How do I make a bobble in knitting?

To make a 5-stitch bobble: knit into the front, back, front, back, front of one stitch (5 stitches from 1). Turn and purl 5, turn and knit 5, turn and purl 5. Then pass stitches 2-5 over stitch 1 to close the bobble. The bobble pops out from the fabric surface.

How much extra yarn do bobbles use?

Each bobble uses extra yarn proportional to its size. A 5-stitch, 5-row bobble uses roughly 25x the yarn of a single plain stitch. Across a whole garment, an allover bobble pattern can use 15-30% more yarn than the same piece in plain stocking stitch.

What is the difference between a bobble and a nub?

A nub (also called a knot) is a small, quick version using fewer stitches and rows: typically knit into the front and back once or twice, then immediately decrease back. A bobble is larger and more prominent, using 5-7 stitches and 3-5 turned rows.

How do I space bobbles evenly?

Bobbles are typically placed every 4-8 stitches horizontally and every 4-8 rows vertically. Staggering alternate rows (offsetting by half the horizontal spacing) creates a diamond arrangement. Ensure your stitch count divides evenly by the spacing.

Can I crochet bobbles?

Yes. Crochet bobbles (also called puff stitches or popcorn stitches) work on the same principle: work multiple stitches into one stitch, then join them together at the top. Crochet bobbles are typically faster to make since you do not need to turn the work.

KnitCalcs

Bobble Calculator — Yarn Usage and Placement for Bobble Patterns

Calculate the number of bobbles, their placement, and the extra yarn needed for bobble stitch patterns.

Total Stitches

Stitches across the fabric

Total Rows

Rows in the bobble section

Horizontal Spacing

Stitches between bobbles

Vertical Spacing

Rows between bobble rows

Bobble Size

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines how many bobbles fit in your fabric and estimates the extra yarn needed for the textured stitches.

How it works

Bobble columns: Total stitches / horizontal spacing
Bobble row sets: Total rows / vertical spacing
Total bobbles: Columns x row sets
Extra yarn: Based on bobble size (stitches x rows per bobble)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard yarn weights and gauge. Results may vary with individual tension, yarn brand, and needle size.