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How to Crochet the Star Stitch (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial, by Janice Jones, Last updated 01-03-2026

The crochet star stitch creates a textured fabric resembling rows of small stars. While it looks advanced, it’s made using simple stitches and a short two-row repeat. In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly where to insert your hook, how to avoid common mistakes, and when this stitch works best for real projects.

If you are an adventurous beginner, this is the stitch for you.  It's worth the effort to learn it, and you might even decide that it is your next favorite stitch.

Right side showing of the crochet star stitch worked in pink yarnRight-side showing the crochet star stitch pattern
Wrong side showing of the crochet star stitchWrong Side Showing of the Crochet Star Stitch

Crochet Star Stitch – Quick Facts

  • Skill level: Advanced beginner
  • Stitch multiple: Odd number
  • Repeat: 2 rows
  • Reversible: No
  • Uses more yarn: Yes (~10%)
  • Best for: Blankets, scarves, pillows

This tutorial focuses heavily on hook placement, the part most beginners find confusing.

However, since it is only a two-row repeat, the beginner can learn this pattern quickly. You will find it's not as complicated as you might have initially thought.

The first row of the pattern creates the stars, which are made up of a single crochet stitch each worked in a separate chain or stitch from the previous row.

Once there are 6 loops on the hook, a yarn over is made and drawn through all 6 loops. This is also called the single crochet 6 together (sc6tog).

These single crochet stitches make up the star’s six points. The chain stitch that follows becomes the center or eye of the star. In a written pattern this little eye or star center is called the chain two space (Ch-2 sp)

The second row consists of half double crochet stitches, two of each being worked into the chain space or eye of the row below. This is repeated across the row to the very end, and then one-half double crochet is worked in the last

How the Crochet Star Stitch Feels (Texture, Drape & Stretch)

The crochet star stitch creates a dense, textured fabric with a slightly raised surface where each star forms. Because multiple loops are pulled together in each stitch, the fabric feels thicker and more structured than basic crochet stitches like single or half-double crochet.

This stitch has minimal stretch and holds its shape well, making it a good choice for projects that need structure rather than drape.

Fabric characteristics at a glance:

  • Texture: Raised and bumpy with clearly defined stars
  • Thickness: Medium-thick to thick
  • Stretch: Minimal
  • Drape: Structured, not flowy

Because of this structure, the star stitch works best for items where texture is a feature rather than a background.

Best Yarn for the Crochet Star Stitch

Smooth, well-defined yarns show the star shape most clearly. Yarns with too much fuzz or halo can blur the stitch details and make the stars harder to see.

Best Yarn Choices

  • Smooth acrylic yarns – Great stitch definition and easy to work with (I used a worsted-weight acrylic yarn when making the swatches for this page
  • Cotton yarn – Crisp texture and excellent stitch clarity
  • Wool or wool blends – Adds warmth while still showing the star pattern

Yarns to Use with Caution

  • Fuzzy or novelty yarns – Can hide the star shape
  • Highly textured yarns – Compete with the stitch pattern
  • Very soft or loosely spun yarns – May reduce stitch definition

For beginners, a medium-weight (worsted) yarn in a light or solid color makes it much easier to see where to insert the hook and keep the stars consistent.

Hook Size and Gauge Tips

Because the crochet star stitch naturally tightens the fabric, many crocheters prefer using a slightly larger hook than the yarn label recommends.

  • If your fabric feels stiff → go up one hook size
  • If the stars look loose or uneven → return to the recommended hook size

Always crochet a small swatch first, especially for projects like blankets or garments where flexibility and comfort matter.

What Can you Make With the Crochet Star Stitch?

When the Star Stitch Works Best (and When It Doesn’t)

Great uses for the star stitch:

  • Blankets and afghans
  • Scarves and cowls
  • Pillow covers
  • Bags and totes
  • Washcloths and Placemats

Not ideal for:

  • Lightweight summer garments
  • Projects needing lots of stretch
  • Very drapey shawls

Understanding how the fabric behaves will help you choose the right yarn and project so your finished piece looks and feels exactly the way you expect.

How to Make the Crochet Star Stitch

Chain an Odd Number of Stitches

2-row-repeat

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial

NOTE:  I've spelled out the directions for making this stitch.  If you prefer, I've also added directions below in a shortened form.

Chain an odd number of stitches.

Row 1: Insert hook in 2nd chain from hook. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert the hook in the next chain and pull up a loop (3 loops). Insert the hook in the next chain and pull up a loop (4 loops)
Repeat this process two more times until there is 6 loops on the hook.

