The jasmine stitch – also called the star stitch – produces a dense, star-patterned fabric that looks considerably more complicated than it is. It suits afghans, scarves, slippers and anything else where you want texture and warmth.
Written tutorial and charts are both available.
What the stitch does
Each star is made by drawing up several loops and closing them together, then working a stitch into the eye that forms at the centre. The stars interlock across the row, so the fabric has no gaps.
That gives it two useful properties. It is warm, because the fabric is solid rather than open. And it is reversible, or close to it – both sides look good, which matters for a scarf or a blanket where the back is on show.
The learning curve
The first row is the hard part, and it is genuinely fiddly. Managing several live loops on the hook at once feels awkward, and most people’s first attempt is uneven.
Work a practice swatch of at least six rows before starting a project. By the third row the motion becomes automatic and the stitches even out. Judging the stitch by your first row will put you off something worth learning.
Yarn
A smooth yarn with good stitch definition. The stars are the whole point, and a fuzzy or heavily textured yarn will obscure them completely.
A solid colour shows the pattern best. Variegated yarn fights it – the colour changes pull the eye away from the star shapes.
Yarn quantity
The stitch uses more yarn than most for the same area, because of the density. Budget generously, particularly for a full afghan, and buy in matching dye lots.
Hook size
Go up a hook size from what you would normally use with your yarn. The stitch pulls in considerably, and at your usual hook size the fabric will be stiffer than you want.
Where it works best
Blankets, scarves and slippers, where warmth and texture are the goal. Less good for garments that need to drape, since the fabric is thick and has limited give.
