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.

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 (double crochet, treble, and so on). 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).

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.

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.

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.