Crochet Bobble Stitch: A Beginner's Guide to this Textured Stitch

By Janice Jones

The crochet bobble stitch (sometimes called the bobble crochet stitch or just bobble stitch) is a fun and easy way to add texture and dimension to your crochet projects.

This stitch creates a little puff of yarn that sits on top of your work, adding a playful touch to blankets, scarves, amigurumi, and more.

Don't be intimidated by the unique look of the bobble stitch – with a bit of practice, you'll be bobbling with confidence in no time!

Bobble Stitch shown with yarn and scissors.

What You Need to Get Started

  • Yarn: you can use any yarn weight for the bobble stitch, but worsted-weight yarn is a great place to start. For the swatch instructions, I used Red Heart Super Saver #4 Worsted Weight Yarn
  • Crochet hook: Choose a hook size corresponding to your yarn weight. If you're unsure, check the yarn label for recommendations.  (I used a H/5.0 mm)
  • Scissors: For snipping your yarn at the end.
  • Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends

Understanding the Basics of the Bobble Stitch:

The bobble crochet stitch is a cluster of stitches that are worked into the same stitch. Instead of completing each stitch, you work a few double crochet stitches (dc) partially, leaving the last loop of each stitch on the hook. This creates the "bobble" effect.

Bobble Stitch vs. Puff Stitch vs. Popcorn Stitch vs. Cluster

While they all create textured puffs, there are subtle differences between bobble, puff, cluster and popcorn stitches.

Bobble stitches:  All stitches are joined at the base and also the top.  Bobbles typically have 4-5 incomplete double crochet or trebble crochet stitches.  

Puff stitches:  All stitches are joined at the top and bottom but the big difference is that they are made with half-double crochet stitches.  

Popcorn stitches are similar to bobbles, in that they are joined at the base and also the top.  The big difference is that each stitch in the popcorn is worked to completion and then the first and last stitch are pulled together and then completed with a chain stitch.

Cluster Stitches:  All stitches have a different base but are joined at the top.  They can be made with a single, half double, double or treble crochet stitches.

A thumbnail image of the crochet puff stitchPuff Stitch
Thumbnail photo of the bobble crochet stitchBobble Stitch
A thumbnail image of the crochet popcorn stitch Popcorn Stitch
A thumbnail image of the double crochet cluster stitchCluster Stitch

Step-by-Step Guide to Crochet Bobble Stitch

  • Yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, and pull up a loop.
Step-by-step instructions for making the crochet bobble stitch: step oneSkip one stitch. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
Step-by-step tutorial on how to crochet the bobble stitch.Pull up a loop. There are three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
  • Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops on the hook).
Step-by-step tutorial on how to make the bobble stitch: 2 loops left on hook.There are now two loops on the hook.
  • Don’t complete the double crochet:  Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, and pull up a loop.
Bobble Stitch Crochet: 3 loopsNow, there are three loops on the hook.
  • Yarn over and draw through loops on the hook (3 loops on the hook)
Bobble crochet stitch 4 loops on hookThere are four loops on the hook. Repeat the process again until there are five loops on the hook.
  • Repeat these steps until five loops are left on the hook.
Crochet bobble stitch 5 loops on hookYarn over and pull through all five loops
  • Yarn over and pull through all five loops
Crochet bobble stitch showing pulling through five loops on hookThe final step is to make a chain stitch to complete the bobble
  • Complete the bobble stitch by making a chain stitch.
One completed bobble crochet stitchOne Complete Crochet Bobble Stitch

Abbreviation and Symbol for the Bobble Stitch Crochet

BO

Bobble stitch crochet symbol

Practice the Bobble Stitch Crochet with a Swatch

Practicing the stitch before using it in a project is always advisable. If you are ready, grab some yarn and a hook, and let’s try the bobble stitch.

Abbreviations

Ch – Chain

BO – Bobble Stitch

Sc – Single Crochet

Notes

  • All instructions are written in US terms
  • Use the bobble crochet stitch instructions above for each instance indicated by the abbreviation BO
  • The bobble crochet stitch is not reversible.
The right side is showing for the bobble stitch crochet swatchCrochet Bobble Stitch: Right Side
The wrong side showing of the bobble stitch crochetCrochet Bobble Stitch: Wrong Side Showing

Skills Needed for this Swatch

Crochet Bobble Stitch Practice Swatch Instructions

Ch 22

Row One:  Sc in the second chain from hook.  Sc across row.  Ch 3 and turn.

Row Two:  Skip the first stitch, BO in the next stitch.  *Skip the next stitch.  BO in the next stitch.  Repeat from * across the row.  End with DC in the last stitch: Ch 1 and turn.

Row Three:  Sc across row.  Ch 3 and turn.

Repeat rows two and three until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off and Weave in Ends.

Tips for Perfect Bobble Stitches:

  • Maintain Even Tension:  Consistent tension is critical to neat, uniform bobble stitches. Try to keep your yarn tension consistent throughout the bobble creation process.
  • Count Your Loops: It's easy to lose track of loops when working bobble stitches. Counting your loops as you go will help prevent mistakes and ensure your bobbles are the correct size.
  • Practice Makes Perfect Like any new stitch, mastering the bobble stitch takes practice. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – that's how you learn!

Variations on the Bobble Stitch:

Once you've mastered the basic bobble stitch, you can explore fun variations:

  • Double Bobble Stitch: This impressive stitch creates an even larger and more prominent bobble. You'll work twice as many double crochet stitches into the same stitch before closing the bobble.
  • Reverse Bobble Stitch:  This technique creates a "pop" effect on the wrong side of your work. It's achieved by working the bobble stitch from left to right instead of right to left.

Creative Applications for Bobble Stitch

The crochet bobble stitch is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into countless projects:

Blankets and Afghans:  Bobble stitches can create stripes, borders, or even entire designs that add texture and visual interest to blankets.

Scarves and Cowls: Bobble stitches add a cozy and stylish touch to winter accessories.

Hats and Beanies: Use bobble stitches to create a playful, textured hat crown.

Amigurumi: Add dimension and personality to amigurumi characters using bobble stitches for eyes, noses, or other features.

Home Decor: From pillows to wall hangings, the bobble stitch can add a handmade charm to your home.

Last Words

The bobble crochet stitch is a fantastic way to add texture and personality to your projects. With some practice and this comprehensive guide, you'll create beautiful bobble stitch masterpieces in no time. So, grab your yarn and hook, and start bobbling!

Crochet Bobble Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

Crochet Bobble Stitch swatch image in a pin Crochet Bobble Stitch Pin Image

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