Bubble Stitch - How To Knit 4 Below Tutorial

In this blog post, you will see the bubble stitch: how to knit 4 below tutorial.

The bubble stitch adds a playful, three-dimensional texture to your knitting projects, making it perfect for various projects.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced knitter seeking a new technique, this technique and pattern are easy to follow and fun to knit.

Bubble Stitch How To Knit 4 Below Tutorial

What Is The Bubble Knit Stitch Pattern?

The bubble stitch is a fun and textured knitting pattern that creates raised, rounded “bubbles” on the fabric, adding a unique and playful dimension to your projects.

This stitch is achieved by using a combination of knit and purl stitches along with dropped stitches to form the bubble effect.

It’s typically worked over a series of rows to create a repeating pattern.

The bubble stitch has a lot of texture, which is great for adding visual interest to items like blankets, scarves, hats, and children’s clothing.

Is the bubble stitch beginner-friendly?

The bubble stitch knit technique can be considered beginner-friendly, but it does require some familiarity with the basic principles of the craft.

While the stitch itself is not overly complicated, it does require careful attention to the pattern and counting stitches accurately.

Once you get into it, it becomes truly addictive.

Is the bubble stitch a reversible pattern?

The bubble stitch pattern is not reversible.

While the front side of the fabric displays the distinct raised bubbles that define the pattern, the back side (the wrong side) has a flatter, less textured appearance due to the way the stitches are constructed.

This makes the bubble stitch more suitable for projects where only one side will be visible.

What supplies do you need to knit the bubble stitch?

To knit the bubble stitch, you’ll need several essential supplies.

Start with yarn appropriate for your project, typically medium-weight like (worsted weight yarn) or DK weight yarn for clear bubble definition.

But if your project requires it, you can use any yarn from fingering-weight to super chunky.

Pair it with a knitting needles size that matches the yarn’s gauge, whether it’s a circular knitting needle or straight.

Stitch markers are useful for keeping track of pattern repeats, especially in larger projects, and a row counter helps track your progress.

A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing touches, and don’t forget scissors to cut the yarn.

These supplies will ensure a successful and enjoyable knitting experience with the bubble stitch.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

What can you make with the bubble stitch?

The bubble knit stitch technique creates a fun fabric with a beautiful texture that’s perfect for a wide variety of creative fashion projects.

You can make cozy blankets, adding visual interest and warmth to your home decor.

Scarves and cowls knitted with the bubble stitch become standout accessories with their unique texture.

This stitch also works well for children’s clothing and accessories like a baby blanket, providing both charm and comfort.

Additionally, you can use it for pillows and creating decorative, tactile cushions.

The bubble stitch’s versatility and distinctive look make it a great knitting pattern for projects that benefit from a touch of playful texture.

Are the bubble stitch and the bobble stitch the same?

The bubble stitch and the bobble stitch are not the same, although they both add texture to knitting projects.

The bubble stitch creates a pattern of raised, rounded bubbles across the fabric, usually achieved through a combination of knit and purl stitches and elongated stitches or yarn overs.

In contrast, the bobble stitch involves creating a protruding, three-dimensional knot by working multiple stitches into one, turning the work several times, and then decreasing back to a single stitch.

Each technique produces a distinct texture and appearance, suitable for different types of projects.

Bubble stitch variations.

There are several variations of the bubble stitch, each creating different textures and effects:

Honeycomb Bubble Stitch: Uses slip stitches to create a pattern that resembles a honeycomb with raised bubbles.
Popcorn Stitch: Forms more prominent, three-dimensional bubbles, often used in crochet but can be adapted for knitting.
Cluster Bubble Stitch: Involves knitting multiple stitches together and then increasing in the same stitch to form a cluster-like bubble.
Bobble Stitch: Creates larger, more pronounced bubbles by knitting multiple stitches into one and then decreasing back to a single stitch.
Puff Stitch: Typically involves creating small “puffs” or “bubbles” by knitting multiple stitches into one and then decreasing back to a single stitch, similar to how the bubble stitch forms its texture.

How To Knit 4 Below Tutorial

Knitting 4 below, often written as “K4B” or “knit 4 below,” involves knitting into a stitch four rows below the current row instead of knitting the next stitch on your needle.

This technique creates a textured, elongated stitch that adds visual interest to your fabric.

Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Knit 4 Below (K4B):

Identify the Stitch:
- Look at the stitch directly on your needle and count four rows down from it. You’ll see a small “bump” of a stitch on that row. Pull out the previous 4 rows.
Insert Your Needle:
- Insert the right-hand needle into the center of the stitch four rows below, as if you were going to knit it.
Knit the Stitch:
- Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch, just like you would in a regular knit stitch.
Drop the Stitches:
- After pulling the new stitch through, drop the top stitches off the left-hand needle (these are the stitches that were above the one you just knit into). This action will create a long stitch that spans the four rows.
Continue Knitting:
- Continue with your pattern, either knitting or following the instructions for the next stitch.

Visual Tip:

If you’re new to this technique, it might help to pull your work slightly to open up the stitches, making it easier to see and count down to the fourth row.

This method adds a unique texture to your fabric and can be used in various patterns to create interesting designs.

Video Tutorial

Watch this video tutorial and see how to do it!

Some patterns may ask you to knit 5 below or 6 below; you can pull out as many rows as needed in a similar way.

How To Knit The Bubble Stitch

You can experiment with any yarn and needle size for this stitch pattern.

I used bulky weight yarn with 8 mm (US 11) needles and also tried it with cotton yarn (worsted weight) and 5 mm (US 8) needles.

For this stitch pattern you can work in multiples of of 4 stitches plus 3 (for example cast on 19, 23, 27, etc).

Abbreviations:

K: Knit
P: Purl
K4B: Knit 4 Below (knit into the stitch 4 rows below)
St, St – Stocking stitch

Instructions:

Cast On: Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3.
Rows 1-5 (Wrong Side): Starting and ending with a purl row, work 5 rows in st, st.
Row 6 (Bubble Row): Knit 3 stitches, then K4B (knit into the stitch 4 rows below). Repeat the sequence of Knit 3, K4B across the row.
Rows 7-11: Starting and ending with a purl row, work 5 rows in st, st.
Row 12 (Bubble Row Offset): Knit 1, then K4B (knit into the stitch 4 rows below), Knit 3. Repeat the sequence of K4B, Knit 3 across the row until the last stitch, then Knit 1.
Repeat Rows 1-12 until your fabric reaches the desired length.
Finishing: Bind off your stitches, weave in any loose ends, and block your project if needed.

Please note: If you want to change yarn colors, it is best to do so on rows 5 and 11, the purl rows before the K4B rows.

This pattern will create a textured, bubble-like effect across your knitting.

The “Knit 4 Below” technique is key to achieving those raised bubbles, adding a unique and playful touch to your project.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitches, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch.

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed practicing the bubble stitch pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo, I’d love to see your work.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

Happy Knitting!

Free Knitting Patterns

Check out the knitting stitch patterns below to find your next stitch.

Bubble Stitch – How To Knit 4 Below Tutorial