those moments where I felt like I had “leveled up”. The intricate texture makes it look complicated, but once you learn exactly where to place your hook, it’s such a fun stitch to play with.
The star stitch is created using a simple two-row repeat using basic stitches. It forms a dense, squishy fabric that’s perfect for things like washcloths, blankets, and coffee sleeves. A warning though: it’s a yarn eater! If you’re planning a big project, make sure you estimate your yardage carefully.
So, as with most things in crochet, I believe there is no such thing as the way, only a way. There are a lot of variations of this stitch, and I’m sharing my favorite with you today. This method of crocheting the star stitch will eliminate the pesky gaps and leaning you can get with some approaches.
I highly recommend watching the video tutorial at the bottom of this post. It highlights some helpful tips so you can be sure you’re working your stitches into the right place.
Materials
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- Medium weight yarn – I recommend choosing a lighter color when first learning this stitch. The yarn I’m using is unfortunately discontinued, but this yarn is similar.
- Appropriate size hook for your yarn. I love Clover Amour hooks!
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Star Stitch Tutorial
I’m working into the back bumps of the chain, but you can work into the side as well.
Pro tip: Keep a loose, even tension throughout. This will not only create a neater stitch, but will make it easier to work.
Setup: Any multiple of 2, plus 4 for turning. For this tutorial, chain 18.
Row 1
Step 1: Insert your hook in the second chain from the hook, and draw up a loop.
Step 2: Insert your hook in the following chain and draw up a loop. Repeat until you have 6 loops on your hook.
Step 3: Yarn over, draw through all 6 loops on hook.
Step 4: Chain 1 to secure. This creates a small hole called the eye of the star. Take note of this space, as we’ll be working into it multiple times.
Step 5: Insert your hook into the eye of the star and draw up a loop. (2 loops on hook.)
Step 6: Insert your hook in the space between the last two spikes of the first star, and draw up a loop. (3 loops on hook.)
This can be tricky! I definitely recommend watching the video for this part.
Step 7: Insert your hook in the same chain of the last loop of your previous star, and draw up a loop. (4 loops on hook.)
If you stretch your work a bit, you should see this space is fairly open already and easy to work in.
Step 8: Insert your hook in the next open chain, and draw up a loop. (5 loops on hook.)
Step 9: Repeat Step 8 for a total of 6 loops on your hook.
Step 10: Yarn over, draw through all 6 loops on your hook, and chain 1 to secure.
Repeat steps 5-10 across the row. To avoid gaps at the edge, we’re going to work a half star by repeating steps 5-7.
Row 2
Step 1: Chain 2 and turn your work.
Step 2: Work two half double crochets into the eye of each star across.
You should have 14 half double crochets.
Step 3: Work a single crochet into the edge of the starting chain.
Row 3
The star stitch is a two row repeat, so you’ll continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 until your piece reaches the desired length. However, Row 3 and all odd rows from this point will be started slightly differently, since we’re no longer working into the foundation chain.
To begin, chain 3 and turn your work. Insert your hook in the 2nd chain from the hook, and draw up a loop. Next, insert your hook in the 3rd chain from the hook and draw up a loop. Continuing into the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stitches from the row below, and draw up the remaining loops. As before, yarn over and draw through all 6 loops on your hook, and chain 1 to close. Continue following steps shown in Row 1 across, and then work Row 2 again.
Repeat until your piece reaches the desired length.
Crochet Star Stitch Video Tutorial
Remember, practice makes perfect, and that is especially true with this stitch. Take your time to experiment with different yarns and colors, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear what projects you have planned for this stitch.