How to Crochet a Star Stitch Peplum Sweater: Easy Crochet Tutorial

Crochet a Star-Stitch Peplum Sweater Easy Crochet Tutorial

If you love feminine, flowy crochet garments, this project is for you! The Star-Stitch Peplum Sweater is a beautiful blend of cozy comfort and elegant design. With its delicate star-stitch texture and softly flared hemline, it’s a flattering piece you can wear all year round. This step-by-step guide will show you how to crochet this sweater from start to finish — perfect for advanced beginners who want to move beyond basic stitches.

Why You’ll Love This Sweater

The peplum shape gives this sweater a graceful, slightly flared fit that’s both stylish and comfortable. It’s worked from the bottom up, so you’ll start at the hem and build your way toward the neckline. The textured star stitches add a magical detail, while the lightweight yarn keeps it wearable in any season. You can pair it with jeans for a casual day or dress it up with a skirt — it’s that versatile!

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start crocheting, gather the following supplies:

Yarn: Use a soft Aran or light worsted-weight yarn. A blend that includes acrylic, mohair, or wool gives the sweater a smooth drape and gentle halo.
Hooks: 5.5 mm and 6 mm crochet hooks (you’ll use the larger one for the main body and the smaller one for shaping and finishing).
Stitch markers: Very helpful for marking rounds and shaping the neckline.
Scissors and yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Measuring tape to check your size and gauge.

Tip: Always make a gauge swatch first. For this project, aim for about 6.5 pattern repeats and 8 rows measuring 10x10 cm in star stitch using a 6 mm hook.

Step 1: Start from the Hem

The sweater begins with a long foundation chain that forms the hemline. You’ll join it into a round to work the body in the round — just make sure not to twist the chain before joining.
Start with a few rounds of double crochet (dc) to form a solid base. This will make the peplum edge stable and prevent it from curling.

Step 2: Create the Star-Stitch Pattern

Once the base is done, it’s time to work the star stitches — the highlight of this design!
Here’s how a basic star stitch works:

Chain 3, then pull up loops through the next few stitches (you’ll have 6 loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through all loops to form the “star.”
Chain 1 to close it.
Continue across, making star stitches in sequence.

This creates a textured, slightly raised pattern that looks beautiful and feels soft to the touch. Repeat two alternating rounds: one with star stitches and one with half-treble (or half-double crochet in US terms). Continue this sequence for several rounds — this builds the body texture and the peplum flow.

Step 3: Shape the Body

After working the lacy section of star stitches, you’ll switch to a smaller hook to create the upper body. The decrease rounds slightly pull the fabric in at the waist, forming that elegant peplum flare at the bottom.
The sweater is then divided into front and back sections, worked in rows rather than rounds. This helps form the armholes and neckline. Continue working even rows in half-treble stitches until the desired length from hem to shoulder.
Sizing tip: This pattern can easily be adjusted. Simply follow your bust measurement and adjust the number of foundation chains at the start. Keep your stitch count proportional to the pattern repeats.

Step 4: Shape the Neckline and Shoulders

Next comes the shaping for the neckline. You’ll work one side at a time, gradually decreasing stitches near the center front to create a gentle scoop. The back neckline remains mostly straight. Use stitch markers to mark where the shoulder seams will be.
Once both sides are completed, seam the shoulders together neatly with a slip stitch or whip stitch. Make sure both front edges meet evenly.

Step 5: Crochet the Neckband

With the right side facing, use your smaller hook to work a round of single crochet around the neckline. Add a few extra stitches at the corners and shoulder seams to keep the shape even. This simple edging gives the sweater a clean, polished finish.
If you prefer a wider neckline, you can stop after one round. For a more fitted look, add a few additional rounds until you’re happy with the fit.

Step 6: Add the Sleeves

The sleeves are worked directly from the armholes downward — no separate sewing needed!
Join your yarn under the arm, and crochet around the opening using double crochet to set the base. Then continue the same star-stitch pattern as the body, alternating with half-treble rounds.
When you reach the cuff area, switch to your smaller hook again and decrease a few stitches evenly to taper the sleeves. End with a round or two of single crochet for a neat edge.
Beginner tip: If you’re new to working in the round, always count your stitches at the end of each round to keep both sleeves the same length and width.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once both sleeves are done, weave in all yarn ends carefully with a yarn needle. Gently block the sweater to the given measurements — this step helps relax the stitches, even out the texture, and give the fabric its final shape.
You can steam block with a low-heat iron or wet block by pinning the sweater to shape on a towel and letting it dry naturally.

Styling and Customization Ideas

This sweater design is perfect for personalization:

Try soft pastel shades for a romantic look, or bold jewel tones for statement style.
Add a contrast edging on the sleeves and neckline for a modern touch.
Adjust the length — make it a cropped top for layering, or extend it into a longline tunic.

The peplum and star stitch make it timeless yet trendy — ideal for your handmade wardrobe or as a thoughtful gift.

Final Thoughts

Crocheting the Star-Stitch Peplum Sweater is a joyful project that combines texture, technique, and style. Once you get comfortable with the star stitch, the rest flows smoothly. Whether you’re relaxing on a weekend or crocheting in the evenings, this pattern brings a touch of magic to your hook.

So grab your yarn and let’s get stitching — your handmade sweater awaits!