How to crochet the bobble stitch (step-by-step photo and video tutorial)
The classic crochet bobble stitch is a great way to add texture to your crochet projects.
In this post, I will show you step by step how to crochet a classic bobble stitch with both a written and photo tutorial and a right and left handed video tutorial.
I’ll also share some patterns which use the bobble stitches, so you can see what it looks like in larger projects.
Note that some people refer to this type of bobble stitch as a puff stitch.
There are different terms and stitch names for the different types of bobble stitch and differences in what people name each style.
This can definitely cause confusion and is one of the reasons I wrote this post to discuss and clarify the names of four different common kinds of bobble stitch (this is the way I classify the terms anyway, you are free to disagree!).
My advice is that if you’re ever working from a crochet pattern with bobbles, do make sure you check for clarification, as the stitch instructions should always be given in the special stitches section.
Below you will find a photo, written and video tutorial for the classic bobble stitch (as I use the term!) as well as some notes on variations and tips for crocheting bobbles.
Crochet bobble stitch (classic) step by step photo tutorial
For this tutorial, I started by crocheting two rows of 11 half double crochet (US crochet terms) into an chain of 13 (the chain 2 does not count as a stitch).
First Row (wrong side): I worked two half doubles in the start of the row to start the tutorial, which you see below:
To start your bobble stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook):
Repeat the same step; insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop for a second time (5 loops on hook):
Insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (7 loops on the hook):
For the fourth time, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (9 loops on the hook):
It’s getting a bit crowded, so here it is close up:
To complete the stitch, yarn over and pull through all 9 loops:
This last part can be a little tricky, so you might find it helpful to use your thumb to hold the bottom of the stitch to keep all those loops in place (I demonstrate this in the video tutorial.
I have completed this swatch by crocheting 2 half double crochet after the bobble then repeating two more times so I have a row of alternating 2 half doubles with bobble stitches.
Below you will see what the top of the row of stitches looks like. The top of each bobble stitch looks just like the half doubles.
Sometimes the top part of the stitch can be a bit larger or smaller depending on your tension, but once you get used to the crocheting stitch, this will even out.
Next row: (right side) For the next row, I crocheted a half double crochet into each stitch across, and you can see below how this nicely finishes off the bobble stitches, causing them to pop out away from the fabric;
Below you can see the bobble stitches from the wrong side – the fabric is quite flat and you can just about see the backs of the bobbles.
This illustrates why it’s important to pay attention to wrong and right sides if you are working multiple rows of bobbles.
Crochet bobble stitch written instructions
[Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop] 4 times (9 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook to complete the stitch.
Variations of the crochet bobble stitch
To be best seen, bobbles should be crocheted on wrong side rows because they protrude away from you yo the front of your work (right side).
In the example shown in this tutorial, I yarn over, insert the hook and pull up a loop four times. You can change the number of times you repeat this step to more or less.
The more repeats, the more pronounced and dense the bobble. But beware, the more repeats, the trickier it is to make that last pull through without catching any of the yarn overs!
It’s easy to get in a mess when you have 11 or 13 loops on your hook!
You can also vary the height of the stitches either side of the bobbles to influence how much the bobbles have to squish down and how much the pop out. The shorter stitches, the more the bobble will be forced out and away from the fabric.
I have found that working half double crochets with bobbles is a great balance, but it does depend on the project you are looking to work and what effect you are trying to create!
This is a fun way to vary the bobble stitch, so go ahead and have a play!
Crochet bobble stitch video tutorial
How to crochet the bobble stitch right handed
How to crochet the bobble stitch left handed
Crochet patterns using classic bobble stitches
1. I made this crochet blanket pattern
This free crochet blanket pattern uses groups of bobble stitches worked in groups with rows of single crochet between, to create this text over the blanket.
The crochet pattern includes a chart, similar to a colourwork chart. This means that it’s possible to switch out colours with bobbles when using colour work charts to create a unique crochet project. (Note that this only works if you’re following a two colour chart!)
2. The ‘Lean on Me’ crochet cushion pattern
This free crochet pattern also uses bobble stitches to create lettering. This time it works with a highly contrasting colour to really make the message pop.
It also uses bobbles around the edge of the crochet pillow. Bobbles can be a great way to hide seams around the joins of a crochet pillow!
3. The Wheatfields Shawl by Zeens and Rodger
This is a beautiful crochet shawl which uses the natural slant fo crochet stitches to create a stunning textured shawl with echos of playing in the fields.
This side to side shawl plays with different length bobble sections to create movement and mixes up the fibres with a touch of mohair to add that extra softness.
4. Waves of Grain Blanket pattern from Made by Gootie
Following on the arable theme, this lovely crochet blanket uses bobble stitches in lots of different variations to great this lovely corner to corner style design.
There’s lots of fun techniques going on in this free blanket pattern, just my cup of tea!
In this one, the pattern refers to my version of bobbles as puff stitches – as I mentioned at the top of the post – there’s lots of variation in nomenclature!
Other crochet bobble style stitch tutorials
- Crochet puff stitch tutorial
- Crochet popcorn stitch tutorial
- Classic crochet cluster (sometimes just called a bobble) stitch tutorial
Ive hope you’ve found this crochet bobble stitch tutorial helpful and are ready to add bobbles to all your crochet projects!
Happy hooking
Dx
