Crochet Puff Stitch (A How-To Tutorial For Beginners)

What are the different types of puff stitches crochet?

There are several variations of the puff stitch in crochet, each offering a unique look and texture to your projects. 

Here are some common types of puff stitches:

1. Popcorn Stitch: Popcorn stitches are a type of puff stitch where you work multiple double crochet stitches (or other specified stitches) into the same stitch, 
2. Cluster Puff Stitch: Similar to the basic puff stitch, but instead of pulling through all loops on the hook at once, you may pull yarn through in stages, creating a different texture.
3. Tall Puff Stitch: This variation involves creating taller loops before closing the stitch, resulting in a more elongated puff.
4. Mini Puff Stitch: This is a small puff stitch, achieved by working fewer loops on the hook before closing the stitch.
5. Bobble Stitch: While not exactly a puff stitch, the bobble stitch is often grouped with puff stitches due to its similar appearance. 

These variations of puff stitches can be used creatively in crochet projects to add texture, dimension, and visual interest. 

Experiment with different types of puff stitches to achieve the desired look and feel for your next crochet creation.

The supplies you need… 

Yarn

• Choose a medium weight cotton yarn (Size 4) for best results, as it’s absorbent, durable, and easy to wash.
• 1 x ball of The Pima Cotton yarn from We Are Knitters.
• This yarn is 3.5 oz/100g/232 yds/212 m.
• Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
• You can make two dishcloths with this amount of cotton yarn.

Hook Size

A size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook typically works well with medium weight yarn.

Notions

• Darning needle/yarn needle
• Scissors
• Tape measure

Size Information

• Length = 8 inches/20 cm
• Width = 8 inches/20 cm

Crochet Abbreviations

The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

• CH – Chain
• Cont – Continue
• DC – Double crochet
• FPDC – front post double crochet – yarn over, insert hook around the post of the stitch, inserting your hook from front to back to front again, yarn over and pull through (you will have three loops on the hook), yarn over pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
• Patt – Pattern
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• Sl St – Slip stitch
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• WS – Wrong side

Video Tutorial

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to crochet the puff stitch.

Puff Stitch Crochet Dishcloth Pattern Instructions

Crocheting a dishcloth using the puff stitch is a great way to create a highly textured and absorbent fabric, perfect for scrubbing dishes or wiping surfaces.

The puff stitch is known for its lovely, textured appearance that adds a decorative touch while being practical.

This puff stitch dishcloth will not only be a practical addition to your kitchen but also a beautiful handmade piece to show off your crocheting skills.

1. Make a Slip Knot and Foundation Chain:

• Start by making a slip knot on your hook.
• Chain an even number of stitches; for a dishcloth, chaining 32 to 34 stitches is a good width.

2. Set Up the Base Row:

• Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in the second chain from the hook and each chain across. This sets a solid foundation for your puff stitches. Turn your work.

3. Begin the Puff Stitch Rows:

• Row 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 SC in the first stitch, work a puff stitch in the next stitch, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a SC in the last stitch. Turn your work.

How to Crochet a Puff Stitch:

• Yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
• Repeat this action in the same stitch (yarning over and pulling up a loop) four more times.
• Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook, then chain 1 in the next st to close the puff.

4. Alternate with Single Crochet Rows:

• Row 3: Chain 1 (counts as first SC), SC in the top of each puff stitch and in each chain-1 space across the previous row. Turn your work.

5. Continue the Pattern:

• Row 4: Chain 1, puff stitch in the first stitch, SC in the next stitch to close the puff, repeat across, ending with a SC stitch in the last stitch. Turn your work.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

6. Repeat the Pattern Rows:

• Continue alternating the puff stitch rows and single crochet rows until the dishcloth reaches your desired size. Typically, a square dishcloth measures about 8×8 inches or 10×10 inches.

7. Optional Border:

• Once you reach the desired size, you might add a single crochet border around the entire dishcloth for a finished look. Work one single crochet in each stitch around the edges, placing three single crochets in each corner to maintain a flat, square shape.

8. Finishing Off:

• Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Pull the tail through the loop on your hook to secure it. Weave in all ends with a yarn needle to tidy up your work.

Tips for Crocheting with Puff Stitches:

• Maintain Even Tension: Keep your tension even to ensure the puff stitches are consistent in size.
• Count Stitches: It’s easy to miss or add stitches in rows with puff stitches, so keep an accurate count to maintain your dishcloth’s dimensions.
• Care and Washing: Wash the dishcloth regularly in warm water, and it can be machine washed and dried.

