Category: crochet

Being legally blind, I like texture. I think that’s one reason why I’m drawn to crochet so much more than knitting, because of the texture. Sometimes, though, I want something more than the standard stitches. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing at all wrong with them. But I like texture that is interesting, too.
To that end, over the last couple of years, I have started looking for different stitch combinations that add an extra dimension. For me, they have to feel nice, but for others, they have to look nice too. Thankfully, that’s not that tall of an order.

I feel like this star stitch fits those requirements quite well. It’s also known as the Margeurite stitch, daisy stitch, and spiked cluster. Even though there are several steps, it’s easier than it looks, so don’t be intimidated. Below, I’ve provided written directions and photo illustrations to help you create this stitch yourself.

Instructions:

Note: HDC = Half-double crochet. Yarn over, insert your hook in the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.
1. Chain a multiple of 6 + 1. For the photos here, I chained 25.

2. Insert your hook in the 2nd chain, pull up a loop and hold it on your hook.

Repeat in the next chain until you have 6 loops on your hook.

3. Yarn over and pull through all loops on your hook.

4. Chain 1. You have completed your first star and also created the “eye” of the star.

5. Insert your hook in the eye of the star and pull up a loop.

6. Insert your hook in between the last two spokes of the star and pull up a loop.
7. Insert your hook in the chain at the base of the star and pull up a loop.
8. Insert your hook in the next chain and pull up a loop. Repeat in the next chain. You have 6 loops on your hook.

9. Yarn over and pull through all loops.
10. Chain 1 to complete the star.
11. Repeat steps 5-10 until the end of the row.
12. HDC in the last chain.

13. Chain 2 and turn your work. Place 2 HDC in each eye across and in the final stitch.
14. Chain 3 and turn your work.
15. Insert your hook in the 2nd chain and pull up a loop.
16. Insert your hook in the next chain and pull up a loop.
17. Insert your hook in the first stitch of the row and pull up a loop. Repeat with the next 2 stitches until you have 6 loops on your hook.
18. Chain 1 to complete the star.
19. Repeat 5-11 to finish the row.
20. Chain 2 and turn your work. Place 2 HDC in each eye across and in the last stitch.

Repeat star stitch and HDC rows to the desired length of your project. Be sure you end with and HDC row. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

If you try this stitch, tag me @jen.nipps on Instagram so I can see what you’ve done.

Note: There are affiliate links in this post. I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links.

After my “5 Things About Me” post, I started to wonder how, exactly, am I going to incorporate my low vision in posts about crochet and how I do things? I’m still not completely certain about that, but I have no doubt I’ll figure it out as I go.

That’s the way this whole blogging thing works anyway, right?
That’s the way I’ve always approached it anyway. It works for me.

Since I’m winging it and I tentatively called this post “Ready, Set, Go?”, I’ve only just now figured out exactly how to approach this post. (And by the time you see this, it will have either a different title or an addition to the original title.)

If the way things physically feel makes a difference, and it does, where better to start than talking about crochet hooks.

I started with Boye crochet hooks* (reminder that this is an affiliate link that I might make a small commission from). They’re smooth metal. They feel fine, but they’re not always comfortable to use. The same goes with Susan Bates crochet hooks*, although those are mostly acrylic. They serve a great purpose and I know people who love them. I’ve used a variety of hooks. I’ve used acrylic, wood, metal, bamboo, plastic, and various types of metal hooks.

My current favorites:

• Yarnology Luxury Crochet Hooks, available at Hobby Lobby. I have every size they make from H 5mm to Q 15mm. They’re a type of plastic, but they feel nice in my hands. They have a wider handle than most others. They’re colorful and have embossed floral designs on the handle. Honestly, I wish they made a size G 4.5mm. I don’t use a G often, but I’ve had to use that size several times recently.
• Furls Crochet Odyssey*. I only have one of these hooks, but I love it! It’s peach and silver and so pretty! It has a much thicker handle than most. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked it. Then I was sure I hated it. I was so disappointed because I wanted to love it. Now I do. I have a size J 6mm.
• Furls Crochet Streamline in Ebony wood*. I have two of these in size H 5mm and I 5.5mm. These are so comfortable and easy to use. Their grip is about halfway between the Odyssey and the Yarnology hooks. In fact, using the Streamline hooks got me to where I love the Odyssey hook now. They’re the perfect in-between size when you’re adjusting to a more ergonomic hook.

I still have all of my metal crochet hooks. I won’t be getting rid of them any time soon, but I have to admit that I can crochet for longer periods of time with these other hooks than I can with the standard metal hooks. Since I hold my work closer to my face (so I can see it) than most people do, the way a hook feels and its ease of use make a big difference.

*Denotes an affiliate link. Clicking this link will take you to this item on Amazon. I may receive a small commission if you purchse through this link.