Stretchy Star Stitch, as featured in the Picea Hat ~ Corrected Instructions and Tutorial

The Stretchy Star stitch was developed especially for the crown of the Picea Hat pattern, recently published in Interweave Crochet Accessories 2014. Unfortunately, Interweave's instructions for the stitch contain a small but critical misprint* which would affect stitch quality and gauge.

This tutorial demonstrates the correct way to make the stitch.

Picea Hat
(Image courtesy of Interweave/crochetme.com)

Though it looks like a traditional star stitch, the Stretchy Star is really a slip stitch with flourishes. Its unique construction yields a cushy, textured, and very stretchy fabric.

Original swatch submitted to Interweave

showing the Stretchy Star crown

The Stretchy Star is designed to be worked in the round, with right side facing at all times. It lends itself beautifully to spiral rounds with increases, making it a perfect choice for hat crowns.

You could also work it onto a foundation chain (joined into a loop) for a smashing textured cowl or wristwarmers, or use several rows as a decorative band at the beginning or end of a project. (If using as an edging, start or finish with at least one row of tighter stitches to keep edge from stretching out of shape.)

Note: In the Picea Hat pattern, the Stretchy Star is referred to simply as "star stitch". But I am sticking with my original name. :)

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Written Instructions for Stretchy Star:

Tip: For best Stretchy Star fabric, use a slightly larger hook than recommended for yarn.

Ch 2, ins hook in back lp of 2nd ch from hook, yo and pull up a lp, ins hook in bottom ridge lp of same ch, yo and pull up a lp (3 lps on hook), ins hook in next stitch, yo and immediately draw through all lps on hook.

Remember: the Stretchy Star is a slip stitch variation. Do NOT pull up an extra loop after inserting hook into next stitch! :)

Video Tutorial:

Photo Tutorial:

To swatch the Stretchy star, you can start with a round of plain stitches, as below (I used 6 half double crochets worked into a magic ring).

You can also work into a foundation chain. If using a foundation chain, work the first row of Stretchy Stars flat, then join ends and continue working in the round.

When working into Stretchy Stars, skip over the ch-2 at the side of the stitch, and work into the top strands of the stitch. (These will be larger and looser - very easy to identify.)

Another view of where to insert hook for future stars:

That's it! Pretty simple, isn't it? Later this month I'll post a free hat pattern with a Stretchy Star crown.

If you have any questions, please feel free to use the comments section, or contact me in Ravelry.

You may do whatever you like with the items you make from this tutorial, but you may not re-print the text of this tutorial. (Links are always welcome.)

Thanks for viewing, and happy crocheting!

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* What is the misprint? The Interweave pattern instructs you to pull up an extra loop after inserting your hook into the next stitch. The correct method, as shown above, is to insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and immediately pull through all loops on hook. (Just like a slip stitch.)

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