How to Crochet: Popcorn Stitch

The Popcorn Stitch is an excellent way to add dimension to your crochet projects, and it is one of the easiest textured stitches to master.  In this photo tutorial I will walk you through making Popcorn Stitches and working into them in subsequent rows/rounds.

A Popcorn Stitch is basically 5 dc’s into the same stitch/space.  The “Popcorn” is formed by pulling the top of the last dc through the top of the first dc.  Popcorn Stitches can also be made with 3, 4, 6, or 7 stitches, depending on how skinny or ‘puffy’ you want them to be.  They are not to be confused with Bobble Stitches, Cluster Stitches, or Puff Stitches.  Each of these stitches have very specific characteristics (see More Tutorials at the end of this post).

The instructions for the Popcorn Stitch remain the same, regardless of whether you are working in rounds or in rows.  It is useful to know that Popcorn Stitches “pop” to the front of your work.  When working in the round, this is not a problem, because the front of the work is usually always facing you.  When working in rows however, you will need to make your popcorn stitches ONLY on those rows where the front of your work is facing you (in other words, every alternate row).

Index

• How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch
• Things to Note
• Hint
• Working Into Popcorn Stitches
• More Tutorials
• Related Free Patterns

How to Crochet the Popcorn Stitch

Popcorn stitches at the beginning of a row/round are made slightly differently from those in the middle of a row/round.  I have therefore broken the instructions up into “Making the First Popcorn Stitch” and “Making Subsequent Popcorn Stitches“.

Making the First Popcorn Stitch

Used when starting a row/round with a Popcorn Stitch.

Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc) – see Photo 1. Make 4 dc’s in the same st {Photo 2}.  Remove your hook from the last stitch and insert it into the top of the beginning ch-3 {Photo 3}.  Insert your hook into the last stitch {Photo 4}.  Pull the last stitch through the top of the ch-3 {Photo 5}.  Ch 1 to close the Popcorn* {Photo 6}.

*See Things to Note below.

Making Subsequent Popcorn Stitches

Used when making a Popcorn Stitch in the middle of a row/round.

Make 5 dc’s in the indicated stitch/space {Photo 1}.  Remove your hook from the last dc and insert it into the first dc of the 5-dc group.  Insert your hook into the last dc {Photo 2} and pull it through the first dc.  Ch 1 to close the Popcorn* {Photo 3}.

*See Things to Note below.

Things To Note

*Some patterns will omit the ch-1 that closes the Popcorn.  It’s a matter of personal preference.  I feel that the Popcorns ‘pop’ more when they are closed with a ch-1.  Whatever your feelings are about it, it is important that you check the instructions at the start of a pattern to see how the designer wants you to make the stitches.

• Popcorn stitches will usually be separated by one or two chain stitches.  The first ch st will “close” the popcorn and is almost always part of the instructions.  The second ch st is only used when making popcorn stitches right next to each other.  They act as “spacers” so that the popcorn stitches don’t crowd each other.
• When making popcorn stitches right next to each other in a row, you will usually skip a stitch between popcorn stitches to give them room to breathe.
• When making popcorn stitches right next to each other in the round, you don’t generally skip a stitch between popcorn stitches, as they will fan away from each other.

Hint

When you make your Popcorn Stitches, they will partially hide the top of the next stitch to be worked into.  Scooch the stitches of the Popcorn up to make sure that you don’t accidentally skip the next stitch.  If you are meant to skip the next stitch, this will help prevent you from skipping 2 st’s.

Working Into Popcorn Stitches

This is what the Popcorn Stitch will look like from the front, side, and back.  This little flower is formed by the first 2 rounds of Julee Reeves’ Winter Rose Square.  You can find the pattern HERE on Julee’s site.

There are 2 ways to work into your Popcorns:

These methods assume that you have closed your Popcorns with a ch-1.

• Method 1:  Work into the ch-1 that closed the Popcorn {Photo 1}.  This is the most common method, but I find that the Popcorns have a tendency to lean slightly to the right when this method is used (left if you are left-handed).
• Method 2:  Work into the first of the 5 dc’s that form the Popcorn.  You will find the loops for this stitch immediately to the right and slightly behind the Popcorn (to the left if you are left-handed) – see the arrow in Photo 2.  When you work into the first dc of the 5-dc Popcorn like this {Photo 2}, you will skip the ch st on top of each Popcorn (the one indicated with an arrow in Photo 1).  Photo 3 below shows the first dc after the Popcorn completed.  Note the skipped ch st at the top of the Popcorn.  Photo 4 shows one of the popcorns from the side.  Notice how much it ‘pops’ with this method.

How do you make your Popcorn Stitches and do you have any tips and tricks for making them easier?

More Tutorials

• If you prefer video instructions, Tamara from Moogly has got an excellent video tutorial for the popcorn stitch.
• Demystifying Cluster Stitches is a brilliant, comparative post about Puff Stitches, Bobble Stitches and Pineapple Stitches (by Stephanie from A Bag Full Of Crochet).

Related Free Patterns

• Cable and Bobble Stitch Blanket (Lienke’s Lovie)
• Popcorn Stitch Flower by Britanny from b.hooked
• Granny Bobble Blanket by Karen from Colour In a Simple Life (uses 4-dc popcorns)

I hope that you have found this tutorial useful!

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