Cluster stitches

Cluster stitches group several stitches into a single unit that share one top loop, and the editor has dedicated tools for adding and adjusting them. A cluster counts as a single stitch in your chart, even though it is made of several stitches worked together.

Adding a cluster

1. Select All stitches on the rail to open the stitch library.
2. Search for cluster, or open the Clusters category.
3. Drag the Cluster onto the canvas and drop it where you want it.

A cluster is placed as a single unit — a fan of members rising to one shared top. A new cluster starts with three double crochets. If you click Cluster to arm it instead of dragging, the Inspector shows its settings so you can choose them before you place it.

Adjusting a cluster

Select the cluster to open its details in the Inspector. The Cluster section has three controls:

• Member stitch — which stitch the cluster is built from: half double, double, treble, or double treble crochet. All members are the same type.
• Count — how many members the cluster has, from 2 to 5. Use the − and + buttons to change it.
• Worked into — whether the cluster is worked into a single stitch or around a chain space (explained below).

Alt-click the cluster to select it. In the Inspector, set Member stitch to Treble crochet, then select + twice to raise the count from 3 to 5.

Closed base vs. open base (挑針 / 挑束)

Crochet clusters are worked in one of two ways, and the Worked into setting chooses between them. These two ways have well-known Japanese names that you will see in Japanese patterns:

• 挑針 — a stitch (closed base). All the members share a single point at the bottom, worked into one stitch of the row below. Choose A stitch under Worked into. The members meet at one base, giving the cluster a narrow, pointed foot.

  

• 挑束 — a space (open base). The members are spread across a chain space rather than gathered into one stitch, worked around the chain instead of into a single loop. Choose A space under Worked into. The base opens up to span the space. To tie the cluster to a particular chain space in the written instructions, snap it to that space’s worked-into guide (see Chain spaces).

Pick whichever matches the pattern you are charting: 挑針 for a cluster worked into a stitch, 挑束 for one worked around a chain space.

Drag a Cluster out of All stitches › Clusters, then drag its base onto the space’s worked-into guide so it snaps. Set Worked into to A space and the base opens up across the space.

Note

The related Popcorn stitch works the same way — choose it from the Clusters category, and set its member stitch, count, and whether it is worked into a stitch or a space in the Inspector. A new popcorn starts with five double crochets.