How to Knit a Bobble That Pops - Easy 5-Stitch Bobble

Steps

1. 1. Knit Across to the Bobble Stitch

   Work a right side row as normal until you reach the stitch where the bobble goes. Kristin knits English style, throwing the yarn with her right hand, but the steps are the same if you knit continental.

   Tip: Place a stitch marker before each bobble stitch on your first bobble row so you never miss one.

   

2. 2. Knit Into the Bobble Stitch Without Dropping It

   Insert your right needle into the stitch as if to knit, wrap the yarn and pull the loop through. Here is the catch.

   Tip: Keep the old stitch near the tip of the left needle so it stays loose enough to work four more times.

   

3. 3. Purl and Knit Into the Same Bobble Stitch

   Bring the yarn to the front and purl into that same stitch, still leaving it on the left needle. Take the yarn to the back and knit into it again.

   Tip: Count each new loop out loud. It is easy to lose track at four.

   

4. 4. Make Five Bobble Stitches From One Stitch

   Once all five loops are on the right needle, slide the original stitch off the left needle. One stitch has become five.

   Tip: Before you move on, check that you have exactly five loops. A sixth loop makes a lopsided bobble.

   

5. 5. Turn and Purl the Five Bobble Stitches

   Instead of knitting on, turn your work so the purl side faces you. The five bobble stitches are now first on the left needle.

   Tip: Ignore the rest of the row. Those stitches wait on the other needle until the bobble is done.

   

6. 6. Turn and Knit the Five Bobble Stitches

   Turn your work again so the knit side faces you. Slip the first stitch knitwise this time, because you are on the knit side.

   Tip: For a bigger bobble, repeat the purl row and knit row once more before decreasing.

   

7. 7. Purl Two Together Twice to Shrink the Bobble

   Turn to the purl side again. Slip the first stitch purlwise.

   Tip: A sharp-tipped needle makes the purl two together much easier on tight bobble stitches.

   

8. 8. Close the Bobble With Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Over

   Turn to the knit side one last time. Slip the first stitch.

   Tip: Use the left needle tip to lift the slipped stitch. Your fingers will crowd the bobble.

   

9. 9. Wrap the Yarn Around the Base of the Bobble

   This is the move that makes it pop. Bring the yarn to the front of your work.

   Tip: Slip the stitch purlwise both times so it does not twist.

   

10. 10. Knit the Next Stitch Tight So the Bobble Pops

    Hold the working yarn taut so the wrap stays snug around the base of the bobble. Then knit the next stitch.

    Tip: Purl the stitches above the bobble on the next row as normal. Do not purl the bobble itself.