How to crochet bobbles: Crochet Cluster Stitch Tutorial (photo and video)
The crochet cluster stitch is one of the most common types of crochet bobble stitches and is used in many crochet patterns and projects.
In this post, I will show you step by step how to crochet a cluster stitch with both a written and photo tutorial and a right and left handed video tutorial.
I’ll also share some patterns which use the cluster stitch so you can see what it looks like in larger projects.
A crochet cluster stitch is sometimes described as (in the example I give in the tutorial) a double crochet 4 together in the same space (using US crochet terms).
If you’re used to crocheting decreases, this will help you get an idea of where we are going.
I’ve also seen it talked about as ‘working 4 partial double crochets’ in the same space, but the ‘4 together’ description resonates more with me.
Some people just refer to cluster stitches as bobbles but I wanted to retain the term cluster stitch to differentiate from other crochet bobble stitches. There are 4 common types of crochet bobble and you can learn more about them, and how to spot the difference in this article devoted to all things crochet bobble!
Read on to learn more about how to crochet clusters and what variations they come in.
Crochet cluster stitch step by step photo tutorial
To begin this tutorial, I have worked two rows of half double crochet, using a chain 2 turning chain which I have not counted as a stitch.
I am using US crochet terminology.
The tutorial begins below at the start of Row 3, a wrong side row (this is important as clusters should always be worked on the wrong side).
In the cluster bobble stitch row, I will work 2 half double crochet followed by a cluster stitch three times and finish with 2 half doubles to end the row. I will then , crochet a row of half double crochet on top to seal the clusters so you can see how they look in the fabric.
The instructions for the cluster stitch start after the 2 half doubles seen below:
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop – 3 loops on hook.
Step 2: Yarn over, pull through two loops, first part of the first double crochet made – 2 loops on hook.
Step 3: Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull through two loops, second partial double crochet down – 3 loops on hook.
Step 4: Repeat step 3, three partial double crochets made – 4 loops on hook.
Step 5: Repeat step 3, four partial double crochets made – 5 loops on hook.
This is a close up of what those stitches on your hook should look like:
Step 6: Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops to complete the stitch.
Next I worked a half double crochet in the next stitch to ‘seal’ that cluster and allow it to take shape:
I continued working to the end of the row as described at the beginning of the tutorial and below you see what the 3 clusters, each separated by 2 half double crochet, look like from the WRONG side of the fabric:
And here is what they look like from the RIGHT side after I turned my work:
You can see why it is important to distinguish between the wrong and right sides when crocheting bobble stitch clusters.
Next row (right side): I then worked a row of half double crochet across to set the shapes of the clusters more clearly:
And here is that row seen from the wrong side:
I repeated the process with another set of 3 clusters (recorded for the video tutorial linked below) and the swatch with 6 bobble stitches is the result:
You can see that it’s a lovely textured crochet stitch which creates a three dimensional ball or globe shape in the fabric. Great for adding texture and interest to your crochet patterns.
Crochet cluster stitch written instructions
- Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over pull up a loop, yarn over pull through 2 loops – two loops on the hook
- Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over pull up a loop, yarn over pull through 2 loops – three loops on the hook
- Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over pull up a loop, yarn over pull through 2 loops – four loops on the hook
- Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over pull up a loop, yarn over pull through 2 loops – five loops on the hook
- Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops to complete the stitch.
Modifications of the crochet cluster stitch (bobble)
There are lots of variations you can make to this 4 double crochet cluster. You can vary the number of double crochet you use. Maybe a 5 double crochet cluster for a denser more bobbly bobble, or a 3dc cluster for less texture.
You can change up the basic crochet stitch you use, substituting the double a treble crochet or a half double.
You can also change the height of the stitches you crochet either side to use taller crochet stitches or shorter stitches like single crochets. This will influence how far the top of the bobble is pulled down and therefore how much it pops out of the fabric.
Remember, cluster stitches (and crochet bobbles in general) should always be crocheted on the wrong side as they stick out away from you (onto the right side of the fabric)
Wrong and right sides are relative terms in this context – if you’re not used to this phraseology, this post explains it all (as well as lots of other foundational tips that often get missed!).
Crochet cluster stitch video tutorial
How to crochet the cluster stitch right handed
How to crochet the cluster stitch left handed
Crochet patterns using bobble cluster stitches
Below you’ll find a few different crochet patterns which use the cluster style bobble stitch in different combinations and crochet project type.
They are all free crochet patterns (available to read here on Dora Does) and cover a range of skill levels.
The Bobble Pop Blanket Pattern
The bobble pop blanket is made by joining separate motifs together. The cluster bobble circles are created and then the circle is squared using a granny square type stitch. (Video tutorials included.)
This is a lovely crochet project to work and a great way to use up your yarn leftovers. A free crochet pattern and a stashbuster? It’s win win 🙂
Geometric joy crochet shawl pattern
Geometric joy is a modern, fun asymmetric triangle shawl pattern that plays with different shapes and crochet techniques, including bobble stitches, slip stitches, open stitches and creative colour changes.
This is a joyful free crochet pattern that’s fun to make and easy to wear.
Snowfall slipper socks
This free crochet slipper sock pattern uses crochet cluster stitch bobbles on the ankle section of the slipper sock. Crochet the bobble stitches in a contrast snowy colour like I have, or work the whole crochet project in a single colour.
The snowfall slipper pattern was designed to be a simple introduction to crochet sock / slipper sock patterns as it’s worked with DK yarn so a relatively quick make.
Smell the roses wrap / poncho pattern
Something a little different with this summer crochet pattern.
The free ‘smell the roses’ poncho and wrap pattern was inspired by some vintage crochet thread I was gifted which I paired with a lovely soft 4ply yarn. Sometimes holding two strands together, sometimes working with one strand at a time.
It has a lovely open lace mesh style fabric with clusters dotted around the fabric, giving it lots of easy drape. Perfect for a summers evening.
Smell the roses is a free crochet pattern which can be worked up as a wrap, or joined to make a rectangular style poncho.
Other crochet bobble style stitch tutorials
Below you will find links to tutorials for the other 3 common styles of crochet bobble stitches.
- Crochet popcorn stitch tutorial
- Classic crochet bobble stitch tutorial (different from the cluster and sometimes called the puff stitch)
- Crochet puff stitch tutorial
thank you!! if you can believe me or not, I actually made an ENTIRE blanket — just a few weeks ago, using a variation of the cluster stitch and now I can’t remember what the stitch was, or even what it was called! 🤦🏻♀️ I have searched hi and low for hours trying to find the reference I used, but yours was the closest, and clearest instruction I was able to find! so thank you! 🤗
So easy to forget what crochet stitch you used – even if you make 1000 of them! Glad you found the post helpful! Dora