How to Crochet Bobble Stitches: A Visual Guide
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About Best Crochet Life Photo Tutorials
Since 2021, I’ve been including these tutorials for bobble stitches in the crochet patterns I sell on Etsy and Ravelry. The feedback is consistently positive. You don’t need to Google if you don’t know a technique or specialty stitch when you’re making one of my designs. You can just get straight to hooking!
Great patterns, easy to follow, with clear explanatory photos. I’ve never done half of these stitches before but the instructions are very clear. I’m making a lovely blanket from them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura, Verified Etsy Buyer, Nov 2023
What are Bobble Stitches?
In crochet, a bobble stitch is actually a small group of stitches that create a raised, spherical motif on the fabric. Typically consisting of between three and five double crochet (US) stitches worked into the same stitch or space, the bobble stitch is characterized by its density and three-dimensional appearance, which adds visual and tactile interest to the crochet piece.
How to Crochet Bobble Stitches
The process involves partially completing several stitches in the specified location, leaving loops on the hook, and then completing them all in one go. While usually consisting of double crochet stitches (US), designers may also choose to make bobbles with treble (US) stiches. In this example, we are going to learn how to crochet bobbles stitches using three double crochet stitches.
Simply follow the written steps and the images will keep you right! Click or tap on the top left corner of any image to enlarge it if you need to. Bobble stitches are fun; let’s do this!
Beginning 3 dc (US) Bobble Stitch Photo Tutorial
Sometimes a pattern may ask you to begin a round or row with a bobble stitch, in which case you need to make a ‘beginning bobble’ that starts with 3 chain stitches (counts as the first double crochet); this is also the method to use if you are starting to work a brand new project in the round as illustrated here (yo = yarn over):
Standing 3 dc (US) Bobble Stitch Photo Tutorial
Alternatively, if you are not starting a brand new project in the round, then you may choose to make your ‘beginning bobble’ using the standing stitch method instead of chaining 3, which results in a much cleaner look (yo = yarn over):
3 dc (US) Bobble Stitch Photo Tutorial
And after your ‘beginning bobble’, you can bobble on to you heart’s content! (yo = yarn over):
Bobble Stitches and You
Crocheting bobble stitches is not difficult. Like any new skill, it just takes practice. So challenge yourself with patterns that feature this versatile stitch, and soon you’ll be creating textured masterpieces with absolute confidence, I promise!
Are you a fan bobble stitches? Which bobble stitch variations have you tried? Let me know in the comments and if you have any questions, I’m here 🙂
Do you have a tutorial of a reverse bobble stitch you can share? I’m stuck.
Hi Barb, not at this time I’m afraid but I will add it to my list!