The bobble stitch is one of those crochet stitches that looks incredibly impressive but is actually very beginner friendly once you break it down. It creates a beautiful raised, textured bump that adds dimension and visual interest to any project — and once you get the rhythm, it goes quickly.

In this bobble stitch tutorial I’ll walk you through exactly how to work it step by step, with a video walkthrough and written instructions so you can follow along whichever way works best for you.

What is the bobble stitch?

The bobble stitch is a cluster stitch — it’s made by working several incomplete double crochet stitches all into the same stitch, then closing them all together at once. This bobble stitch tutorial breaks down each step, and that final pull-through is what creates the raised “bobble” bump on the surface of your work.

It shows up best on the opposite side from where you’re working, so if you’re working on the right side of your piece, the bobble will pop out on the wrong side. This is why most patterns have you work the bobble row on the wrong side — so the texture appears on the right side of the finished piece.

What you’ll need

To practice it you just need:

• Any worsted weight yarn — a smooth, light coloured yarn makes it easiest to see your stitches
• A crochet hook set in the size your yarn recommends (a 5.5mm is great for worsted)
• Basic knowledge of the chain stitch and double crochet — that’s it!

How to crochet the bobble stitch — step by step

This bobble stitch tutorial uses the standard 5 incomplete double crochets worked into the same stitch. Here’s how to work it:

Step 1 — Start your bobble

Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch where you want your bobble. Yarn over and pull up a loop — you now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops only. You now have 2 loops on your hook and one incomplete double crochet made.

Step 2 — Repeat 4 more times into the same stitch

Without moving to the next stitch, yarn over and insert your hook into the same stitch again. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You now have 3 loops on your hook and 2 incomplete double crochets made.

Repeat this process 3 more times into the same stitch. After all 5 repetitions you’ll have 6 loops on your hook.

Step 3 — Close the bobble

Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops at once. This closes your bobble stitch. You’ll feel it pop up on the back of your work — that’s your bobble!

You can secure it with a single chain stitch after closing if your pattern calls for it, though many patterns skip this step.

Bobble Stitch Tutorial Tips for Beginners

• Don’t pull too tight. Keep your loops loose as you build up the bobble — if you tighten too early it becomes hard to pull through all 6 loops at the end.
• Use a smooth yarn to start. Textured or fluffy yarns make it harder to see where you’re inserting your hook. A smooth worsted weight in a light colour is perfect for practising.
• Count your loops. Before you close the bobble, count that you have exactly 6 loops on your hook. If you have more or fewer, you’ve miscounted your repeats.
• The bobble pops out on the other side. Don’t panic if you don’t see the texture on the side you’re working — flip your work over and you’ll see the bobbles popping out beautifully.
• Practice on a swatch first. Chain 20, work a few rows of single crochet, then try a bobble stitch row. Getting comfortable before starting a full project makes everything easier.

Written pattern summary

For quick reference, here is the bobble stitch tutorial written out in standard American crochet terms:

Bobble St: (Yoh, insert hook into st, yoh and pull up a loop, yoh and pull through 2 loops) 5 times into same stitch — 6 loops on hook. Yoh and pull through all 6 loops to close.

Bobble Stitch Tutorial FAQ

How many double crochets are in a bobble?

The standard bobble stitch uses 5 incomplete double crochets worked into the same stitch, leaving 6 loops on your hook before you close it. Some patterns use 4 or 6 — always check your specific pattern.

Why won’t my bobble stitch pop out?

The bobble forms on the opposite side from where you’re working. If you don’t see it, flip your work over — and make sure you’re not pulling your loops too tight, which can flatten the bobble.

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

A bobble is closed by pulling through all the loops at once, so it stays softer and rounder. A popcorn stitch is made from complete double crochets that are folded forward and joined, giving a firmer, more pronounced bump.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes! As long as you can chain and double crochet, you can make a bobble stitch. The only new skill is leaving your stitches incomplete and closing them all at once — and that clicks quickly with a little practice.

What can I make with it?

So much! It is gorgeous for pillows, blankets, Christmas trees, pumpkins, and textured decor. Scroll down for some of my favourite patterns to try.

Ready to try the bobble stitch in a pattern?

Once you’ve got the bobble stitch down, it opens up so many beautiful projects. Here are some of my favourite patterns to try next — all available right here on the blog:

• Bobble Stitch Christmas Tree Trio — three sizes, perfect as a set for holiday decor or a hostess gift
• Bobble Stitch Pumpkin Pillow — a stunning fall pillow worked in tapestry crochet
• Bobble Stitch Acorn Pillow — the perfect companion to the pumpkin
• Bobble Stitch Maple Leaf Pillow — a free pattern with a beautiful fall colourway

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More tutorials on YouTube

If you enjoyed this bobble stitch tutorial and you’re a visual learner, you’ll find step-by-step video tutorials for all of my patterns over on the SeeLoveShare YouTube channel. Hit subscribe so you never miss a new one!

Save This Bobble Stitch Tutorial for Later

Want to come back to this bobble stitch tutorial later? Pin it now! Save it to Pinterest so it’s handy next time you start a textured project. I’d love to see what you make — tag @seeloveshare on Instagram!

Happy crocheting — I hope this tutorial helps you fall in love with the bobble stitch as much as I have! 🧶

This bobble stitch tutorial and its photos are © SeeLoveShare LLC. Thank you for supporting an independent designer! 🧶