Recently I wrote a post all about bubble stitch, and said that it’s sort of like knitting flat bobbles, because they make a similar shape but don’t stick out as dramatically from the fabric surrounding them.
There are several different ways that you can make bobbles, but it’s generally done but increasing several stitches into one stitch, turning and working on those stitches alone for a few “rows,” then decreasing back to the original stitch. All that extra fabric in one place makes it stand out from the rest, making a bobble.
I like bobbles when they are used as a more subtle design element as opposed to an allover pattern, but I understand there are people who love all the bobbles, too. Here are a few patterns to try if you’re new to bobbles and/or you just can’t get enough of them.
On the subtle end of the spectrum are projects like the Bobble Crown Beanie from North River Knits (you can find it on Ravelry). This bulky hat features a round of bobbles just above the ribbing, bringing a little texture to play without overwhelming things.
Another little bobble project is this Bobble Bow from Etsy seller Su & Nari. This pretty little bow has a handful of bobbles on a field of garter stitch. Use it as a bow, a bow tie, gift decoration, etc.
Bring bobbles into your home with the fun, felted bobble hotpad from The Old Horizon (via Ravelry). This pattern is both a great way to learn about bobbles and to learn about felting, since the felting covers any problems in your stitching anda project for the home doesn’t have to be a particular size.
A popular way to use bobbles is to have them form a picture or a word. This Word Blanket from Peach Unicorn Designs on Etsy is a great example of how that works. The bobbles spell out words on the surface of the baby blanket like love, sweet and precious.
If you’re making a bobble blanket for a baby, why not add a bobble sweater, too? This one is from Knit Baby Knit Designs on Etsy, and it’s a super simple, top down raglan with regular bobbles on the fabric. It uses bulky yarn and is size from 3 months up to 3-4 years.
For grownups, there’s the Bits and Bobble Sweater from Rachel Knits Things on Etsy. This design combines stripes and bands of bobbles for a super fun garment. It uses worsted weight yarn and comes in nine sizes.
Bring a bunch of bobbles into your home decor with this fun bobble sheep pillow from Purl Soho. You will definitely get a lot of practice making bobbles with this one! It’s worked in worsted weight wool (of course) and they have a couple of different sizes so you can stitch a whole flock.
To finish off this roundup here are some more ideas from our previous posts.
