Staggered Double Crochet Pairs Made Easy – A Beginner-Friendly Tutorial
If you’re looking to add texture and visual interest to your crochet projects, the staggered double crochet pairs stitch (also known as the double crochet cluster stitch) is a fantastic choice. I first introduced this stitch in my free Splash of Color Washcloth pattern. While I already had tutorials and a blog post dedicated to it, I felt it was time for an update.
This tutorial is designed to help crocheters master this stitch with step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, and helpful tips for customization.
While this stitch is classified as intermediate due to its use of the double crochet two together (DC2Tog) stitch, a confident beginner can absolutely give it a go. Once you get into the rhythm of the stitch, you’ll find it enjoyable, relaxing, and highly rewarding.
The Fabric It Creates
The staggered double crochet pairs stitch produces a fabric that is airy, lacy, and beautifully textured. The way the stitches cluster together gives an elegant and slightly openwork effect that can be adapted for different types of projects:
- For practical projects: When worked in heavier cotton yarns (#4 weight and above), this stitch is perfect for washcloths, dishcloths, and spa sets. The slightly open nature of the fabric makes it absorbent while still being sturdy and durable.
- For delicate, lacy projects: If you use finer yarns (such as sport weight or lace weight), this stitch creates a lovely edging for garments, cardigans, shawls, and summer accessories. It adds a decorative touch without adding too much weight, making it ideal for warmer weather.
Skill Level
As mentioned earlier, this stitch is considered intermediate because it involves working the DC2Tog (double crochet two together) stitch. However, if you are comfortable with the basic double crochet (DC), you should find this technique easy to pick up. The stitch pattern has a nice rhythm to it, making it enjoyable and even therapeutic to work up once you get the hang of it.
Customizations & Color Play
One of the best things about the staggered double crochet pairs stitch is how easily it can be customized with color. Here are some fun ways to experiment with it:
- Solid colors: Using one color highlights the beautiful textured clusters, making it an elegant choice for minimalist designs.
- Ricrac effect: If you change colors every row, this stitch creates a gorgeous zigzag or ricrac look that is eye-catching and fun.
- Stash-busting projects: Since this stitch looks fantastic in multiple colors, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover yarn from previous projects. Those small skeins and scraps that were too long to throw out can finally find a home in a creative and stunning design.
Free Pattern using the Staggered Double Crochet Pairs:
My Splash of Colour Washcloth is a free on the blog pattern that uses this stitch and looks fantastic! In fact, in my video tutorials below we make this washcloth together as it a great pattern to practice this stitch on!
You can find the free pattern here.
Stitch Tutorial
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CH – Chain
- DC – Double Crochet
- DC2Tog – Double Crochet Two Together
- SDC – Staggered Double Crochet
- ST(S) – Stitch(es)
- SP – Space
Special Stitches:
Double Crochet 2 Together (DC2Tog):
Yarn over (YO), insert hook into next st to be worked, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops, and hold. YO, insert hook into next st to be worked, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through two loops. Yo, pull thru all 3 loops on the hook
Written Instructions:
The multiple for this stitch is any odd number plus 3.
For the swatch, I chained 18 (15 (odd number) plus 3 more chains at the end).
Row 1: dc2tog starting in the 4th and 5th chains from the hook. Ch1. *Dc2tog over the next two sts, ch1*. Rep *to* until 3 sts remain: dc2tog over next two sts, ch1, dc in final chain.
Note: In all subsequent rows from here you will work your staggered double crochet pairs into the Ch1 spaces only.
Row 2: Ch3 (counts as a stitch), turn. Using the first and the second ch1 sp, work a SDC st. Ch1. *Starting in the last ch1 sp worked, work a SDC st over 2 Sts, Ch1.* Rep from *to* until only the turning chain remains. DC in top of the turning chain.
Rows 3 on: Repeat row 2.
Video Tutorial
For those who prefer to learn visually, I’ve included video tutorials for both right-handed and left-handed crocheters. During this tutorial we will make the Splash of Colour Washcloth together:
Tips for Success
- Tension Matters: Keep your tension consistent to maintain an even fabric and well-defined clusters.
- Blocking: If you’re making a lacy project, lightly blocking your work will enhance the openwork pattern.
- Experiment with Yarn Types: This stitch works beautifully with cotton for washcloths, acrylic for blankets, and lightweight yarns for delicate projects.
Final Thoughts
The staggered double crochet pairs stitch (or double crochet cluster stitch) is a fantastic stitch to add to your crochet skill set. Whether you’re making washcloths, trims, blankets, or garments, this stitch adds a unique texture and charm to any project. I hope this tutorial helps you master the stitch with confidence!
If you give this stitch a try, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media or leave a comment below to share your projects. You can find me on Facebook or Instagram!
Happy crocheting! 🧶✨
