Bobble Stitch Crochet Tutorial

Want to add amazing texture and dimension to your crochet projects? The crochet bobble stitch is a fun, easy technique that creates a beautiful pop right out of the fabric! In this guide, you’ll learn how to crochet a bobble stitch with detailed, close-up photos. Let’s get started!

About the Crochet Bobble Stitch

The bobble stitch is a popular technique used to create texture, dimension and volume into your crochet work. it is instantly recognizable by its rounded, puffy shape that stands out from a flat fabric, creating a 3D pop. The bobble stitch is commonly used for creating decorative borders, adding texture to blankets, and in amigurumi for forming bumps like feet, snouts or decorative accents.

Types of Bobble Stitches

While the overall appearance is generally the same, the size and density of the bobble can be customized. The most common variation involves the number of double crochet (DC) stitches used to form the bobble stitch. You can create a bobble with as few as three double crochets. Five double crochets is quite common as well, but you can also use more.

The type of yarn you are using and the desired size will generally determine which number of double crochet stitches is most ideal for your project.

Bobble Stitch Abbreviations & Pattern Notations

Knowing the abbreviations is key to reading any written crochet pattern. The bobble stitch is most commonly abbreviated as: BO or BOB. If you encounter either of these notations in a pattern, it is referring to the technique shown in this tutorial.

Most patterns will include a “Stitch Abbreviations” or “Special Stitches” section that defines exactly which type of bobble stitch they are using (e.g., 3-DC bobble, 5-DC bobble). If the pattern does not specify the bobble size, it is generally safest to assume it is a 5-DC bobble. This size offers a standard pop that is suitable for most projects.

Before You Start the Bobble Stitch

You won’t need any additional tools or materials to create a double crochet stitch. You’ll just need the yarn and hook that you are already using for your project.

Before starting this tutorial, you will need to know how to make a slip knot and chain stitches, as well as the double crochet stitch. If you’re unfamiliar with these techniques, check out my tutorial on how to make a slip knot and chain, and my tutorial on how to double crochet.

How to Crochet a Bobble Stitch

The bobble that I’ll be showing in this tutorial is the 3-DC bobble. I created this tutorial specifically for my free Rainbow Dreams Wall Hanging pattern! Because that design uses a very thick, bulky yarn, the smaller 3-DC bobble was the ideal size to create a pronounced texture without making the fabric overly dense or rigid.

Note: This tutorial is based on a 3-DC Bobble Stitch. Adjust the number of DCs if needed using the provided chart at the end of the stitch tutorial.

Step 1: Begin the Bobble (Partial DC #1)

Yarn over, insert your hook into the designated stitch. Yarn over and draw up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. 2 loops remain on your hook.

Step 2: Repeat the Partial Stitch (Partial DC #2)

Yarn over, insert your hook into the same designated stitch. Yarn over and draw up a loop. You will have 4 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. 3 loops remain on your hook.

Step 3: Final Partial Stitch (Partial DC #3)

Yarn over, insert your hook into the same designated stitch. Yarn over and draw up a loop. You will have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. 4 loops remain on your hook.

Step 4: Close the Bobble

Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops remaining on your hook. This closes the cluster and creates the puffed texture.

Step 5: Secure and Continue

Chain 1 (ch 1) to secure the bobble in place, then continue your regular stitch pattern in the remaining stitches across the row.

Adapting the Bobble Stitch

If you are creating a larger bobble (like a 5-DC or 7 DC bobble), the process is the same, but you will repeat the partial double crochet step (illustrated in Step 2) more times. The key is to track the number of loops remaining on your hook before the final closure (illustrated in Step 4).

BOBBLE SIZE	PARTIAL DCs TO MAKE	LOOPS REMAINING BEFORE CLOSING
3-DC Bobble (Shown Here)	3 partial DCs	4 loops
5-DC Bobble	5 partial DCs	6 loops
7-DC Bobble	7 partial DCs	8 loops

The formula is always: (number of partial DCs) + 1 starting loop = total loops to pull through.

Advanced Bobble Stitch Tips & Troubleshooting

How to Make Your Bobbles Pop

While the bobble stitch naturally creates a fun 3D effect, it sometimes needs a gentle push to fully achieve the rounded look.

• To ensure your bobble stitch stands out from the fabric, use your finger to gently push the bobble forward from the backside after completing the stitch. This simple action helps define the shape.

The Yarn Weight Factor

The weight of your yarn is a critical factor in the appearance of your bobbles:

• Thicker Yarns: These yarns create a very dense stitch, so a 3-DC bobble (like the one shown here) is typically enough to create a beautiful bobble without being overly bulky.
• Thinner Yarns: These yarns are much lighter, so a larger stitch like a 5-DC or 7-DC bobble may be needed to achieve the same pronounced pop and volume in the finished fabric.

Troubleshooting Common Bobble Stitch Issues

PROBLEM	FIX
Bobble stitch is too loose/flat.	You may be using too large of a hook for your yarn, or the tension on the final pull-through (Step 4) was too loose. Go down a hook size and pull the final loop through firmly to close the cluster.
Bobble row is wavy/tight.	The chain 1 you use to secure the bobble might be too tight, or the row itself has too many dense stitches. For a full row of bobble stitches, it can be helpful to have a single crochet stitch between each bobble stitch.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this tutorial on the crochet bobble stitch!

More Crochet Tutorials to Practice

Now that you’ve mastered how to crochet a bobble stitch, here are a few more free tutorials to continue building your crochet skills!

• How to Master the Single Crochet Stitch.
• How to Work the Double Crochet Stitch.
• The Ultimate Guide to the Magic Ring.