Modified Star Stitch (crochet)

Since picking up crochet again (after about a ten year hiatus), I noticed something quite lacking about my collection - a case for my hooks. The case I'm going to demonstrate for you today is very sturdy, can be easily customizable, and works up reasonably quickly.

You can fold it

Or roll it

The star stitch creates a very nice, thick pattern that is great for all sorts of projects. Generally it works with an odd number of stitches plus three or multiples of (2+1) plus 3. This is worked slightly differently than other star stitches because with each star cluster, one stitch of the base number of stitches is lost. Therefore, the star isn't completed until the next row with clusters of half double crochets. 

I used an "I" hook since I crochet much looser than the average crocheter (apparently, by the patterns I've used anyway), but an "H" would work quite nicely. You'll want the pattern to allow for all the different sizes of hooks to go through - snug enough for the small hooks to not fall through but large enough to hold the larger hooks as well.

For the pattern: okay, here's where you might get frustrated with me. I can't remember how many stitches I used to start. I think it was 78. I know for sure the pattern works with a start of 64 stitches.  I made it that way the first time but ended up starting over because I wanted a larger case. You'll just have to check after your first row. If the stitches work out right, continue to the next row.  If not, you'll need to rip out the row and add (or subtract) the number of stitches it will take to make the stitch work. It's not as difficult as it sounds, even for a beginner.

Okay.

Chain 78 (or however long you want it to be).

Row 1: pull up a loop in (each) the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chains. There should be a total of 6 loops on your hook. Yarn over, and pull the yarn through all 6 loops (see below).

Row 1: pull up a loop in (each) the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chains. There should be a total of 6 loops on your hook.

Yarn over, and pull the yarn through all 6 loops.

Close the star by chaining 1.

*Pull up a loop in the middle of the star just created, another loop in the last stitch of the last star (reuse the last chain stitch), and another loop in (each) the next three stitches. Again, there should be six total loops on your hook.  Yarn over and pull through all six loops.*
Repeat from * to *  the end of the row. Half double crochet in the last stitch. I modified mine (see below) to make a fuller, thicker stitch. Chain two, turn.

 

For the half double crochet, I also pulled a loop through the star before yarning over. I don't know if this is a stitch that is used or what it would be called. I just like that it fills it in nicely, not leaving an awkward gap.

Row 2:
Half double crochet in first stitch, then clusters of three half double crochets in the center of each star. One more half double crochet at the very end (so, clusters of three in each star, plus one extra half double crochet at the beginning of the row, and another at the end of the row. Chain 2, turn.

Row 3:
Pull up a loop in the second chain from hook and in the next four stitches. Again, you should have 6 total loops on your hook.  Yarn over and pull through all six loops. Chain one. *Pull a loop through the star you just created, another through the last stitch (reusing the last stitch), and another in (each) the next three stitches. Yarn over and pull through all six loops.* Repeat from * to * until the end of the row. One half double crochet at the end of the row. Chain 2, turn.

Rows 4+ (you determine the number. Mine ended up being 17, ending on the star clusters): Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Finish off, weave in ends.  

For the tie, I chained 80 and did a slip stitch back into each chain. Just a chain seemed a bit flimsy in comparison to the case, but a full single crochet didn't exactly work, either. A slip stitch made the chain nice and sturdy, keeping with the rest of the pattern. I just slipped it through a stitch on the edge and called done. You could attach yours.  I didn't find it necessary.

Stick your hooks through as above. I left room to grow or to attach a pouch to keep scissors and notions.

I hope you like it! :D 

And if I've made any mistakes, I know someone out there will let me know! ;)

Cheers!

- Sarah