How to Crochet Puff Stitch

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The crochet puff stitch is the perfect way to add a bit of texture and fluff to your crochet projects. It’s easy to learn, fast to make, and looks great! Different than its siblings—bobble and popcorn—the puff stitch can be worked with any number of steps/loops, creating thinner or fatter puffs.

Crochet Puff Stitch: Step-by-Step Instructions

Click the arrows to the right and left to scroll through the step-by-step photos.

Crochet puff stitch step 1 — Photo 1: Yarn over

Crochet puff stitch step 2 — Photo 2: Insert hook into stitch or space indicated

Crochet puff stitch step 3 — Photo 3: Pull up a loop – 3 loops on hook

Crochet puff stitch step 4 — Photo 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2, 4 more times – 11 loops on hook

Crochet puff stitch step 5 — Photo 5: Yarn over

Crochet puff stitch step 6 — Photo 6: Pull through all loop on hook – stitch complete

All step-by-step photos courtesy of Amy Gunderson

Yarn over (photo 1)

Insert hook into stitch or space indicated (photo 2)

Pull up a loop – 3 loops on hook (photo 3)

Repeat steps 1 and 2, 4 more times – 11 loops on hook (photo 4)

Yarn over (photo 5)

Pull through all loops on hook – stitch complete (photo 6)

Projects Featuring Puff Stitch Variations

Cinnamon Cowl crochet pattern by Alla Koval — Cinnamon Cowl by Alla Koval | Photo by Harper Point Photography

Alla Koval’s Cinnamon Cowl sizes up puff stitches with bulky-weight yarn. This variation results in a beautiful, chunky texture that feels like a modern take on a classic. The quick-to-make design is worked in continuous rounds with reverse single crochet edging. Offsetting the groupings of puff stitches nestle each fan-like motif into the next for a seamless look.

Cedar Mittens crochet pattern by Brenda K. B. Anderson — Cedar Mittens by Brenda K.B. Anderson | Photo by Harper Point Photography

Unlike the Cinnamon Cowl’s offset motifs, Brenda K.B. Anderson shows what stacking rows of puff stitches will achieve in the Cedar Mittens. The design features a slight wave, too, which naturally enhances the arch needed for fingers at the top of the hand. Working these mittens in wool yarn with the extra fabric created by the puffs means they’re extra warm.

Wintertide Sweater crochet pattern by Natasha Robarge — Wintertide Sweater by Natasha Robarge | Photo by Harper Point Photography

Working puff stitch in two colors across the row adds another interesting option to this stitch. In Natasha Robarge’s Wintertide Sweater, green and ivory puff stitches alternate back and forth making a checkered effect in bold rows worked only on the front of this raglan design.

Have you ever made a project using puff stitch? Tell us your best tip in the comments below!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.

Patterns Featuring Puff Stitch