3D Crochet Stitches Demystified – Popcorn, Bobble, Puff + More with Video
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So you want to add some texture to your next project with some 3D crochet stitches but you’re not sure which ones to use. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to 3D crochet stitches, you’re spoiled for choice. There are so many to choose from, and each one adds its own unique flair to your projects.
But sometimes when you’re just looking at a picture of a project, you can’t quite tell what stitch was used. (Wait, is that a popcorn stitch or a puff stitch?) And, to be fair, some of the stitches look pretty similar.
If you’ve already mastered all the basic crochet stitches and you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, 3D crochet stitches are a great place to start.
Today we’re going to learn all about Shell, Cluster, Popcorn, Bobble and Puff Stitches as well as the differences between them and how to recognize them in crochet charts. There’s even a helpful video tutorial that walks you through how to crochet each one.
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3D Crochet Stitches – Shell Stitch
The shell stitch looks like a fan. It creates a scalloped effect when separated with single crochet stitches. The most common one is 5-dc shell stitch (symbol shown below). But you could have more dc sts for a shell stitch too.
Each shell stitch is considered one stitch. Typically, if you have a 5-dc shell stitch, you’ll have 2 skipped stitches before and after the shell stitch (to keep tension and stitch count the same), followed by an sc st.
I used shell stitches for this gorgeous summery vest design. Get the free and easy Long Crochet Vest Pattern here.
3D Crochet Stitches – Cluster Stitch
A cluster is a generic term for a group of stitches all work in one stitch together, typically by creating several unfinished stitches and then finished with one yarn over and pull through all loops.
Examples of cluster stitches include puff stitches, bobble stitches, popcorn stitches or even a decreasing stitch (e.g. sc2tog).
If you break it down, you could think of it like increasing a stitch (e.g. many dc sts) within 1 stitch and then decreasing them at the end (yarn over and pull through all stitches) which still keeps the entire cluster at 1 stitch.
I used cluster stitches for this adorable striped cowl design. Get the free Striped Cluster Cowl Pattern here.
3D Crochet Stitches – Puff Stitch
A puff stitch is typically compared to a hdc-cluster. It’s made with a series of yarn overs and pulled up loops until you have 3, 5,7, 9 or even 11 loops on your hook. It’s finished with a yarn over and pull through all loops and a chain of 1.
Here is a typical chart symbol for a puff stitch with 3 loops.
Think of this stitch like starting multiple single crochet stitches all in the same stitch, but waiting to finish them all at the same time.
If you want to explore different ways to crochet the puff stitch, then this Reversible Heart Pillow is for you. It’s a Free Crochet Pattern on my blog.
Designer TL Yarn Crafts used puff stitches to create these gorgeous hexagonal coasters. Get the free Hexi Puff Coaster Pattern here.
3D Crochet Stitches – Bobble Stitch
Typically, the bobble stitch is compared to a dc-cluster stitch, but it can also be made with tr stitches. It can have 3-7 dc sts (on average) for one bobble stitch.
A bobble stitch is made with unfinished dc sts (stopping before the last yarn over and pull through step), and then it’s finished with a yarn over and pull through all loops. Here is the chart for a bobble stitch made with 3 dc sts:
Designer Viv Crochets made a gorgeous slouchy shoulder bag using lots and lots of bobble stitches. Get the free Crochet Bobble Bag Pattern here.
3D Crochet Stitches – Popcorn Stitch
Although a popcorn stitch can be made with hdc, dc, or tr stitches, the most common one is the 5-dc popcorn stitch (like the symbol shows).
Here is how to crochet one: Crochet 5 dc (completed, not unfinished) in the same base stitch. Then remove your hook, and insert it from the front to the back through the first st, pull the loop from the last stitch through the area on the first st (it will make it “pop” and push forward). Most of the time, you’ll have a chain of 1 after.
Designer Lullaby Lodge uses popcorn stitches to create a pretty pincushion with a 3D flower on top. Get the free Popcorn Flower Pincushion Pattern here.
3D Crochet Stitches – Video Tutorial
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Are These 3D Stitches Interchangeable?
Some of them can be replaced, like the popcorn st with the bobble st, although make sure you don’t randomly switch them out. Make sure you have a good pattern when you switch them out one by one.
Remember the puff stitch is smaller than a popcorn stitch, but the bobble stitch can be replaced with a puff stitch and vice versa.
Tips for Making 3D Stitches Look Even
- Make sure to pull up loops evenly, especially for the puff stitch
- If your popcorn stitch is too wobbly, replace it with a bobble stitch or go down in hook size just for the popcorn st
- You can also add less stitches or loops for the puff, popcorn, or bobble stitch
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More Free Crochet Stitch Tutorials
If you liked this 3D Crochet Stitches tutorial, you might also like to try one of these:
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