Conquered your swatch? Keep that momentum going! Let’s practice the star stitches of the #FrostandBloomCAL. Mastering these techniques now ensures a relaxing experience and a beautiful result.
The Aura Lapghan features some wonderfully textured and interesting stitches that are worth mastering. We're talking Cluster stitches, Spike stitches, and those super cute Popcorns!
Don't worry if some of these sound new or tricky, we'll break them down, and remember, there are quick video tutorials available too, so run, go grab some yarn and a hook and let's practice!
Please note: For this CAL, Toni is using US crochet terms.
1. The Cluster Stitch
The Cluster Stitch is fantastic for creating beautiful texture and a subtle bobble-like effect. It's similar to a bobble or a puff stitch but typically worked as a group of incomplete stitches joined together at the top. This creates a denser, more defined "cluster." Our favourite thing about cluster stitches is that it can be used for petals in a pattern!
How to Crochet a Cluster (typically a 3-dc cluster):
- Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). (This is an incomplete double crochet)
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). (Another incomplete double crochet)
- Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook). (One more incomplete double crochet)
- Yarn over, pull through all 4 loops on your hook.
- Chain 1 to secure the cluster (optional, but often recommended).
Need a Visual? 🎥 We've made a really quick tutorial down here to help you out:
2. The Spike Stitch
Spike stitches are all about adding elongated stitches that "spike" down (or up!) into a previous row, creating striking vertical lines and geometric patterns. They are super easy and add a lot of visual interest without much fuss.
How to Crochet a Spike Stitch (e.g., a Single Crochet Spike):
- Instead of inserting your hook into the next stitch in the current row, insert your hook into the corresponding stitch one or more rows below the current row.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop to the height of your current working row. Make sure to pull it up loosely enough so it doesn't pucker your fabric.
- Yarn over, pull through both loops on your hook.
Need a Visual? 🎥 We've added a quick tutorial down here to help you out:
3. The Popcorn Stitch
Ah, the Popcorn! This stitch creates a wonderfully prominent, puffy texture that "pops" out from your fabric. It's made by working several stitches into the same space, removing your hook, and then rejoining to gather them into a distinct bobble.
How to Crochet a Popcorn (typically a 5-dc popcorn):
- Work the specified number of stitches (e.g., 5 double crochets) into the same stitch or space.
- Carefully remove your hook from the loop.
- Insert your hook from front to back into the top of the first of those stitches you just made (e.g., the first dc of the 5-dc group).
- Reinsert your hook into the dropped loop.
- Yarn over, pull the loop through the first stitch. This pulls the stitches together, forming the "popcorn."
- Chain 1 to secure the popcorn (optional, but often recommended, especially for stability).
Need a Visual? 🎥 We made a quick tutorial for you on the Popcorn stitch below:
Taking a little time to practice these stitches will make a huge difference in your Aura Lapghan. You'll build confidence, improve your tension, and be ready to tackle each section of the CAL with ease.
Happy Crocheting, and get ready for a beautiful lapghan!
