How to Crochet: Star Stitch

By Erin Burger – 98 Comments

Out there in Crochet Land there are many ‘special’ stitches that I call ‘YO Stitches’ (the abbreviation for yarn over is yo).  These stitches include the popcorn stitch, the bobble stitch, the puff stitch etc…etc…

My favorite of these type of stitches is the star stitch.   A lot of ‘star stitch’ patterns have you break off at the end of each row…which leaves a lot of ends to weave in upon completion.  The instructions I use and am including below use a turn and a row of hdc instead.

Star Stitch

This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you.

Start by chaining a multiple of 3, then add 1 more chain.

Row 1: pull up a loop in 2nd ch from hook and in each of the next 4 ch, yo and pull through all 6 stitches on hook (where will be a total of 6 loops, disregard error in this first photo which only shows 5), ch 1 to close star.




This is your first star and it should look like this (continue on with pattern)


* Pull up a loop in ch-1,

pull up a loop in last ch of star just made,

pull up a loop in each of the next 3 ch,

yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook,

ch 1 to close star,

repeat from * across, hdc in last ch.
Here’s what your first row should look like

Row 2: ch 2, turn, 3 hdc in each ch-1 from the previous row, ch3 turn.

Row 3: pull up loops in the 2nd and 3rd ch of turning ch-3 and in the next 3 hdc, yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to close star *pull up a loop in ch-1, pull up a loop in last ch of star just made, pull up a loop in each of the next 3 hdc, yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 to close star, repeat from * across. hdc in last hdc.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until appropriate length is reached.

Tips for working the star stitch:

  • Holding the previous star between your thumb and forefinger while working will help while working through these instructions.  I do it like this:

thumb and forefinger

  • You don’t have to literally put the yarn over your hook.  You can instead put the yarn under and have the same results.  The main idea is to make a loop and keep those loops on the hook until it’s time to close the stitch.

Good luck and if you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to comment here!

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98 Comments

  1. Lisha says:

    Hey! This is an AWESOME tutorial and the pictures are SO GREAT! My problem is when I did my first row it came out twisted? Not sure how that happened but when I go back with the HDC row it just makes it curl/twist even more. Can you tell me what the heck I am doing wrong? Or is that how it does the first couple rows and I just have to keep going and it will eventually stop twisting/curling? Thanks for the tutorial and I hope you can help me out! Thanks again! 🙂

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hi Lisha! Try to make your foundation chain a little looser, that might be what is making it curl. You can also double check to make sure you are using the right number of stitches. Keep crocheting as it may uncurl on its own.

  2. Mary says:

    I was thinking of making a slouchy hat with this stitch. Does it work out ok in the round?

  3. Cathleen says:

    Hi. Ive always loved the look of this stitch and wanted to make a sleeve-like case for my tablet. My only issue is when you are supposed to chain 1 to close the star, it is really difficult to get my hook in there to start the next star. Im wondering if you have any ideas how to make it a bit easier? Thanks. Cathleen

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hi Cathleen!
      Try to crochet the chain stitch slightly looser. You can also try using a crochet hook that is one size larger for the chain stitch, but that might be too much trouble switching hooks back and forth.

  4. Hannah Marie says:

    Hi! I am trying desperately to do the star stich and I have to keep restarting because as I go, it curls into a C shape. What am I doing wrong and how can I prevent this from happening? Will it fix itself as I go?

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hello!
      It sounds like you may be accidentally skipping or adding stitches (depending on which way the C shape is curving). Try to count the stitches as you crochet. The stitch count should be consistent.

      • Hannah Marie says:

        Thank you i will try it!!! I have been at this all day and I just noticed that as i go on with each row, I end up with less stars than in the row before

  5. V Smith says:

    Hi, Rachel. I have been designing a washcloth using this tutorial and noticed that the first photo for Row 1 only shows five stitches on the hook but the instructions state to pull through SIX stitches on the hook. Additionally, since the first photo is incorrect, could it be that all the other photos are incorrect as well, or could it be that the instructions are incorrect and there should be only five stitches on the hook? Just thought I’d call this to your attention, in case this may be causing people problems. . . .

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hello! It looks like Erin’s photo is probably off. But it shouldn’t mess up the rest of the pattern if you follow the instructions as written. Just pretend there is another loop on the hook in the first photo LOL

  6. pariwish says:

    i am about to crochet a baby blanket using the star stitch how many chains do i need if the size of the blanket should be 33×36?
    waiting anxiously for a reply.

