The Isla Throw – A Tunisian Crochet Blanket Pattern

The Stitches – Tunisian Crochet Cluster Stitch (Also Known as Shell Stitch)

The instant I started experimenting with the Tunisian cluster stitch, I knew I had found a winner.

And then when I mixed it with roving self-striping yarn and a solid color, the blanket came together in no time.

Tunisian Cluster Stitch Video Tutorial

Here’s a video tutorial for the Tunisian cluster stitch.

Note: The Cluster Stitch starting chain is a 3 + 2 multiple. For the example, I chained 11.

Tunisian Crochet Cluster Stitch Written and Photo Instructions

For those of you who learn better this way, I’ve included written and photo instructions. Note that the Return Pass for this stitch is different than a regular Tunisian RetP.

Side note: If you would like this pattern ad-free, you can purchase a printable PDF at our shop here or Etsy here.

• Pull up a loop in the first full size chain. Pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster. *Pull up a loop in the next two full size chains, pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster*

• Rep from * to * to the last cluster stitch

• After pulling up a loop in the last cluster st, pull up a loop in the second to last chain; working the last st as for Lts

Tunisian Cluster Stitch Return Pass:

• Chain 2, yarn over pull through 4 loops. *Chain 2, yarn over and pull through 4 loops*
• Continue from * to * until you have only 2 loops remaining on your hook
• Chain one, yarn over pull through last 2 remaining loops

1.Chain 11, pull up a loop in the second chain from hook and in each chain to the end

2. Cluster Stitch Return Pass

• Chain 2, yarn over pull through 4 loops. *Chain 2, yarn over and pull through 4 loops*
• Continue from * to * until you have only 2 loops remaining on your hook
• Chain one, yarn over pull through last 2 remaining loops

3. pull up a loop in the first full size chain

4. Pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster

5. *Pull up a loop in the next two full size chains, pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster*

6. Repeat from * to * to last cluster stitch

7. After pulling up a loop in the last cluster st, pull up a loop in the second to last chain

8. work the last st as for Lts (Last Tunisian Stitch, meaning the side stitch)

9. Return Pass

Tunisian Cluster Stitch after finishing off with Tunisian slip stitch

The Isla Throw Pattern

NOTES:

• Finished size measures 49″ wide x 49″ long
• To change the width, chain a multiple of 3 + 2 for beginning chain
• To change the length, simply add more rows
• Video tutorial for the Tunisian cluster stitch is HERE
• You are not fastening off your yarn when you switch colors. Instead, you are pulling it up the side. And you know what that means?? Less ends to weave in!
• You will switch colors after the return pass, when you have 2 loops left on your hook
• You’ll want to focus on your tension when switching to a new color. Don’t pull too tight, but also not too loose. You want your edges to match.
• I recommend practicing this stitch on a small swatch before starting the blanket

MATERIALS:

HOOK(S)

7 mm Tunisian crochet hook with cable

6 mm crochet hook for border

YARN

Weight 4 • approx. 810 yds

Lion Brand Ferris Wheel; 3 cakes

Color: Full Moon

Weight 4

Lion Brand Pound of Love, 1 skein

Color: Elephant Grey

NOTIONS

Scissors

Tapestry needle

GAUGE (4 x 4″)

5 cluster sts x 10 rows in pattern

ABBREVIATIONS:

ch chain

rep repeat

yo yarn over

FwP Forward pass

RetP Return pass

Lts last Tunisian stitch

st(s) stitch(es)

Pattern Description:

The Isla blanket reminds me of tiny little sea shells found at the beach. It’s made in the Tunisian cluster stitch, which is a fun stitch to learn. After you get the hang of it, it’s a very meditative stitch, making it an easy project to work on. I used Ferris Wheel in Full Moon which is a long striping sequence of Denim, Sky Blue, and Misty Blue. It’s mixed with Elephant Grey, which gives you a beautiful blanket to display in your home or porch.

Color A: Ferris Wheel, Full Moon

Color B: Pound of Love, Elephant Grey

Foundation row with color A ch 188, pull up a loop in the second back bump from hook and in each back bump to the end

Return Pass: (check special stitches for this unique Return Pass); when you have 2 loops left on your hook (this will be after you ch 1), switch to Color B

Row 1 With Color B, pull up a loop in the first full size chain. Pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster. *Pull up a loop in the next two full size chains, pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster*

Rep from * to * to the last cluster stitch

After pulling up a loop in the last cluster st, pull up a loop in the second to last chain; working the last st as for Lts

Return Pass, when you have 2 loops left on your hook (this will be after you ch 1), switch to Color A

Row 2 With Color A, pull up a loop in the first full size chain. Pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster. *Pull up a loop in the next two full size chains, pull up a loop in the top of the next cluster*

Rep from * to * the last cluster stitch

After pulling up a loop in the last cluster st, pull up a loop in the second to last chain; working the last st as for Lts

Return Pass, when you have 2 loops left on your hook (this will be after you ch 1), switch to Color B

Rows 3 and on Repeat rows 1 and 2

End with a Color A row

Finish

Last row sl st in each ch and each cluster stitch across row to bind off, inserting hook as for Lts on the last st. Fasten off color A and B

Border

With Color B, attach yarn in corner, ch 1, 2sc in same space, *sc across to corner, 3sc in corner*; repeat from * to * until you meet up with your first corner, 1 sc in same corner with 2sc; slip stitch to 1st sc. Finish off , weave in ends