The star stitch is one of those crochet techniques that looks impressively intricate but is actually quite approachable once you get the concept. It requires a bit more attention than some other stitches, but the unique starburst texture can’t be beat!
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What Makes the Star Stitch Special
The star stitch creates these beautiful, raised star-shaped clusters across your fabric. The result is wonderfully textured with a subtle geometric quality that catches the eye in a modern yet timeless way.
What I particularly love about this stitch is the “sparkle” it brings to projects, automatically making them look more rich and magical. That’s why I knew it was the perfect stitch for my Crochet Star Stitch Stocking pattern.
It’s great for projects where you want real visual interest—blankets, hand towels, scarves, pillow covers, or even bags. The dense, textured fabric it creates is both practical and beautiful.
Video Tutorial
Working the Star Stitch: Step by Step
The technique involves pulling up multiple loops to create each star, then finishing the star “tops” with strategically placed half double crochets on the next row. Let me walk you through it!
Starting Chain
Create an odd number of chains.
Row 1 (First Star Stitch Row)
Skip the first ch from hook. Insert your hook and pull up a loop in each of the next 5 chains (6 loops on hook). YO and pull through all 6 loops. Ch 1 to close your star.
To continue, pull up a loop in the ch-1 “eye” of the star you just made. Then pull up a loop through between the last 2 legs of the star stitch. Pull up another loop in the same stitch as the last loop of your previous star. Finally, insert and pull up a loop in each of the next 2 chains (6 loops on hook). YO, pull through all 6 loops. Ch 1.
Continue this pattern across. You should have 1 ch remaining at the end. Don’t ch1 to close the last star, rather work 1 Hdc in that final chain.
Row 2 (Even Rows)
Ch 2 (counts as Hdc), turn. Work 2 Hdc in the “eye” of each star stitch across the row. End with 1 Hdc in the last stitch.
This row gives you a breather and sets up your next star stitch row beautifully
Row 3 (Odd Rows—Your Repeating Star Stitch Row)
Ch 3, turn. This chain doesn’t count as a stitch, but we will pick up some loops in it!
Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook and pull up a loop. Pull up a loop in the next ch. Then pull up one loop in each of the next 3 stitches (6 loops on hook). YO, pull through all 6 loops. Ch 1 to close.
Now continue the star pattern: Pull up a loop in the eye of your star stitch, between the last 2 legs of the star, in the same stitch as the end of your star, and in each of the next 2 stitches (6 loops on hook). YO, pull through all 6 loops, Ch 1.
Continue across, ending with 1 Hdc in the last stitch.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Getting Comfortable with Star Stitch
You will be surprised just how fast this stitch goes from tricky to second nature. At first, it can feel awkward working into all of those unusual spots to pull up loops but after just a couple of those odd numbered rows, it will start to feel easy.
Perfect Projects for Star Stitch
The star stitch absolutely shines (pun intended!) in:
- Statement blankets and afghans
- Textured throw pillows
- Decorative hand towels
- Wide scarves and wraps
- Sturdy tote bags
- Christmas projects (like stockings 😉
Tips for Success
Keep your tension relaxed, especially when pulling up those six loops. If you work too tightly, you’ll struggle to get your hook through the legs of the stars and their center chains on subsequent rows.
Always make sure to count your stars and your half double crochets on even rows. You should have 2 half double crochets for each star. Once I skipped one half double crochet on an even row and I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why I was short one star on the next row! It took some careful counting and inspecting to solve the problem.
The Magic of Patient Practice
The star stitch is one of those techniques that rewards patience. Yes, it takes more concentration than a simple single crochet project. But there’s genuine satisfaction in creating something with this much dimensional beauty.
So take your time, be patient with yourself through those first few rows, and trust that the pattern will click. When it does, you’ll find yourself reaching for the star stitch again and again for projects where you want texture to be the star of the show.
Keep crochet delightful,
Amelia