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hello!
      It looks like the pattern calls for an odd number of chains to start. So if you are making a blanket that is 33″ wide you can make a chain that is 33″ wide as long as it is an odd number of chains. The number of chains will vary depending on your gauge/yarn/hook size, so you can just measure the length of the chain.

    • pariwish says:

      Hi again
      thanx for the good advice .
      I am using norweigian yarn that is 100% wool and the hook i am using is (5) H
      will you please tell me how much yarn will b used for the blanket the measurements are 33×36?
      I crochet with normal tensionon the which means I donot crochet tght or loose.

      • Rachel Choi says:

        My guess is about 1000 yards. If you want a more accurate estimate, you can make a gauge swatch and see how much yarn you use for it, then multiply it to get your total amount of yarn.

  7. Alice says:

    is it just me or should there be a hdc at the end of row 2 before the chain 3? I find i am decreasing if i don’t add it…

  8. janet says:

    Hi Rachel i love the star stitch in the 2nd row where you have to take a loop from each hdc do you go through the back loops or front loops or both loops . You make it so easy to follow where other sites don’t

  9. janet says:

    Hi again i forgot to mention when i start the 2nd row and carry on the beginning is not in line or straight hope you can help thankyou

  10. Jane says:

    That is one of my favorite stitches!

  11. Tanya Atkinson says:

    Hi, I’m trying to create a baby blanket using the star stitch. I don’t think I’m skipping stitches at all, but the blanket is getting more and more narrow as I go along. Any suggestions about where i might be going wrong?
    Thanks in advance.

    • sam says:

      Maybe it’s what Alice says, do a hdc at the end of row 2. I find I need to do that too, to not lose stitches.

      It is a lovely stitch, thank you for your tutorial Rachel! I am making a tablet sleeve with it.

  12. frances says:

    Hi Rachel!
    I have looked for a triangle shawl pattern using this stitch and cannot find one. Is there such a pattern and if so,where could I find it? I love this stitch and wanted to make a shawl for my granddaughter using this stitch!

    Thank you so much for your time and have a blessed day!

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hi Frances! Sorry, I don’t have a pattern that uses this stitch. But you may be able to make one up as you go? If you decrease or skip stitches on the sides every row or every other row, it should turn into a triangle shape. Or you can work the other way and increase each row as you go.

  13. Char says:

    I am wondering why my first star stitch hangs down lower than the rest of my star stitches ? When finishing up the second row what stitch you use after the 3 hdc. at the end ?

  14. Debbie says:

    I’m planning to crochet a baby blanket for a girl using the star stitch and edge in double crochet laced with a ribbon. Approximately how many skeins of Bernate soft pink yarn will I need?
    (

    • Rachel Choi says:

      Hi Debbie! Probably anywhere from 1000 – 2000 yards depending on the dimensions and your tension. For a more accurate measurement, try making a small swatch, about 3″ square. Then unravel it and measure how much yarn you used. Then you can multiple that small swatch by the actual size of the blanket to determine a better estimate for how much you need.

  15. Kate says:

    Hello, I’m about to start a cardigan in M3C I feel quite comfortable with the stitch but having difficulty understanding how to decrease and increase? Could you gI’ve me some advise please Rachel.
    Thanks

  16. Rosemme says:

    Thank you for putting together this pattern! I’m new to crochet & after DAYS of star stitch vids and blogs, I’m going to do it your way! LOL. I’m bound/determined to do this stitch & wanted to get it right. Via thesis-like research, your pattern, while familiar on the web, is easier to understand when you look at the stitches carefully. Yours is the only example b/c of detail that shows stitch height and I got the impression to let the yarn flow. So for someone new to crochet like me, no need to be “crotchety” just let the yarn flow and it won’t curl up or down. I’m working on my first afghan w/ good ol Red Hard W4 & and I-9! It will take me awhile but I’m in it for the long hall!!! If your working with the wally world 100% acrylic special, just let the yarn flow over & your hook should let that yarn flow freely. This pattern is the least complicated of them on the market so take your time.

  17. Holly says:

    I always wanted to try this stitch, but it looked really complicated. Thank you for taking the time to put together a lovely tutorial with really clear photos. It’s very much appreciated!

  18. LaGretta says:

    THANK YOU for thinking of us lefties. I love the way you have it set up. I wish more people would realize everyone isn’t right handed.

  19. Cinnamon says:

    Hi Rachel. Just wondering how you would use this stitch in the round? I would love to make a cotton tablecloth with this stitch. Thanks. Will also try this pattern.

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