How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch: A Beginner's Tutorial

Crochet the Popcorn Stitch by Janice Jones

The crochet popcorn stitch is a textured stitch that adds dimension and visual interest to your projects. The stitch creates raised bumps that resemble popcorn kernels, hence its name.

The popcorn stitch is versatile and can be used in various projects, such as blankets, cushions, and garments. The resulting fabric has a unique, tactile feel and a beautiful three-dimensional appearance.

While it looks complex, it is very easy.  All you need to know is how to make double crochet and chain stitches.

A swatch of the crochet popcorn stitch worked in teal 100% acrylic yarnHow to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch

How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch Step-by-step

  • Work across the row until you are in the location where you want to crochet the popcorn stitch.
  • Make 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch or space.
Make five double crochet stitches into the same space to make the popcorn stitch.
  • Remove the loop from your hook.
Pull up the last loop when making the crochet popcorn stitch.
  • Insert your hook into the top of the first double crochet you made from front to back.
  • Pick up the dropped loop with your hook and pull through.
The next to last step when making the crochet popcorn stitch is to pull through the first and last loops of the popcorn
  • Finish by making one chain stitch.
The last step of making the crochet popcorn stitch, make one chain.

The popcorn will “pop” on one side of the fabric, flatting the wrong side.

How to Make a Popcorn Stitch Swatch

Crochet Popcorn Stitch for Beginners: Supplies to Gather

  • Yarn of your choice (I am using a worsted-weight #4 acrylic yarn)
  • Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight (I used a US H/5.0 mm hook)
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle

Choose a worsted-weight yarn (CYC #4) in a light color so you can easily see your stitches. An appropriate hook size is H/5.0 mm or I/5.5 mm.

For this tutorial, I used a #4 Worsted Weight 100% Acrylic yarn and a number H/5.0 mm hook

Abbreviations:

    Ch: chain
    Sc:  Single Crochet
    Dc: Double crochet
    St(s): stitch(es)
    Pop or pc:  Popcorn stitch
    *  * Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks for the indicated number of times.

Skills Needed

How to make a slip knot and chain stitch

How to make a double crochet stitch

How to make a single crochet stitch

How to make the Popcorn Stitch (see above)

Special Notes

  • You will need to make an even number of chains.
  • The popcorn stitch is worked in one space with one or more other types of stitches separating the popcorn.
  • The popcorn stitch can be worked in any pattern, but it is most commonly worked in a staggered arrangement for a visually appealing texture.  Popcorn can create geometric designs or even spell out words.
  • The popcorn stitch can be made larger by adding more double crochet stitches or smaller with fewer stitches.
  • This stitch is not reversible.
  • This stitch is a yarn eater, using more than most stitches.
The right side showing of the crochet popcorn stitch swatchCrochet Popcorn Stitch Right Side
The wrong side of the crochet popcorn stitchCrochet Popcorn stitch Wrong Side

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Popcorn Stitch Swatch:

This is just one example of how to make the popcorn stitch and is intended for instructional purposes only.  Please follow your pattern for more information.  To make a practice swatch: 

Instructions Written Out.

Chain 18.

Row 1: Make a single crochet stitch in the second chain from the hook.  Make single crochet stitches in each chain across the row. Turn

Row 2: Chain 1 Make one single crochet stitch in first stitch.   * Make one popcorn stitch. Make one single crochet in the next stitch.  Repeat from * across the row, ending with a single crochet stitch in the last stitch. Turn.

Row 3 - 5:  Single crochet stitches in each stitch across the row. Turn.

Row 6: Repeat row 2.   Turn.

Repeat rows 3 through 6  until your swatch reaches the desired size. Add three more rows of single crochet stitches if desired. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Instructions Written in Pattern Form

Chain 18.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook.  Sc in each ch across row.  Turn.  

Row 2: Chain 1. Sc in 1st st. from hook.  *1 Pc, 1 sc.  Repeat from * to last st.  End with sc in last st.  Turn. 

Row 3 - 5:  Sc in each st across row.  

Row 6: Repeat row 2. Turn. 

Repeat rows 3 through 6  until your swatch reaches the desired size. Add three more rows of single crochet stitches if desired.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tips for Beginners

  • Practice the popcorn stitch on a swatch before incorporating it into a project to get comfortable with the technique. 
  • Work the correct number of double crochet stitches in each popcorn to maintain a consistent size and appearance.

Troubleshooting

  • Pull on the working loop a little before dropping from your hook. If you don’t, you may lose it. Once you are ready to insert the hook for the final step, tug on the loop to tighten it.
  • When closing the popcorn, gently pull the loop through the first double crochet stitch to avoid distorting its shape.
  • If inserting your hook into the first double crochet stitch is difficult, use a hook with a more pointed tip.

Variations to the Normal Popcorn Stitch

The typical popcorn stitch is made with five double crochet stitches. But it can be made in other ways:

  • Single crochet Popcorn: Make the popcorn stitch usually, but use single crochet stitches instead of double crochet stitches.
  • Half-Double Crochet Popcorn: Half-double crochet popcorn is similar to standard popcorn but uses half-double crochet stitches.
  • Treble Crochet Popcorn: Treble crochet popcorn stitches create a tall and wide popcorn that stands out from the fabric.
  • Make smaller popcorn by working less than the standard five double crochet stitches.
  • Make larger, thicker popcorn by working more than five double crochet stitches.

Easy Popcorn Stitch Tutorial Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a popcorn, a bobble, and a puff stitch?

All three stitches have similar appearances, but each is worked slightly differently. Each can have any number of stitches, such as 3, 5, 7, or 9. The popcorn is typically formed by working five double crochet stitches into the same stitch or space to completion. Then, the five stitches are pulled together by inserting the hook into the first and last stitches.

Bobbles can be made with several double or treble crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space but not completed, leaving the last loop on the hook. To complete the stitch, yarn over and pull all loops through together, leaving one loop on the hook.

Puffs are generally made with half-double crochet stitches. Any number of half-double crochet stitches can be worked into the same space, but none are completed until the last step, leaving loops on the hook. To complete the puff, you would yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook.

What other crochet stitches look like the Popcorn stitch?

Puffs and Bobbles look like the popcorn stitch.

Last Words

The crochet popcorn stitch is an excellent way to add texture and visual interest to your projects.

By following this tutorial, you'll create a beautiful, three-dimensional fabric that is perfect for a variety of applications.

As you become more comfortable with the stitch, experiment with different yarn weights, colors, and project types to showcase its versatility. Happy crocheting!

Crochet the Popcorn Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch pin imageHow to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch: Pin Now

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About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting