3 Ways to Make Crochet Bobble (B) Stitches for Right-Handed Crocheters
Have you been wanting to learn how to make crochet bobble stitches? When learning to crochet, you probably see several patterns that have bumps on them (called bobble stitches). The bobbles are used in a variety of ways, such as spelling words, making shapes, and adding a really fun-looking texture.
Have no fear, crochet bobble stitches are easy to make if you have mastered double crochet stitches.
This stitch tutorial is going to show you 3 different ways to crochet bobble stitches. Let’s get started!
Left-handed? Follow the left-handed tutorial.
What Are Crochet Bobble Stitches?
Crochet bobble stitches look kind of like a cluster of half-finished double crochet stitches that are made together in the same spot. They can be made with a different number of partially-complete double crochet stitches, and then you make one final yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
Also, bobble stitches are crocheted on the wrong side of the fabric. This means that you won’t really see the bobble until you flip your project over.
Bobbles are typically made with double crochet stitches, but what makes them pop is that on either side are shorter stitches like single crochets. They help scrunch the bobble into a ball, which will make more sense in a little bit as I walk you through the steps.
How to Get Started with Crochet Bobble Stitches
To get started crocheting bobble stitches, get some yarn and a crochet hook. If you are new or just practicing, size 4 worsted weight yarn will make it easier to see what you’re doing.
If you’re using a pattern, follow the instructions until it calls for a bobble stitch. For a practice swatch, crochet a few rows of single crochet stitches roughly 15 stitches long.
Tips for Successfully Making Crochet Bobble Stitches
To successfully crochet bobble stitches, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to work your bobble stitches on the wrong side of the fabric
- Remember bobble stitches are made from partially-complete double crochet stitches, so stop the dc when there are two loops left on your hook
- Flip your project to the other side in order to see your bobble stitches popping out
- Bobble stitches can be made with different numbers of double crochet stitches, so be sure to check your pattern or experiment with different versions to pick your preference
Steps for Making Crochet Bobble Stitches
This tutorial walks you through 3, 4, and 5 double crochet stitch versions of the bobble stitch. Bobble stitches are often abbreviated with the letter “B” in crochet patterns or charts. Let’s look at the written directions for each type:
3 double crochet Bobble stitch: * Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops * repeat from * to * two more times (4 loops will be on your hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops
4 double crochet Bobble stitch: * Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops * repeat from * to * three more times (5 loops will be on your hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops
5 double crochet Bobble stitch: * Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops * repeat from * to * four more times (6 loops will be on your hook), yarn over and pull through all the loops
Let’s take a look at each step.
Step 1: Yarn Over, Insert Your Hook, Yarn Over
To begin, wrap the yarn around your hook, insert your hook through the fabric, and then yarn over again.
Step 2: Pull Up a Loop, Yarn Over, Pull Through Two Loops (First Partial Double Crochet)
Next, pull your hook with the yarn back through to pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over again, and pull your hook through the two loops. You have partially completed one double crochet. Stop here and begin working on your next partial double crochet stitch.
Step 3: Repeat Steps 1-2 (Two Partial Double Crochets Complete)
Make another partial double crochet into the same stitch as the first one. Yarn over, insert your hook through your fabric, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then yarn over and pull through two loops to complete your second partial double crochet. There are 3 loops on your hook.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-2 (Three Partial Double Crochets Complete)
Repeat steps one and two again, inserting your hook into the same stitch. Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops. That complets the third partial double crochet. You will have four loops on your hook.
Note: To make a 4- or 5- double crochet bobble stitch, do not complete step 5. Jump down to step 4b and 4c below.
Step 5: Yarn Over, Pull Through All Loops on Your Hook
To finish your bobble stitch, yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook. Ta-da!
If you flip your work to view the bobble on the other side, don’t be confused by the lack of a bobble. Make a single crochet into the next stitch to really make it pop. Then flip your work.
Step 4b: Repeat Steps 1-2 (Four Partial Double Crochets Complete)
To make a bobble stitch with four double crochets, repeat steps one and two again. Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over a pull through two loops. You will have 5 loops on your hook.
Then follow step 5. Yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
Step 4c: Repeat Steps 1-2 (Five Partial Double Crochets Complete)
To crochet bobble stitches that contain 5 double crochet stitches, repeat steps 1-2 above until you have 5 partially completed double crochet stitches. You will have 6 loops on your hook. Then, to complete the bobble, yarn over, and pull through all of the loops on your hook.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Want to watch the steps in real time? Check out this video tutorial to walk through each of the three bobble versions. Watch the VIDEO TUTORIAL.
Common Questions About Crochet Bobble Stitches
What Does Each Variation of the Bobble Stitch Look Like?
The more double crochet stitches used in your bobble stitch, the larger your bobble will become. You can use any variation you like, but patterns will typically specify which one. Before you start your project, swatch a few bobbles with your yarn to see how they work up.
You can see the difference in the image below to see the differences in bobble size.
How Do You Transition to a Second Row of Crochet Bobble Stitches?
Bobble stitches are worked on the wrong side, so you typically won’t see them made in consecutive rows. Normally, bobble stitches are made in every other row so that they all end up showing on the same side.
How Do You Finish Off a Row of Bobble Stitches?
There’s no real magic to finishing off a row of bobble stitches, other than to ensure you always finish with the single crochet that follows the bobble. It’s the stitch that secures the bobble in its squished form, leaving it raised for texture.
Are there Variations of Bobble Stitches?
Crochet bobble stitches aren’t normally found in front or back loops, or made into post stitches. You will mostly find that variations come in the number of partial double crochets you make. This tutorial reviewed three examples, but you could make bobbles with more than five double crochets to see if you like them.
The Last Thing You Need to Know About Crochet Bobble Stitches
Crochet bobble stitches are a fun way to instantly add texture to your projects. Always remember to work them on the wrong side of your piece. And be brave enough to experiment with each version to see if you like one better than the rest.
Want more practice with crochet bobble stitches? Check out these fun crochet patterns:
I’d love to see what you make with crochet bobble stitches! Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram and show me your work. To learn more crochet stitches, be sure to visit the stitch tutorial library.
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