Yarn over and pull through all six loops. (One Star Stitch). Next,

  • Insert hook into the chain space which looks like the "eye" of the star and pull up a loop. (2 loops on the hook)
Step-by-step tutorial on how to crochet the star stitch. Step one: insert hook into eye of the previous star.Step One: Insert hook into the chain space which looks like the "eye" of the star and pull up a loop. (2 loops on the hook)
  • Insert hook into the last loop of the previous star and pull up a loop. (3 loops)
Step-by-step-crochet star stitch. Step 2Step 2: Insert hook into the last loop of the previous star and pull up a loop. (3 loops)
  • Insert hook into the same chain space as previous star, and pull up a loop. (4 loops)
Step-by-step tutorial. Step 3Step 3: Insert the hook into the same chain space as the previous star and pull up a loop. (4 loops)
  • Insert hook into next chain and pull up a loop (5 loops)
Step by step star stitch: Step 4Step 4: Insert hook into next chain and pull up a loop (5 loops)
  • Insert hook into next chain and pull up a loop (6 loops)
Step by Step Crochet Star Stitch, step 5Step 5: Insert hook into next chain and pull up a loop (6 loops)
  • YO and pull through all 6 loops
Crochet Star Stitch: Pull through 6 loopsStep 6: YO and pull through all six loops
one star stitch madeOne Crochet Star Stitch Created

Continue to create star stitches across the row until there is one chain left. Work one hdc in last chain. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 2. 1 half double crochet in first stitch. *2 half double crochet stitches in next chain-1 space. Repeat from * in each ch-1 or eye of the star to last stitch—one half-double crochet stitch in the last loop of the star below. Turn.

Row 3 repeats the same star-forming steps as Row 1, starting in the chain spaces instead of the foundation chain.

Common Crochet Star Stitch Problems (and How to Fix Them)

The crochet star stitch looks complicated, but most problems come from just a few minor issues. If your stars don’t look quite right yet, check these common fixes below.

My Stars Look Uneven or Misshapen

This usually happens when the loops are pulled up at different heights.

How to fix it:
When pulling up loops, try to keep them all the same height before pulling through all six loops. Slow down and gently adjust the loops on your hook before completing the stitch.

I Can’t Find the “Eye” of the Star

The small chain space at the center of each star can be hard to see at first.

How to fix it:
Look for the small chain that forms right after pulling through all six loops. Gently open the fabric with your fingers—this chain space is where the next row of stitches will go.

My Fabric Is Too Tight and Hard to Work Into

Star stitch can feel tight, especially for beginners.

How to fix it:
Use a relaxed grip and avoid pulling your yarn too tightly when drawing up loops. You may also want to try a slightly larger hook size until you feel more comfortable with the stitch.

My Stars Don’t Line Up in Rows

This usually happens when stitches are skipped or when the last half-double crochet is missed.

How to fix it:
Make sure you always work one half double crochet into the last stitch of the row. Using a stitch marker at the end of the row can help you keep track.

My Star Stitch Looks Flat Instead of Textured

If the stars aren’t popping, the loops may be too short.

How to fix it:
Pull your loops up just a bit taller when forming each star. This helps define the points and gives the stitch its signature texture.

I Keep Losing Track of Where to Insert the Hook

The hook placement can feel confusing at first.

How to fix it:
Work slowly and focus on one insertion point at a time: the eye of the star, the last loop of the previous star, and the next chains or stitches. After a few repeats, the rhythm becomes much easier.

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial:  Ways to Alter the Star Stitch

  • Change colors every other row.
  • Work through the back loop only of each chain of row 3.
Star Crochet Stitch worked in three different colorsThis crochet star stitch swatch is worked in three different colors, changing colors at the end of row two of the pattern.
Star crochet stitch worked in lime green yarn and demonstrating what it looks like when worked through the back loop only.Work through the back loop only (blo) of each chain of row 3.

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial:  Helpful Abbreviations

hdc - half double crochet

rep - repeat

st(s) - stitch(es)

ch - chain

YO - yarn over

*  * repeat the process between the two asterisks

WS - wrong side

RS - right side

sp - space

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial: FAQ

What is another name for Star Stitch?

The Daisy stitch is another name for a star stitch.

How much yarn does the star stitch use?

These two swatches shown below worked on four rows and 21 chain stitches.  One was the crochet star stitch, and the other, swatch, the half double crochet stitch.  

The star stitch required 330 inches of yarn and the half double crochet was worked on 300 inches of yarn.  This means that the crochet star stitch used 10% more yarn.

Can you crochet the star stitch in the round?

Sure. Start with your chain. Chain any odd number of stitches. Join with a slip stitch. Place a stitch marker in the last chain to keep your place. Work the star stitch as described above, but connect the rounds with a slip stitch when you arrive at your stitch marker. Move the stitch marker up to the current round.

Is the Crochet Star Stitch beginner friendly?

This is not a difficult stitch to learn.  It requires one to know how to create a chain, half double crochet, and where to insert the hook.  Of  all of these, the tricky part is inserting the hook, which is more advanced than typical basic level patterns.

Does the Star Stitch Use More Yarn?

Comparison between the Crochet star stitch and the half double crochet, worked in pink yarnThe star stitch required 330 inches of yarn, and the half-double crochet was worked on 300 inches. This means that the crochet star stitch used 10% more yarn.

Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial: 
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Crochet Star Stitch Tutorial: Pin Image

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