How to Crochet the Bobble Stitch (BO)

Are you just getting started with the bobble stitch? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this simple, beginner-friendly tutorial! The bobble stitch is easy to learn and adds amazing texture to your crochet projects. I’ve used it in pillows, scarves, and blankets to create a fun, textured look, and it’s always so enjoyable to make.

Keep reading to find a step-by-step photo tutorial that shows you exactly how to create a bobble stitch. Let’s get started!

What is a Bobble Crochet Stitch?

The bobble stitch is a simple crochet technique that creates a fun, textured look. It’s made up of a cluster of stitches that form a raised, bobble-like effect when completed. I sometimes call it the “bubble stitch” because of how it pops out, adding a playful texture to any project!

Bobbles can be worked as a single bobble or in rows. For example, I use a single bobble in my spring blooming flower design. Occasionally, you will see a bobble in crochet referred to as a double crochet bobble, double crochet five together (DC5TOG) or dc 5 cluster stitches.

From time to time, you may also see a bobble stitch use half double crochets or even single crochets instead of the traditional double crochet.

What To Know Before You Start a Bobble Stitch

In crochet patterns, it is common to see the bobble stitch abbreviated as (BO) or (bo). Bobble stitches are written in various ways, but they all use the double crochet stitch or dc abbreviated!

Stitches used in a Bobble Stitch

Double Crochet (dc): (dc Tutorial)

1. Wrap the yarn over (YO) the hook, insert the hook into the specified st.
2. YO the hook again, draw the yarn through the st, so there are 3 loops on the hook
3. YO the hook again draw it through 2 loops, so there are 2 loops on the hook
4. YO the hook, draw it through the final 2 remaining loops.

Occasionally, patterns will use three, four, or even six double crochet stitches to make a bobble. You may also see a bobble worked with a half double crochet from time to time.

No matter what amount the pattern calls for, the basic principle is the same when working a bobble in crochet.

My Tip About Crochet Bobbles

I like to space out bobbles in patterns because if you crochet one after the other it can be a bit clustered. I do this by using a single crochet stitch. You will need to single crochet before and after each bobble (BO) to make it look cleaner. Learn more about single crochet stitches above in the stitch tutorial link.

Learn how puff stitch, popcorn stitch, and bobble stitch are different from each other so you can tell the difference.

Let’s Get Started

Below, you will learn how to make the bobble stitch. You can also follow along with our bo stitch video tutorial too for some extra help. Use the tutorial below, or watch our bobble stitch video tutorial on YouTube to start crocheting the bobble stitch right away.

Enjoy!

How to Crochet the Bobble Stitch

Skill Level: Easy

Materials

• Any weight or type of yarn will work. I am using a four weight yarn (I used my favorite yarn, Vanna’s Choice, for this example)
• A crochet hook that corresponds to the yarn used. (J-10 6 mm was used for this example)
• Scissors

Stitch Abbreviations

• Yo = yarn over
• st (s) = stitch (es)
• sc = single crochet

Notes

• This tutorial is written in standard US terms

Bobble Stitch Main Pattern

1. Yo insert hook into the designated st in row and pick up a loop, yo draw yarn through 2 loops (3 loops)
2. Yo insert the hook into same st, yo draw through 2 loops (4 loops)
3. Yo insert the hook into same st, yo draw through 2 loops (5 loops)
4. Yo insert the hook into same st, yo draw through 2 loops (6 loops)
5. Yo, draw yarn through all 6 loops on the hook, tighten down
6. One (BO) bobble stitch is now complete!

Bobble Stitch Row Pattern

1. To complete a bobble row, you will crochet a single crochet stitch, in the next stitch crochet a bobble stitch followed by a single crochet for the remainder of the row.
2. Next chain 1 and the next row is a row of sc sts completely.
3. Repeat the steps above of the previous rows to complete bobble rows!
4. Tip: Follow along with the BO stitch tutorial below for extra help.

Single Bobble Stitch

1. Ch 2,
2. Yo insert hook into the 2nd ch from the hook and pick up a loop, yo draw yarn through 2 loops (3 loops)
3. Yo insert the hook into the same st, yo draw through 2 loops (4 loops)
4. Yo insert the hook into the same st, yo draw through 2 loops (5 loops)
5. Yo insert the hook into the same st, yo draw through 2 loops (6 loops)
6. Yo, draw yarn through all 6 loops on the hook, tighten down
7. One (BO) bobble stitch is now complete!

Bobble Stitch Video Tutorial

My Favorite Patterns using the Bobble Stitch

Each crochet project and pattern below features the bobble stitch. These type of projects varies from bobble pillows to crochet projects like blankets!

1. Clara Crochet Blanket: The Clara blanket uses the bobble stitch sporadically to create a uniquely textured afghan.
2. Bobble Stitch Pillow: Crochet this modern crochet pillow that uses the bobble in a unique triangle pattern.
3. Bobble Scarf: This design uses the bobble stitch to create a wave like design with self striping yarn.
4. Blooming Flower: The blooming flower makes a great accent piece for a hat or blanket. It features a bobble stitch as the center point.
5. Bobble Baby Blanket (+ 7 Bonus Sizes): This easy to crochet bobble stitch baby blanket is a free pattern available to make in 4 baby blanket sizes as well as throw, twin, full/queen + king blanket sizes too!