Crochet Bobble Stitch

The crochet Bobble Stitch is a fun textured stitch that adds little raised pops of texture across an otherwise smooth crochet fabric. In this version, the bobbles are worked against a background of half double crochet stitches, giving them plenty of room to stand out.

Rather than lining up directly above one another, the bobbles are staggered across alternating rows. This creates a balanced dotted effect without making the finished fabric feel completely covered in texture.

About the Crochet Bobble Stitch

Bobble stitches are created by partially working several stitches into the same stitch before joining them together at the top. This produces a rounded cluster that projects from the surface of the crochet.

For this pattern each bobble is formed from five partially completed double crochet stitches. The surrounding half double crochet stitches create a flatter background making the raised bobbles much more noticeable. The bobbles are worked on every other row and their positions change between the two bobble rows, producing the staggered arrangement.

Crochet Bobble Stitch Instructions

Make a foundation chain in multiples of 6 +6.

Row 1:

Work a hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook (the skipped 2 chains count as a hdc), hdc in each ch across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 2 (counts as a hdc), hdc in the next st, *Bobble in the next st**, hdc in the next 5 sts, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, hdc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

Row 4:

Ch 2, hdc in each of the next 4 sts, *Bobble in the next st, hdc in each of the next 5 sts, rep from * across. Turn.

Row 5:

Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

Repeat:

Rep rows 2-5 for your swatch.

Tips for Neat Crochet Bobbles

Don’t be alarmed if a newly completed bobble initially seems to be sitting towards the wrong side of your work. You can gently push it forwards with your fingers to encourage it to sit prominently on the front.

Consistent tension also makes quite a difference. If some bobbles are worked much tighter than others they’ll vary in size. Try to keep the loops of each partial double crochet relaxed and even. It’s also worth counting the five half double crochet stitches between your bobbles as you work. Missing just one can gradually shift the whole pattern out of position. Bobbles are very cute but they’re not terribly forgiving about maths!

Crochet Bobble Stitch FAQs

How many chains do I need for this Bobble Stitch pattern?

The starting chain should be a multiple of 6 + 6.

Why are my crochet bobbles popping to the back?

This can happen as you complete the stitch. Gently push the bobble towards the front of the fabric with your finger. As additional rows are worked the bobbles should become more defined.

What’s the difference between a bobble stitch and a popcorn stitch?

Although both produce raised crochet texture, they’re constructed differently. A bobble joins several partially completed stitches together whereas a popcorn is generally formed from a group of completed stitches that are then joined to create the raised shape.

Is the crochet Bobble Stitch suitable for beginners?

It’s a good stitch to try once you’re comfortable with the basic crochet stitches. The Bobble itself takes a little practice so I would place it at an intermediate level.