Want to expand your crochet skills? It's time to learn new stitch patterns. Just get your favorite crochet hooks and a matching yarn weight. If you are particularly interested in textures, we have something that pops up and makes any crochet project unique! The Popcorn stitch in crochet is a textured stitch pattern that adds dimension to your work. Each "popcorn" has a puffed texture that adds warmth and thickness when grouped together to make hats, shawls, blankets, and more. Popcorn stitches can make for an interesting neckline or sleeves, even for sweaters. It is a fun border in addition to being a beautiful textured fabric.
The popcorn stitch might look complicated initially, but with practice, it's very easy to master. Suppose you can make neat double crochet stitches (US patterns) known as treble crochet stitches (UK patterns). In that case, you can quickly proceed with the popcorn textures, even if you are a beginner and have only completed a few projects. Popcorn stitch looks similar to crochet bobbles, but the process differs slightly. Be sure to pay attention to which stitch you need for a project, and don't assume they are interchangeable. This blog will walk you through the steps to work on the popcorn stitch.
Getting Started
Choose any single-ended crochet hooks and yarn. If you use a DK-weight yarn, a H-5mm crochet hook size is ideal. Compared to basic crochet stitches, the textured popcorn stitch uses more yarn, so ensure you have enough skeins. Carry accessories such as scissors, stitch markers, a finishing needle, and measuring tape. Before you begin with a project make sure to work with a gauge swatch. You will get an idea of how the yarn and crochet hook works together and the visual texture of the crocheted fabric.
Now, for this tutorial the crochet stitches mentioned are in US crochet pattern which is different from UK patterns.
Chain is common in both patterns.
Single Crochet Stitch (US) = Double Crochet Stitch (UK)
Double Crochet Stitch (US) = Treble Crochet Stitch (UK)
Step 1- Make a foundation chain.
The foundation chain is the first step of the crochet project. If you are just starting out, refer to our guide on how to start a crochet chain. Start with a chain with an odd number of stitches. For example, start with a chain of 19 stitches + 1 for the turning chain.
Step 2 – Start with a Single Crochet Stitches
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 single crochet into every stitch. You can also work with a double crochet stitch, but remember that a dense fabric is an ideal backdrop to work textured popcorn stitches.
Step 3: Work on Popcorn Stitches
In this row, you will start the popcorn stitch. Work a single crochet stitch, then 5 double crochets into the same stitch. To form a popcorn stitch, work 5 double crochets into the same stitch. The stitch will look like a fan or a shell. Work 1 single crochet, then 1 popcorn stitch. Repeat this across the row. End with 1 single crochet.
Step 4: Remove and re-insert the Crochet Hook
After you have completed the row, pull up the active loop on your hook. Ensure the loop is large and not likely to be lost. You can place a locking stitch marker here. Now, remove your crochet hook from the loop.
Count back to the first of the five double crochet stitches and insert your crochet hook into the first double crochet stitch you made.
Step 5: Pick up the Dropped Loop
With the hook still in the first double crochet stitch, go through the loose active loop. Once the loop is around your hook, you can tighten it again.
Step 6: Close Up the Popcorn Stitch
Draw the active loop through the loops of the first double crochet to close up and complete the popcorn stitch. A finished popcorn stitch should look like a puffy popcorn.
The popcorn stitch is versatile. You can adjust the number of stitches used to create larger or smaller "popcorns" by changing the number of double crochet stitches.
Step 7: Secure the Popcorn Stitch and work on Single Crochet Stitches
Work a chain stitch or a row of single crochet to secure the popcorn stitch and prevent it from unraveling. Spotting where to insert your crochet hook seems challenging, but you need to look for the correct spot between the v's of the stitch.
Step 8: Continue Row 1 and 2 (
Popcorn stitch repeats rows one and two. This repeating sequence secures the stitches, lets the yarn breathe, and works for textured hats and other projects.
Have fun crocheting! With the Lantern Moon crochet hooks, you can have fun crafting sessions. The ebony wood crochet hooks have a luxury silk finish that is warm and smooth in the hands. Explore the premium hooks in the Radiance Set if you are a crocheter who loves to have multiple hook sizes in one place for all your projects.