If you spend any amount of time searching crochet inspiration on Pinterest than you have surely seen the bobble stitch. This particular stitch has become very popular over the last year because of its simple pattern repeat and the luscious texture it creates. There is little memorization and counting involved so this stitch is perfect for mindless crochet binges and has been the stitch of choice for many afghans.
The bobble stitch, as I mentioned before, is made up of a simple repeat consisting of only two rows. Because of this, it is ideal for crocheters of all levels. You will use the familiar single crochet stitch and perhaps the new-to-you five double crochet cluster.
It is the perfect stitch when you need to add a lot of texture to your project. The bobble stitch is often used for
- Rug/Bath mat
- Mug Rug
- Pot Holder/Hot Pad
- Afghans/Baby Blankets
- “Tummy Time” Blanket
- Clutch/Purse
For the video demonstration, I will be using Red Heart With Love and a 6.5 mm crochet hook. The bobble stitch is pretty versatile so you can use any size yarn and hook that you have available to you.
Bobble Stitch Video Tutorial
This video is also available in a left handed version. Click here to be directed to the left handed tutorial on YouTube.
Written Instructions
The bobble stitch is worked using an odd multiple of chains. Crochet your foundation chain the size you need it, making sure you end on an odd number and add one more chain.
Abbreviations
- Ch – Chain
- 5 Dc Cl – 5 Double Crochet Cluster * (Bobble Stitch)
- Sc – Single Crochet
*To make a 5DcCl – YO, Insert hook into the designated stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 (2 loops on hook). YO, Insert hook into the same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 (3 loops on hook). YO, Insert hook into the same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 (4 loops on hook). YO, Insert hook into the same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 (5 loops on hook). YO, Insert hook into the same stitch, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 (6 loops on hook). YO and pull through all 6 loops on your hook.
Row 1 (Foundation Row): Chain an odd number to the desired length and add one chain. Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as one stitch of your first 5 Dc Cl), finish the first 5 Dc Cl in the first stitch. *Sc in the next stitch. Make a 5 Dc Cl in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have reached the end of the row. You should end with a bobble stitch.
Row 3: Ch 1 and Sc in every stitch.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your project has reached the desired length. When you are ready to bind off, you will want to end on an even numbered row, or a bobble stitch row.
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Hazal San
hi, can i make a washcloth with bobble stitch?
Christine Zellie Smith
Thank you so much for the easy explanation of the Bobble Stitch. I recently spent $10 on a pattern for one afghan that did not give me the right explanation on the Bobble Stitch and believe it should have been included! . It also didn’t have the correct crotchet terms. I would consider this(Bobble Stitch) a special stitch and usually special stitches are explained in detail. Sometimes they even give you step by step pictorial. Thanks for the video too.
Carli Taylor
First of all – amazing tutorial! Thank you so much! I am new to crocheting but you are making it much easier! Secondly – I have gotten the hang of this stitch, but my bobble’s keep ending up in between the ones below it, instead of on top of the ones below. Do you know what I am doing wrong or how to fix it? Thanks! 🙂
Brittany
Hi Carli! I’m glad you’re having fun with this stitch. It sounds like you may have shifted your stitches at some point. This could have been due to dropping a single crochet or adding one too many.
Rachel Butler
Hi! Can you help me with joining pieces together that have bobble stitches around the edge? I don’t know whether to crochet or just stitch them together. I have some to join flat and then I have 2 to join to make a cushion cover! Thanks! Rachel
Brittany
Hi Rachel!
I would recommend using your darning needle to sew the two pieces together since the edges of a bobble stitch piece don’t really allow for crocheting them together.
Julir
Can I makealap blanket? For an adult? And how many should I start with. I am a visual learner. So very difficult to understand written directions. Thank you
Brittany
Absolutely! Bobble stitch blankets are very neat looking and really warm due to the thick stitches. The number of chains you would make depend on the type of yarn and size hook you’re using. If it were me, I would start by making a chain the size I want my lap blanket to be (make sure it’s an odd number of chains) and just continue the pattern as directed in the video tutorial.
Mary Smith
Thank you for both the writthen and video for the new stitches. I finally learned thanks to you. Mary
Brittany
Fantastic!
purrcatlady
Thank you for sharing you hard work. I always look forward to you emails & surprises.
Brittany
That’s fantastic, I’m so glad you enjoy it!
heena pandya
Great demo.thank you for the video.i always wondered how to do the bobble stich.
carol
because I’m a beginner… how do I estimate how much yarn I need for a project using the bobble stitch? love the tutorial…makes me believe I can do this!!!!