Take your project to the next level with this easy-to-follow bobble stitch crochet tutorial. Pictures and a video are included to help you follow along!
Want to add some texture and interest to your next project? Then you definitely need to try the bobble stitch!
Bobbles are an easy and fun way to spruce up any project. The bobble stitch is worked by combining a number of stitches into one stitch that creates a bubble-like texture.
They’re easy to adjust for different types of projects and can be used to create interesting patterns. With a few simple stitches, this Bobble Stitch Crochet tutorial, and some practice you’ll be crocheting beautiful bobbles in no time!
Let’s get started!
What is the Bobble Stitch in Crochet?
Bobble stitch in crochet is a three-dimensional texture created using multiple loops and stitches. It creates a playful, bumpy surface, often used to add dimension to projects such as blankets, afghans, and sweaters.
Creating bobbles is simple with just a few basic stitches and techniques. If you know how to work a single crochet and double crochet, you’ll have no problem working the bobble stitch.
Project Ideas
The Bobble Stitch in crochet is super versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. Because it has a very prominent texture on one side but is flat on the other, you have a lot of options for how you can use it.
You can make:
- hats
- scarves
- blankets
- sweaters
- bags
- pillowcases
It adds an interesting texture to any project that you are working on.
Bobble Stitch Crochet Pattern Notes
Supplies Needed
- Yarn: you can use any yarn weight. For this tutorial, I used Craftiss Acrylic yarn in teal.
- Crochet hook: Be sure to match the size of your hook to the yarn. For this tutorial, I used a 5.00 MM hook.
Abbreviations
For this pattern, I will be using the Craft Yarn Council U.S. abbreviations.
- yo: yarn over
- ch: chain stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- bo: bobble stitch
Variations
The Bobble Stitch in Crochet has tons of variations. Some people work it with double crochet stitches in between each row, some use single crochet stitches, and some work it without a spacing row in between at all.
You’ll see some patterns where the bobbles are right on top of each other and others where they alternate spaces. For this pattern, I have alternated where the bobbles line up and I added a row of double crochets in between each bobble row.
I think this helps the bobbles really stand out and makes the pattern more interesting. It also helps to cut down on how much yarn is used for this stitch.
That way you still get an exciting and pretty pattern, but you’re not breaking the bank with your yarn costs.
Special Stitches
The Bobble Stitch (bo) is created by repeatedly working dc stitches halfway into the same stitch and then combining it all together. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1.) Yo, insert the hook into the next stitch and then pull up the loop. You should have 3 loops on the hook.
2.) Yo and pull the hook through two of the loops. You should have 2 loops on the hook. (This is where it looks like a double crochet stitch, but you stop halfway through.)
3.) Repeat steps 1 & 2 in the same stitch 4 more times until you have 6 loops on your hook.
4.) Yo and pull the hook through all 6 loops. This completes your bobble stitch.
Bobble Stitch Crochet Video Tutorial
Prefer to follow along with a video? Watch this quick Bobble Stitch Crochet Tutorial.
Click here to watch the video tutorial.
Bobble Stitch Crochet Picture Tutorial
Here’s how to work the Bobble Stitch in crochet with a full pattern:
Row 1: ch an odd number of stitches. For this tutorial, I started with 21 stitches.
Row 2: sc in the second stitch and each stitch to the end of the row.
Row 3: ch1 and turn. Sc in the first 3 stitches. Bo in the next stitch. Alternate 3 sc and 1 bo until the end of the row. You’ll end the row with 1 sc.
Row 4: ch3 and turn. Dc in the first stitch and each stitch until the end of the row.
Row 5: ch1 and turn. Sc in the first stitch. Bo in the next stitch. Sc in the next 3 stitches.
Alternate 1 bo and 3 sc until the end of the row. You’ll finish out the row with 3 sc.
Row 6: ch 3 and turn. Dc in the first stitch and each stitch until the end of the row.
Row 7+: Repeat rows 3-6 until you reach the desired length. Be sure to end your project with a row of sc stitches after a row of bo stitches to create a top border that matches the bottom.
Tips for Working the Bobble Stitch in Crochet
Here are some tips to help your Bobble Stitch crochet projects come out great:
- Make sure to keep the same number of stitches in each row. You’ll want your bobbles to be even and this will help you achieve that.
- Always start with an odd number of chains so that you can easily stagger the bobble rows.
- Keep the tension loose as you work your bobble stitches. If it’s too tight, it will be difficult to pull the hook through all 6 loops.
- Work your bobble stitches all on alternate rows so the bobbles all go on the same side. The raised portion is on the front side of the project.
- Finish your project with a row of single crochet stitches. This will create a nice border.
FAQs About the Bobble Stitch Crochet
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bobble Stitch for crochet:
How many loops are on the hook for bobble stitch?
This pattern uses 6 loops on the hook to do the Bobble Stitch.
What is the difference between a bobble and a cluster in crochet?
A bobble stitch is worked in a single stitch, while a cluster consists of multiple stitches. For example, the Bobble Stitch in this tutorial involves 6 stitches worked into 1 existing stitch and then looped together. A cluster would involve 6 stitches worked into 6 existing stitches and then looped together.
What is the abbreviation for the bobble stitch in crochet?
The abbreviation for the Bobble Stitch in crochet is bo.
What kind of yarn do I need for this stitch?
You can use any kind of yarn for this stitch. Just be sure to match the hook to the weight of the yarn.
Hopefully, this tutorial has helped you to understand the basics of working with the bobble stitch in crochet. With a few basic stitches, this Bobble Stitch Crochet tutorial, and some practice you’ll be crocheting beautiful bobbles in no time!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to share your finished projects with me on Instagram (@crochetgasm) – I can’t wait to see what you make!
Happy crocheting!
