This week’s Crochet by the Block stitch is the beautiful **Star Stitch!** The Star Stitch creates a gorgeous raised texture that looks like rows of tiny stars worked into your project. While it may look challenging at first, once you learn how each star connects to the next, you will find a relaxing rhythm as the pattern repeats. For our block, we are using a slightly modified version of the traditional Star Stitch. This version removes one of the loops normally used, making the stitch a little easier to work while still giving you that beautiful star design. As always, start with the practice lesson first so you can learn the stitch before moving on to the blanket block. ✨ **Start Here:** How To Do The Star Stitch ⭐ **Then Complete:** Block 14: Star Stitch Remember to take your time, keep your loops relaxed, and enjoy learning something new. I can’t wait to see your Star Stitch blocks!

I am extremely sorry, but due to a family situation, I am unable to get the Block of the Week up this week. I apologize, and I hope if you are in the U.S., you have a wonderful holiday weekend.

I apologize, but I will not be able to post the block of the week tonight. I will get it on here tomorrow.

Hello and welcome — I’m so glad you’re here! Crochet by the Block was created to make crochet simple, relaxing, and fun for everyone, whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the very first time or already have experience and want to learn new stitches and techniques. This community is designed to help you learn crochet one block at a time. Each crochet block can be used on its own or combined with others to create: ✨ Baby blankets ✨ Lap blankets ✨ Full-size afghans ✨ Dish cloths ✨ Wash cloths ✨ And more There are no strict rules here. You can use one block style for an entire blanket or mix different blocks together to create something completely unique. WHERE TO START If you are brand new to crochet:👉 Start with the LEAR TO CROCHET Course Inside the LEARN TO CROCHET lessons, you’ll learn: • Crochet supplies and materials • How to hold your yarn and hook • Slip knots and chains • Basic stitches • Beginner crochet tips • How to read patterns • And more From there, you can begin working through the individual blocks at your own pace. What You’ll Find Inside the Community Inside Crochet by the Block, you’ll have access to: • Step-by-step block tutorials • Stitch lessons and practice swatches• Blanket assembly tutorials• Border and edging lessons • Color and layout ideas • Beginner-friendly instruction • New blocks and techniques added regularly Every lesson is written in simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can crochet confidently without feeling overwhelmed. Make the Projects Your Own One of the best parts about Crochet by the Block is flexibility. You can: • Repeat your favorite block • Skip blocks you do not enjoy • Use different colors and yarns • Make small or large blankets • Turn blocks into wash cloths or practice pieces Your crochet journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. 💬 Join the Community This is also a place to: • Ask questions • Share your progress • Post photos of your crochet • Encourage other members • Share yarn ideas and color combinations

The Mini Shell Stitch creates a soft, textured fabric with small shell-shaped groups of stitches. This stitch adds gentle movement and decorative detail while still being beginner friendly. To make the mini shell stitch, work 1 single crochet and 2 double crochet into the same stitch, then skip the next 2 stitches. Repeat this pattern across the row to create small, soft shell shapes. Each mini shell has 3 stitches total: 1 Sc + 2 Dc Common Beginner Mistakes - Forgetting to skip 2 stitches between shells - Working the next shell into the wrong stitch - Accidentally adding or losing stitches across the row - Pulling the double crochet stitches too tight - Forgetting to measure after a few rows - Uneven tension causing the edges to pull inward To learn more about how to do the Mini Shell stitch, CLICK HERE. To make Block 8: Mini Shell Stitch, CLICK HERE