Puff vs Bobble vs Popcorn Stitch: What's the Difference?
- Lenka
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Updated: May 9
It’s time to finally clear up the confusion between Puff Stitch, Bobble Stitch, and Popcorn Stitch!
They may look similar at first glance, but the technique behind each one—and the final texture—makes them beautifully unique.
In this post, I’ll walk you through all three stitches with step-by-step photo tutorials, written instructions, and a video tutorial to guide you along the way.
Let’s stitch through the confusion together!
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Before we get into the actual pattern, I also created the Ultimate Crochet Hack Sheet! It's 2 pages with basic crochet abbreviations and symbols, hook sizes in US and UK versions, all the yarn types (with recommended hooks and projects), etc. Feel free to click on the pic or a link to my shop where you can find more details.
Video Tutorial
Check out my YouTube video tutorial where I cover everything. It's a fantastic complement to any written pattern. You're welcome to leave feedback in the video comments.
Recommended Materials
In this tutorial, I use LionBrand Cotton24/7 cotton yarn. I find that the texture stands out more with cotton yarn, and its bright colors are beneficial during tutorials. For this yarn I use a 4mm/G-6 crochet hook.
However, if you're new to crocheting and just practicing, I highly recommend using any solid color acrylic yarn that works with a 5mm/H-8 hook size.
Directions for Puff Stitch
For this tutorial of Puff Stitch I started with Single Crochet Row with odd number of stitches. (Visit this link to learn how to single crochet).
A puff stitch is essentially created by working 3 to 5 half double crochets (HDC) together. Specific patterns will always provide exact instructions. Also keep in mind that the Puff Stitch will pop up on the opposite side.
To create the Puff Stitch, yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch, then pull up a loop (you should now have three loops on your hook). Repeat the yarn over, insert the hook, and pull up a loop four more times until there are 11 loops on your hook.
After you have 11 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all the loops. Then, single crochet into the next stitch.
Your PUFF STITCH is DONE!
Directions for Bobble Stitch
For this tutorial of Bobble Stitch I started with Single Crochet Row with odd number of stitches. (Visit this link to learn how to single crochet).
A Bobble Stitch is essentially created by working 3 to 5 double crochets (DC) together. Specific patterns will always provide exact instructions. Also keep in mind that the Bobble Stitch will pop up on the opposite side.
To make a Bobble Stitch, yarn over (YO) and insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over again and draw up a loop. This will give you three loops on your hook. Next, yarn over and pull through the first two loops only. Now, you have two loops on your hook.
Repeat the following step four more times until you have a total of 6 loops on your hook: Yarn over (YO), insert the hook into the same stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through the first two loops only.
Once you have 6 loops on your hook, YO and pull up a loop through all 6 loops and SC into the next stitch.
Your BOBBLE STITCH is DONE!
Directions for Popcorn Stitch
For this tutorial of Popcorn Stitch I started with Single Crochet Row with odd number of stitches. (Visit this link to learn how to single crochet).
A Popcorn Stitch is essentially made by crocheting 5 double crochets (DC) into a single stitch. Remember that the Popcorn Stitch will pop up on the opposite side.
Combine your 5 double crochets into a single stitch. (You can visit this link to learn how to crochet a Double Crochet). Carefully remove your hook, ensuring you don't lose the loop, and then insert the hook into the first double crochet you made in that stitch from the back, as shown in the picture.
Then put the loop back on your hook and pull through. Then make a Single Crochet into the next stitch.
Your POPCORN STITCH is DONE!
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