Popcorn Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step

Popcorn Stitch is a crochet stitch that makes cupped raised bump; firm. Makers reach for it for textured blankets, borders, motifs. It is rated intermediate here, so it helps to be comfortable with the basic stitches first and to practice on a swatch before a project.

1. Work 5 dc in the same stitch. 2. Remove the hook from the loop, keeping the loop open. 3. Insert the hook from front to back into the top of the first dc of the group. 4. Place the dropped loop back on the hook. 5. Pull the loop through the first dc to close the popcorn. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.

US patterns abbreviate popcorn stitch as pc. UK patterns use the same abbreviation, pc, so this one reads the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.

The most common problems are: inserting from back to front, which makes the popcorn face the back; losing the dropped loop. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.

Stitches closely related to popcorn stitch include Bobble Stitch, Puff Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.