The Star Stitch is a beautiful stitch that is worked over two rows. The written instructions for the star stitch can be confusing, so this photo tutorial will better show you where to pick up each loop of the stars, as well as how to work the special star stitch join if working this pattern in the round.

Star stitch in rows

Worked over a multiple of 2+1.

Star stitch, Row 1:

1st star: Ch 3, pick up a loop in 2nd ch from hook, pick up a loop in 3rd ch from hook, pick up a loop in base of ch 3, pick up a loop in next 2 sts, yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 (eyelet created).

Subsequent stars: (Pick up a loop in the eyelet of the previous star, pick up a loop through the last spike of the previous star, pick up a loop at the base of the previous star, pick up a loop in next 2 sts, yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1) across. Turn.

Star stitch Row 2 : Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in ea eyelet around. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

Star stitch in the round

Worked over a multiple of 2+1

Star stitch, round 1 (RS):

1st star: Ch 3, pick up a loop in 2nd ch from hook, pick up a loop in 3rd ch from hook, pick up a loop in base of ch 3, pick up a loop in next 2 sts, yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1 (eyelet created).

Subsequent stars: (Pick up a loop in the eyelet of the previous star, pick up a loop through the last spike of the previous star, pick up a loop at the base of the previous star, pick up a loop in next 2 sts, yo and pull through all 6 loops on hook*, ch 1) around, ending last repeat at *. SSSJ to close round. Turn.

Star stitch, round 2 (WS): Ch 2 (counts as hdc), 2 hdc in ea eye around, sl st to 1st hdc to close round. Turn.

Repeat Rounds 1 & 2 for pattern.



Special star stitch join (SSSJ):

1. Do not work the ch 1 at the end of the last star.
2. Insert hook from back to front in the starting ch.
3. Insert hook from front to back in the top of the 1^st
4. Yarn over, pull through to complete sl st.

Once you've mastered this stitch, try it with any of these patterns:

Eliane hat * Gradually cowl * Girl on fire cowl

Julie xx

This tutorial was originally published in Knotions Magazine.