PUFF, BOBBLE & POPCORN: What’s the Difference?

Puff, bobble, and popcorn stitches create stunning texture in your crochet projects. Although they are different stitches, even the most seasoned crocheters might find themselves getting confused by which is which. Here, we share how to work each stitch, along with some variations you might encounter. (Many variations exist for each of these stitches, so always read the description in the stitch guide when it is available.) Try these stitches in projects throughout the Interweave Crochet Winter 2019 issue!

Puff Stitch

What It Is

Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, insert hook in same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop) 4 times (11 loops on hook), yarn over, and draw through all loops on hook.
Try it in the Cedar Mittens, Cinnamon Cowl, and Wintertide Sweater.

Puff Variations

Smaller Puff Stitch: Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, insert hook in same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop) 2 times (7 loops on hook), yarn over, and draw through all loops on hook.
Try it in the Vanilla and Spice Hat.

Bobble

What It Is

Bobble: Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook, (yarn over, insert hook in same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook) 4 times (6 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all remaining loops on hook.
Try it in the Hot Cocoa Vest and Winter Pillow.

Bobble Variations

Large Bobble: Yarn over 2 times, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, draw through 2 loops) 2 times, (yarn over 2 times, insert hook in same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, draw through 2 loops] 2 times) 4 times (6 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all remaining loops on hook.
Try it in the Snow Day Sweater.

Three Double Crochet Bobble: Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook, (yarn over, insert hook in same stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops on hook) 2 times (4 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all remaining loops on hook.
Try it in the Nutmeg Scarf.

Popcorn

What It Is

Popcorn: 5 double crochet in indicated stitch or space, drop loop from hook, insert hook from front to back through first stitch, place dropped loop on hook, draw loop through first stitch.
Try it in the Solstice Cardigan and Berry and Pine Afghan.

Popcorn Variations

Back Popcorn: 4 double crochet in indicated stitch or space, drop loop from hook, insert hook from back to front through first stitch, place dropped loop on hook, draw loop through first stitch.
Try it in the Cardinal Wrap.

Now that you know the difference between these stunning stitches, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out all the projects in Interweave Crochet Winter 2019.

Happy Stitching!

(Featured Image: Puff OR Bobble OR Popcorn | Photo Credit: George Boe)

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