Comparing Popcorn, Bobble, and Puff Stitches

There are so many different crochet stitch patterns that can add loads of texture to a project. Puff stitches, bobble stitches, and popcorn stitches are stitch patterns that all look fairly similar but are constructed differently. In this video, crochet expert Mary Beth Temple compares all three stitches so you can choose which one you want to incorporate into your next textured crochet project.

Mary Beth looks at swatches for all three stitch types. She notes that they all look pretty similar, in that they all create a domed texture on the fabric. All of them will commonly be worked on a background of single crochet, which will help them “pop” off the fabric even more.

PUFF STITCH

The puff stitch will commonly have an odd number of insertions worked into the same stitch to create the puff. There is not technical stitching to create this stitch – a large number of yarn overs are worked into the same stitch to create the puff. Because yarn overs are used to create the stitch, the puff stitch can look looser than the bobble or popcorn stitches. While the puff stitch takes up a lot of yarn because of all the yarn overs, it does use less yarn than the other two stitches.

BOBBLE STITCH

The bobble stitch is a series of half-worked double crochets. The double crochet stitch will be worked up to the final step before creating a new stitch. An odd number of stitches are commonly worked to create the bobble stitch. It tends to have a neater and more tailored look than the other stitches in the video. Mary Beth likes using the bobble stitch in Aran sweaters, as it looks a little bit like knitting and looks similar to a knitted bobble.

POPCORN STITCH

The popcorn stitch is created by working full double crochet stitches. Once again, an odd number is typically worked. Once all the stitches are made, the stitch will look like a shell. The hook is removed from the loop and brought under the legs of the first double crochet. The loop is brought back onto the hook and pulled through that first stitch to create the popcorn.

For all three stitches, Mary Beth notes that the odd number of stitches that is used for all three types of stitches create a nice dome shape, giving them all a more circular look. Typically, there will be a plain row of stitching in between in each one and they are worked on every other row in the pattern.