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If you love texture and anything bobbles, then you’re in the right place! I am truly amazed how a bobble stitch can be used in so many different ways to create pattern, warmth and texture. Therefore, I’d like to share with you my favourite free bobble stitch crochet patterns. There are so many good ones to choose from.

This roundup features all sorts of different crochet patterns, from Christmas stockings and hats, to cosy blankets, bags and garments. There’s even a bobble stitch sheep thrown in!

These patterns are at a variety of different levels, but most will be suitable for beginner to intermediate crocheters.

Some only use a couple of different stitches, whilst others have quite a few to create different effects. But, without doubt, all of them include the bobble stitch in some way!

If you find a pattern you’d like to have a go at, make sure that you pin this roundup to keep it safe!

Explore a vast collection of 30 free bobble stitch crochet patterns.

What is a bobble stitch?

A bobble stitch is a group of stitches, usually US double crochet, which are worked into the same base stitch and are closed together at the top.

They are usually crocheted on the wrong side of the fabric and poke through to the front to make that bobbly texture. And they are usually surrounded by flatter, simple stitches, so that the bobble is more pronounced.

Obviously there are many variations and each design shared here will use bobbles in a slightly different way.

You will see in the patterns that the bobble stitch is usually included as a special stitch in the pattern instructions. This is because you can have bobbles with 3 stitches, or 4 or 5, and it is really up to the designer to specify how they would like their bobbles to be made. A few patterns use a modified bobble too!

In the majority of the patterns, the bobble stitch has been abbreviated to BO, but do check the pattern notes for clarification on this.

Let’s look at a 5-dc bobble!

If you’d like to have a little practice at bobble stitches before you choose which pattern to make, here is a little tutorial.

  1. Make a foundation chain of any odd number, plus a turning chain.
  2. Single crochet into the second chain from hook.
  3. Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch after the single crochet.
  4. Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook).
  5. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops (2 loops on your hook).
  6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 four more times, always going into the same base stitch (6 loops on your hook).
  7. Yarn over and pull through all loops.
  8. Continue repeating steps 2 – 7 to complete a row of bobbles, ending on a final single crochet.

The next row that you do will need to be a single crochet (or similar) row, since the bobbles all need to be on Wrong Side rows, to ensure they pop out the same side. You can carry on like this to create a little swatch.

What’s the difference between bobble, puff and popcorn stitches?

The bobble stitch, the puff stitch and the popcorn stitch all look very similar and can easily be confused. They are all constructed by making groups of stitches into the same base stitch and are all closed together at the top.

A puff stitch is made by making a group of incomplete half double crochet stitches into the same stitch. You then complete them by drawing through all of the loops on your hook.

A popcorn stitch is made by making 5 double crochet stitches into the same stitch. Then drop the loop on the hook and insert it into the first double crochet stitch you made, from back to front. Insert your hook back into the dropped loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.

As you can see, these 3 stitches are similar but not exactly the same. There are some patterns included in the round up, which feature a couple of these stitches together, so make sure you don’t muddle them up.

Other techniques I might need

Many of the free bobble stitch crochet patterns I have chosen will need some sort of seaming, such as joining together bag panels and adding straps.

Often instructions are provided but if you prefer to try a different seaming method, check out my post on joining crochet squares together for more information on three different crocheted methods. If you prefer a sewn seam, you could use a whip stitch.

Each of the patterns that I’ve included use mostly single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet stitches, as well as the bobble stitch.

There is also plenty of opportunity to practice different stitches, such as the puff stitch, thermal stitch, waistcoat stitch and working in the front and back loops.

How do I choose the right free bobble stitch crochet patterns for me?

Choosing the right pattern completely depends on a number of things: what would you like to make; who are you making it for; what experience do you have with crochet; and what will you be using the item for?

You need to make something that you like the look of and that you will enjoy making. There is no point in crocheting something that you don’t love. If you can imagine how and where you’ll use the finished piece, you are much more likely to complete it.

You also need to choose a pattern that is right for your skill level and experience. I’ve added the skill level and main stitches used to all the patterns to save you having to open each pattern to find out if they are right for you.

It is good to try new stitches, but be careful not to put yourself too far outside your comfort zone, otherwise you will risk not finishing it!

Supplies for bobble stitch crochet

Pattern

As I’ve said, choosing the right pattern for you is essential and I have 30 for you to choose from! Take your time choosing and make sure it’s right for you.

All of the patterns are free to view on the designer’s blog which is a great way to read through and try out a pattern without committing any money.

Once you have chosen one (or more), you will be able to buy the premium pdf download, which you can then save and print off.

This is great for writing notes on and keeping track of where you are. It also means you’ll have the pattern for the future, if you want to make it again!

Yarn

The pattern will include the recommended yarn that the designer used in most cases. They will always supply the weight (referred to as category) and the amount of yarn you’ll need for each size.

You are of course welcome to use a different yarn of the same weight, or some from your stash.

One of the most important things when choosing yarn is to make sure that you work a gauge swatch. This is particularly important for wearables, to ensure the garment fits correctly. It is less important for the blanket patterns, where the size isn’t essential, but it still gives you a good idea of how big your finished piece is going to be.

Working a gauge swatch is going to be very important if you are using a different yarn. You may need to adjust by changing hook size to get to the correct gauge.

I’ve added the information about the yarns with each pattern for you to look at quickly whilst selecting your pattern.

Hook

Your pattern will let you know the crochet hook size that the designer used but you can always adjust according to the yarn you’re using or if your stitches are tighter or looser than most people’s. The best thing to do is to work a gauge swatch first and then adjust accordingly.

Notions and Other Materials

The other essentials you might need while making some of these patterns are:

Ready to get started with your bobble project?

So I think it’s time we got to the patterns. Below you will find 30 amazing free bobble stitch crochet patterns! I’ve organised them by project type to make it easier, so you’ll find Christmas patterns first, followed by blankets, home décor, garments, and finally bags at the end!

Let's dive in and find something amazing to crochet next!

Christmas Bobble Stitch Patterns

Bobble Stitch Blankets

Bobble Stitch Home Décor

Bobble Stitch Garments

Bags with Bobbles

Conclusion

Wow, what am amazing selection of free bobble stitch crochet patterns! Which one did you choose? It’s a really hard decision! I really hope you found the perfect thing to make, whether it’s a Christmas decoration, a blanket or a draft excluder. I would love to know if you make one (or some!). Please share them with me in the HanJan Crochet Facebook group or on Instagram – don’t forget to tag #hanjancrochet.

Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes, hear about all my new patterns first and get exclusive access to events!

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