Learn the Bobble Stitch and the Popcorn Stitch. These crochet stitches are often confused for each other because of the similar look of the stitches but are each done differently. Many patterns feature these stitches so if you are a crocheter, chances are you have probably seen them. And love them! Who doesn’t love these stitches? They are so cute! Neither stitch is hard to do so if you want to learn, read on below for the tutorials.

Before we begin, I’ll share with you my favorite project that I’ve done which includes the bobble stitch so you can see the texture and dimension these 3D stitches add to a crochet piece. This was a baby blanket I did for my youngest daughter Abrienne, which I completed only 2 days before she was born. The pattern, if you are wondering, is the Hugs and Kisses Baby Blanket – Starshine Version by Jeanne Steinhilber. It definitely would not be the same without the beloved bobble.

The Bobble Stitch

The bobble stitch is simple. You will be working on the “wrong side” of your piece, in order for the stitch to protrude forward for that raised dimension effect. Follow along with the photos and read on below for written instructions…

Yarn over and insert your hook into a stitch and pull up a loop so you have 3 loops on your hook (SEE PHOTO #1). Now yarn over and pull through only 2 loops (SEE PHOTO #2). Yarn over and insert your hook in the same stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and only pull through 2 loops again. You will now have 3 loops on your hook (SEE PHOTO #3). Repeat the process of pulling up a loop in the same stitch, yarning over and only pulling through 2 loops 3 more times. You will have 6 loops on your hook at this point (SEE PHOTO #4). Now yarn over and pull through all 6 loops (SEE PHOTO #5). A bobble stitch is usually followed by a Single crochet (SC) which helps anchor it and puff it out.

And there you have it. That is the crochet bobble stitch. It is basically, crocheting five half double crochets (HDCs) together in one stitch.

The Popcorn Stitch

And now for the Popcorn Stitch. Some patterns call for 4 double crochets to make the popcorn, and some call for 5 double crochets. For this tutorial, we will be doing 5 of them in the stitch.

You can work a popcorn from the right side or wrong side of your piece. Read below the instructions for an explanation on how to reverse it so you can make it protrude the opposite way if working on the “wrong side” row.

Yarn over and insert hook into the stitch, pull up a loop, you will have 3 loops on your hook ( SEE PHOTO #1). Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (SEE PHOTO #2). Pull through the remaining 2 loops. You have made a double crochet (DC). Make 4 more DCs in the same stitch (SEE PHOTO #3). Now pull the loop of the last DC up to enlarge it and remove your hook. Then insert your hook, from front to back, in the first DC of the group of five, and through the loop (SEE PHOTO #4). Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook basically slip stitching them together (SEE PHOTO #5). Pull tight and chain 1 to secure the group of stitches (SEE PHOTO #6). Then continue on to whatever next stitch your pattern calls for.

That is how a popcorn stitch is done when working on the right side, when you want it to protrude out towards you. If you are working the wrong side and want it to protrude out away from you, after you enlarge the loop and remove your hook, insert the hook in the first DC of the five from back to front, instead of from front to back. This makes all the difference in which way the stitch pops out.

Hopefully, if you were confused about the difference between the crochet bobble stitch and the popcorn stitch, this post helped you out. You can find some amazing textured patterns with these stiches adding so much dimension. Have fun and go get your bobble on.

If you found this post useful, feel free to comment and let me know. And subscribe to my email list for The Stitch Vixen updates so I can keep in touch with you. If you are a beginner crocheter, check out my post 11 Crochet Tips For Beginners.