Expert: Patricia - 2/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: I'm having a hard time trying to understand the cluster stitch in the pattern that I am doing. Here is the instructions: Ch 4 now [(Yoh twice and draw up a loop in next dc. Yoh and draw through 2 loops twice]3times. Yoh and draw through all four loops (this is where I'm getting confused here, when I do the last Yoh abd draw through I don't have 4 loops left. Then it says Ch 9 [(Yoh twice and draw up a loop in next dc. Yoh and draw through 2 loops twice]4 times. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops - cluster made, again I don't have 5 loops on hook.

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
I'm not able to follow your instructions as written.  Can you please copy exactly the row before this one in addition to this row?

A cluster is simply having 3 (or more) stitches joined together at the top. The more stitches (doubles, trebles, whatever), the fatter the cluster. Always remember to make one stitch at the top to lock it in.

Go to www.youtube.com and search for crochet clusters.  There are several really good videos that may help you.  If you still are not clear, please e-mail me again with the two rows of instructions.

-Patricia



Hi Lisa,
I can help you with this but I will get back to you in the morning.  I'm going to actually crochet your instructions so I can give you a better answer.  

-Patricia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry I think I figured this part out but now I need help with the other part. I'm having a hard time of figuring out what the next step is in my pattern. It says This is where I left off (I did this part this is the cluster that I was having trouble with previously): Ch 9 [(Yoh) and draw up a loop in next dc. Yoh and draw through 2 loops twice] 4 times. Yoh and draw through all 5 loops - cluster made - I have this part...but then it says Ch 9 Join with sl st to top of beg cluster. St st in each of first 2 ch. Ch 3 (counts as dc) 1 dc in each of next 2 ch. (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in each ch. 1 dc in each of next 3 ch. Miss next (1 ch, cluster, 1 ch). 1 dc in each of 3 ch. I'm not sure what they are referring to with this last part.

Answer
Hi Lisa,
Without seeing the whole picture, it's hard to figure this one out.  However, it seems to me you're crocheting in rows of clusters, then a row of 3DC's and V-stitches.  V-stitches are formed by the (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc).  Then on the next row you'll be working into that V-stitch's.  I don't know what they mean by "miss next (1ch, cluster, 1 ch) unless it means "skip".  I've never seen it written that way before.  Try "skip" instead of "miss" and see if that works.

If not, please send me the exact instructions as written, both rows.  I have to have the row that is being crocheted into in order to help you best.  Does the pattern have a name that I could look up on the internet?  It would help to see it.

-Patricia