Hello and welcome to today’s blog! Today we’re going to learn how to do one of my favorite stitches, the star stitch. I like the crochet star stitch because it is a lot of fun to do and it creates a really pretty texture in the crochet fabric. The star stitch may look complicated, but it is really very easy to do.
All you need to know how to do is the chain stitch (ch), half double crochet (hdc), and a single crochet stitch (sc). If you need to learn how to crochet, check out my three-part tutorial series.
Crochet Tutorial #1 – Basic Crochet Stitches
Crochet Tutorial #2 – Working with Color
Crochet Tutorial #3 – Intermediate Stitches and Techniques
The star stitch is comprised of a 2 row repeat. Begin by chaining an even number of stitches plus 1. For example, I have crocheted 20 chains plus 1 for a total of 21 chain stitches.
Row 1: Insert the hook into the first chain stitch, yarn over, and pull through. Leave the loop on the hook. Repeat this process 4 more times until you have 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook at once. Chain 1 to finish the first star. This chain 1 creates the eye of the star.
*Insert the hook into the eye, yarn over, and draw through. Insert the hook into the space formed by the last leg of the star, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook into the base of the last leg of the star, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook into the next chain stitch, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook into the next chain stitch, yarn over, and pull through. There are now 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops at once. Chain 1 to lock the stitch and form the eye.*
Repeat to the last chain stitch and work a half double crochet into the last stitch. It is normal for the first row to curl. This will resolve itself as you continue to crochet.
Row 1
Keep your tension fairly relaxed, but not too loose. If you keep it too tight, you’ll be fighting the hook to get it through the stitches.
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc into the base of the ch 2, work 2 hdc into the eye of each star across, hdc into the last st.
Row 3: Ch 2, insert hook into the front loop of the next st, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook into the back loop of the same st, yarn over, and pull through. There are now 3 loops on the hook. Insert the hook into the next st, yarn over, and pull through, do this two more times until you have 6 loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through all 6 loops, ch 1 to lock the st.
Begin the next star by inserting the hook into the eye of the last star, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook between the last leg of the previous star, yarn over pull through. Insert the hook into the base of the last let, yarn over, and pull through. Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through, do this one more time. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on the hook at once. Chain 1 to lock the stitch. Continue in this manner until you reach the last st, hdc into the last st.
Rows 1 and 2
Row 3
Row 4: ch2, hdc into 1st st, hdc into the eye of each star across the row, hdc into the last st
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you reach the desired length.
Star stitch the wrong side
Star stitch the right side
When you use the correct size crochet hook for your yarn you will not end up with large spaces between the two rows. I used an 8mm hook so you could see the stitches better.
You can use the star stitch to create a fabric without much drape which is perfect for dish and washcloths, garments, bags, and home décor items.
You can also use the star stitch crochet stitch when working in the round. As long as you have an even number of stitches to work with you can use the star stitch. I would recommend decreasing on the half double crochet row. Here is a pretty hat I found on Flickr uploaded by Phyl Clem.
There are lots of videos on YouTube showing how to crochet the star stitch. Some use single crochet instead of half double crochet for the odd rows, but I like to use half double crochet stitches because I think it makes for a more balanced-looking fabric. One of my favorite videos is by The Crochet Crowd.
How To Crochet Star Stitch by The Crochet Crowd
End Notes
Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you have enjoyed learning how to crochet the star stitch. It is one of my favorite stitches and I use it a lot on several different projects. Please ask any questions you may have in the comments and I will answer them as soon as I can. Have an idea for a blog? Let me know and I’ll be happy to cover it.
Until next time, take care, and keep on hooking!