What Supplies Do You Need To Crochet The Puff Stitch?

To crochet the puff stitch, you will need a few essential supplies. 

First, choose a suitable yarn for your project—medium-weight yarns like worsted weight or 

DK (double knitting) yarns work well with the puff stitch, allowing the texture to stand out nicely. 

Select a crochet hook that matches the yarn weight; typically, a hook size recommended for your chosen yarn will suffice. 

Additionally, keep a pair of scissors handy for cutting yarn and a yarn needle for weaving in ends once you’ve completed your project.

Stitch markers can be useful for marking specific stitches or rows, especially when working on more complex patterns involving the puff stitch. 

Having a tape measure or ruler nearby can also help ensure that your project maintains the desired dimensions. 

With these supplies on hand and a little practice, you’ll be ready to start crocheting beautiful projects with great texture using the puff stitch.

Related Post: The 10 Best Yarns For Crochet Dishcloth Patterns

Is Puff Stitch A Yarn Eater?  

The puff stitch can be considered a yarn-intensive stitch compared to basic stitches like single crochet or double crochet. 

This is because the puff stitch involves pulling up multiple loops before closing the stitch, which uses more yarn per stitch. 

The number of yarn overs and loops required to create each puff stitch contributes to its denser texture and increased yarn consumption. 

Additionally, puff stitches are often used to create textured designs and patterns that can further contribute to yarn usage. 

If you are working on a project using the puff stitch, it’s a good idea to estimate the amount of yarn needed based on the stitch pattern and desired size to ensure you have enough yarn to complete your project without running out. 

Choosing a yarn with good yardage and considering the overall design of your project can help manage yarn consumption when using the puff 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 Puff Stitch?

The puff stitch is a versatile crochet stitch that can be used to create a variety of beautiful and textured projects. 

Some popular items you can make using the puff stitch include blankets, scarves, hats, sweaters, and baby garments. 

The puff stitch adds depth and visual interest to crochet fabric, making it ideal for creating cozy and eye-catching designs. 

Puff stitch blankets and afghans look particularly stunning, with the textured clusters highlighting different colors and patterns. 

Scarves and hats made with the puff stitch have a soft and plush feel, perfect for winter accessories. 

Sweaters and cardigans featuring puff stitch details can add a unique touch to your wardrobe. 

Additionally, the puff stitch can be incorporated into baby blankets, booties, and hats to create adorable and cuddly handmade gifts. 

Crochet Lessons

If you are a new maker and need help with the basic principles of crocheting or you need a refresher, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.

There, you will find tutorial posts for all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know, a full video tutorial, and a step-by-step photo tutorial to help you along.  

This includes how to make a slip knot, how to create foundation chain stitches (ch), and how to crochet the basic stitches, such as single crochet stitches(sc), double crochet stitches (dc), and half double crochet stitches (hdc).

It also includes how to make a single crochet decrease and all the crochet abbreviations (in UK and US terms) a maker needs to know.  

And if you need more free video instructions, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube

And if you also love to knit and want tutorials with step by step instructions, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

Crochet Stitch Tutorials

If you are ready to move on to your next stitch, check out the free patterns below.

• How To Single Crochet (SC)
• How To Crochet The Popcorn Stitch 
• How To Double Crochet (DC) For Beginners
• How To Crochet The Blanket Stitch For Beginners
• 30 Crochet Stitches For All Skill Levels
• How To Corner To Corner Crochet (C2C) For Beginners
• Half Treble Crochet Stitch (htr) For Beginners
• How To Treble Crochet (TR) 
• How To Half Double Crochet Stitch For Beginners (hdc)
• Half Treble Crochet Stitch (htr) For Beginners
• 50 Best Crochet Stitches For Blankets And Afghans
• How To Crochet A Front Post Double Crochet Stitch
• How To Make A Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPDC)
• 23 Crochet Lace Stitch Patterns (Free Lacy Stitches)
• 5 Moss Stitch Granny Square Free Crochet Patterns
• How To Crochet The Alpine Stitch (Pattern Tutorial)
• Star Stitch Crochet Tutorial (Easy For Beginners)
• How To Crochet The Waffle Stitch (Free Tutorial)

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making crochet puff stitches, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group share a photo, and check out our Facebook page.

I’d love to see your work.

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Happy Crocheting!