Double Crochet Cluster Stitch (2dc, 3dc, 4dc) vs. Bobble & Popcorn

By the DoubleCrochet Team | Last Updated: November 2026 | Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate

A double crochet cluster stitch (2dc-cl, 3dc-cl, or 4dc-cl) is worked by making 2, 3, or 4 incomplete double crochets into the same stitch or space—stopping each leg after the first yarn over, pull through 2 loops—and then yarning over and pulling through all loops on your hook at once (3 loops for a 2dc-cl, 4 loops for a 3dc-cl, or 5 loops for a 4dc-cl). Because every leg starts in the same base stitch and closes into one shared top V, a cluster adds plump, teardrop texture without changing your row's stitch count.

(Terminology note: This tutorial uses US crochet terms; in UK patterns, a US double crochet cluster is called a treble crochet cluster (2tr-cl, 3tr-cl, 4tr-cl).)

From flat teardrop 3dc clusters to high-relief 5dc bobbles and acorn-shaped 5dc popcorns, knowing how the tops and bases connect unlocks every grouped stitch in crochet.

Types of Cluster Crochet Stitches: Cluster vs. Bobble vs. Popcorn vs. Puff vs. Granny

Crocheters and pattern designers use five related terms for grouped stitches. Use this visual and structural guide to tell them apart instantly:

Important Distinction: 2dc Cluster vs. dc2tog Decrease

Beginners often ask why the hook movements for a 2dc cluster (2dc-cl) look identical to a dc2tog vs cluster decrease:

• In a 2dc Cluster (2dc-cl): Both incomplete double crochets are worked into the exact same stitch or chain space (1 base stitch → 1 top V = no change in stitch count).
• In a dc2tog Decrease: The first incomplete double crochet goes into Stitch A and the second goes into Stitch B (2 base stitches → 1 top V = decreases by 1 stitch).

How to Crochet a 2 Double Crochet Cluster (2dc-cl)

The 2dc-cl is the fastest cluster stitch, adding double the thickness of a single post without creating heavy bulk.

Step-by-Step Instructions (1 → 3 → 2 → 4 → 3 → 1 Loops)

1. Start (1 loop on hook): Yarn over (yo), insert your hook into the target stitch or chain space, yarn over, and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
2. First Partial dc: Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops remain on hook). Do not finish the double crochet.
3. Start Second Leg: Yarn over, insert your hook into the exact same stitch or space, yarn over, and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
4. Second Partial dc: Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (3 loops remain on hook).
5. Close the Cluster: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook (1 loop remains). One 2dc-cl is complete!

How to Crochet a 3 Double Crochet Cluster (3dc-cl) & 4dc Cluster

Step-by-Step Instructions: 3dc Cluster (3dc-cl)

Follow the loop progression 1 → 3 → 2 → 4 → 3 → 5 → 4 → 1:

1. First Partial dc: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch/space, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
2. Second Partial dc: Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch/space, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain).
3. Third Partial dc: Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch/space, yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain).
4. Close the Cluster: Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on your hook (1 loop remains). (If your pattern calls for a ch 1 after the cluster, work that ch 1 now to lock the top and create the next row's chain space.)

Scaling Up to a 4 Double Crochet Cluster (4dc-cl)

To make an extra-plump 4dc-cl, simply work one additional partial dc into the same stitch/space before closing:

• Work 4 incomplete double crochets into the same stitch until you have 5 loops on your hook (4 partial dc loops + 1 starting loop), then yarn over and pull through all 5 loops at once.

How to Make a Beginning Cluster (beg cl) at the Start of a Row or Round

When a row or round starts directly with a cluster, your turning chain (ch 2 or ch 3) acts as the first incomplete double crochet of that cluster, so you work 1 fewer partial dc:

• Beginning 2dc Cluster (beg 2dc-cl): Ch 2 (or ch 3), work 1 dc into the very first stitch/space at the base of the chain. Because the turning chain and the dc share the top of that first stitch, they form a 2-post cluster (2 loops on hook at the end of the dc).
• Beginning 3dc Cluster (beg 3dc-cl): Ch 2 (counts as first leg), work 2 incomplete double crochets into the same stitch/space (3 loops on hook), then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Practice Pattern Recipe: 2-Row Repeat Double Crochet Cluster Swatch

Want to try an all-over textured cluster fabric for a scarf or throw blanket?

• Foundation Chain: Chain any even number (for example, Ch 20 for a ~5" wide swatch, estimate).
• Row 1 (Setup Row): Work 1 dc in the 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 chs count as first dc), *ch 1, skip next ch, work 3dc-cl in next ch; repeat from * across until 2 chains remain, ch 1, skip next ch, work 1 dc in last ch. Turn. (8 clusters + 2 edge dc)
• Row 2 (Cluster Repeat Row): Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 3dc-cl into the first ch-1 space, *ch 1, skip next cluster, work 3dc-cl into next ch-1 space; repeat from * across, ending with 1 dc in the top of the turning ch-3 (skipping the final ch-1 space on odd/even stagger, or working ch 1, 1 dc in top of ch-3 to keep 8 clusters per row). Repeat Row 2!

How to Crochet the Double Crochet Bobble Stitch (5dc Bobble)

Unlike a flat cluster that blends into a row of tall double crochets, a 5dc Bobble Stitch (bo) is flanked immediately by short single crochets (sc). When you pull the next stitch down to sc height, the 5 tall double crochet posts have nowhere to go except outward, folding in half into a round 3D berry!

Step-by-Step Instructions: 5dc Bobble Stitch (Worked on Wrong Side Row)

1. Work 5 Incomplete dc in One Stitch: [Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 5 times all into the same stitch. You now have 6 loops on your hook (5 partial dc loops + 1 starting loop).
2. Close the Bobble: Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops on your hook (1 loop remains). Tip: Do NOT chain 1 to lock the bobble unless your pattern specifically says to—skipping the extra chain keeps the bobble tighter.
3. Anchor & Push Forward with 1 sc: Insert your hook immediately into the next stitch, work 1 tight single crochet (sc), and use your left middle finger to push the 5-dc bundle away from you toward the Right Side (RS) of the fabric.

How to Crochet the Double Crochet Popcorn Stitch (5dc Popcorn)

A 5dc Popcorn Stitch (pc or pop) creates the firmest, most sculpted 3D texture in crochet—shaped like a hollow little cup or kernel of popped corn—and is worked with the Right Side (RS) facing you.

Step-by-Step Instructions: 5dc Popcorn Stitch (Right-Side Row)

1. Work 5 Complete dc in One Stitch: Work 5 full, finished double crochet stitches into the same stitch or space (just as if you were making a 5dc shell).
2. Drop the Live Loop: Pull the loop on your hook up slightly (~1 inch tall) so it cannot unravel, and remove your hook from the loop.
3. Insert Hook into the 1st dc Top: Count back 5 stitches to the 1st double crochet of that 5-dc group. Insert your hook from front to back under both top V loops of that 1st dc.
4. Pinch the Popcorn Closed: Put the dropped live loop from the 5th dc back onto your hook, tighten it onto the shaft, and pull that loop right through the top of the 1st dc. This folds the 5-dc fan forward in a circle, pinching the 1st and 5th tops together so the center pops toward you on the Right Side!
5. Optional Locking Ch 1: Work ch 1 if instructed by your pattern to secure the top of the popcorn before moving to the next stitch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)