Bullion stitch or Roll Stitch

By Janice Jones, Certified Crochet Instructor (CYC). Updated November 16, 2025

(Also known as the Roll Stitch or Coil Stitch)

The bullion stitch is a beautiful textured crochet stitch made by wrapping the yarn several times around your hook and pulling the working yarn through all the wraps in one smooth motion. The result is a raised, spiral “coil” that adds incredible dimension to flowers, motifs, lace, Irish crochet, and decorative edgings.

This stitch looks complicated, but with the right hook, the right yarn, and a couple of simple tricks, anyone can learn it—even beginners.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

  • What the bullion stitch is
  • Materials that make it easier
  • Step-by-step written instructions
  • Tips for mastering the pull-through
  • Troubleshooting common problems
  • How to use the bullion stitch in real projects
  • Pattern practice you can try today

Skill Level

Intermediate 

(If you can chain, single crochet, and yarn over, you can learn this stitch.)

Materials Needed to Practice

  • Smooth, non-fuzzy yarn (cotton works best for learning)
  • Size G (4.0 mm) or H (5.0 mm) hook.  [I actually like the 4.5 mm hook]
  • A crochet hook with a pointed head makes bullions easier
  • Optional: A knitting needle or tapestry needle to help wrap the coils evenly

What Is the Bullion Stitch?

The bullion stitch is created by wrapping yarn around your hook 4–10 times and pulling a loop through the entire bundle. The more wraps you use, the longer the bullion. Short bullions create texture; long bullions create petals or coils.

Bullion stitches appear in:

  • Irish Crochet
  • Vintage lace
  • Edgings and trims
  • Floral motifs
  • Dimensional embellishments
  • Free Form Crochet

How to Crochet the Bullion Stitch (Step-by-Step)

1. Start with a foundation row. 

Chain any number of stitches.

Make a row of single crochet or any stitch your pattern calls for. Chain one and turn.

2.   Work to where you want to make your bullion, then,

Wrap the yarn around your hook 6 times (or however many the pattern suggests).

3. Insert your hook

Insert into the stitch where you want your bullion.

4. Yarn over and pull up a loop

Gently elongate the loop so it’s as tall as the wraps.

5. Yarn over again

This is the pull-through that will finish the stitch.

6. Pull through all loops

Guide the wraps with your thumb and index finger while slowly pulling the yarn through the entire coil.

7. Secure with a chain

Make one chain to “lock” the bullion in place.


Bullion Stitch Tips (Read These Before You Start!)

✔ Keep the wraps loose:  Tight wraps = impossible pull-through.

✔ Use your fingers to pinch:  Holding the wraps in place makes the pull-through smoother.

✔ Use a hook with a head that narrows:  Inline hooks or pointed hooks work best.

✔ Don’t pull the loop too close to the throat of your hook:  Stay near the tip—this prevents snagging.

✔ Practice with fewer wraps:  Start with 4–5 wraps, then increase as you gain confidence.

This is a stitch that may require some practice to get it perfect before using it in a project.

What Can I Use Bullion Stitch For?

The bullion stitch is stunning in:

  • Irish crochet lace
  • Flower petals
  • Vintage doilies
  • 3D appliqués
  • Edgings on shawls and baby blankets
  • Decorative trims on garments
  • Textured motifs
  • Freeform crochet art (“scrumbling”)

Even one row of bullions adds rich texture to any project.

Practice Pattern: Bullion Stitch Flower

Try this simple motif to practice the bullion stitch.

Round 1: Ch 3, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 2:  Work 6 sc into the ring. Join.

Round 3;  (Bullion Petals):  In each stitch around:  Yo 6 times. Insert hook, pull up loop  Yo, pull through all loops,  Ch 1 to secure.  Repeat around (6 petals).

Join and fasten off.

This small flower is perfect for building skills before using bullions in bigger projects.

Bullion Stitch in RoundBullion Stitch in Round
Bullion Stitch in RowBullion Stitch in Row

Troubleshooting the Bullion Stitch

Problem: I can't pull the loop through.

Fix: Your wraps are too tight. Loosen them and keep the yarn relaxed.

Problem: The wraps twist or tangle.

Fix: Use your fingers to stabilize the coil as you draw up the loop.

Problem: The stitch looks lumpy.

Fix: Make sure all wraps are the same height—pull up the initial loop tall enough.

Problem: The hook keeps splitting the yarn.

Fix: Switch to a tighter-spun yarn, such as mercerized cotton.

  • Choose a larger hook which has a flat spot to practice. "Boye" hooks will work pretty well.

  • Wind yarn loosely around the flat (the widest) part of the hook. Make no more than 4-5 turns of yarn around the hook for the beginning. It is crucial for your success: make the wraps loose and even. Let them go through the hook easily.

  • Use a firm, smooth and pretty thick yarn. For instance, Red Heart Worsted Weight. Or even a crochet cotton thread, which has much smoother surface. A soft yarn will make your learning much more difficult as it will catch on the part you're pulling through.

  • It is easier to start practicing making bullion in the row. Once you managed to pull the hook through the loops pretty easy, it is time to try to increase the number of the wraps around the shaft of the hook.

Now let's practice. Watch the videos and follow the process;

FAQs About the Bullion Stitch

Is bullion stitch hard?

Not once you learn the pull-through trick — most crocheters master it in one session.

How many wraps should I use?

Beginners: 4–6.
Experienced crocheters: up to 12.

Can I work bullions in the round or flat?

Yes, the stitch works well in both directions.

Does yarn matter?

Yes — smoother yarns produce cleaner coils.

Conclusion

The bullion stitch may look complex at first glance, but with a bit of patience and practice, it becomes a beautifully textured tool in your crochet skill set. Whether you use it to add raised accents, floral centers, decorative borders, or artistic embellishments, the stitch brings rich dimension and a handmade elegance to any project.

As you continue experimenting, try varying your wrap count, hook size, or yarn weight to create unique effects. And most importantly, don’t worry if your first few bullions aren’t perfect. The technique becomes much easier as your hands learn the rhythm. Keep practicing, enjoy the process, and let the bullion stitch become a creative element you’ll reach for again and again.

Video Tutorials: Bullion stitches in the row

Bullion stitches in the circle - Move stitches one at a time.

   This technique is completely different. You do not have to pull the yarn through all those stubborn wraps on the hook. Move them one at a time.

Cover the tip of the hook by a needle.

This video is in Russian, but the presentation is very clear.

To make the internal diameter of the "coil" bigger, use a big needle.

Once all wraps are on place, move the needle to cover the tip of the crochet hook.

This way you isolate the crochet hook from getting stuck in the "coil".

More Crochet Stitches to Check Out