Half Double Crochet Puff Stitch

Half Double Crochet Puff Stitch by Janice Jones

If you are confused about the differences between puffs, bobbles, bullions, and popcorns, you are not alone.  It took some time until I got my head around these relatively easy crochet stitches.  

In this article I will concentrate on how to make the half double crochet puff stitch and how to use the stitch in projects, but first, I wanted to set the record straight:  Puffs, Bobbles,  Popcorns, and Bullions are all very different crochet stitches.  Here's how.

How do Puff, Bobble, Bullion, and Popcorn Crochet Stitches Differ

All of these highly textured stitches that provide interest to many projects from blankets, hats, bags, and other types of wearables.

You can use half double, double, and even treble crochet stitches to make these stitches.  By the way, I am using US terms.  If you are in the UK, these stitches would be half treble, treble, and double treble crochet stitches.

Puff Stitches

Puff stitches are a little less defined than the others and can be made by starting your stitches but not finishing them until you have worked three or more.  Then you finish them by drawing a loop through all of the stitches on the hookworking three or more of the same stitch (half double, double crochet) into the same stitch and the completed or secured 

Bobbles

Bobbles are clusters of tall stitches all worked into the same space but not finished. Typically double crochet stitches are partially made and then they are all joined at the top.

Popcorn Stitches

Popcorns consist of several sitches worked into the same space, but unlike bobbles, each stitch is worked to its completion.  Then, all the stitches are gathered to getherat the top of the stitch to create a textured feature that resembles a piece of popcorn.

Bullions

Bullions are similar to those stitches above, but to make them you work many yarn overs, from six to ten, creating a texture that is unique.

How to Make the Half Double Crochet Puff Stitch

This is not a difficult stitch to master but it does require a little practice, which might make it seem challenging.

Notes

• These stitches look complicated but they are not difficult to master.
• Puffs can consist of 2, 3 or 4 half double crochet stitches that are worked partially and then completed by drawing through up to 9 loops on the hook.
• Tension issues can occur if puff stitches are not made properly.
• For best results when pulling up a loop initially, to create a loop that is higher than you normally would make with a typical half double crochet stitch.
• Puff stitches are best worked with an odd number of chains plus two.
• The puff stitch is not reversible.  The Puff stitch shows on the right side and the wrong side is very less textured.

Reversible Stitches

This is not a reversible stitch.

Skill Difficulty

Skills Needed

How to Make a Half Double Crochet Stitch

How to Make a Single Crochet Stitch

Slip knot and crochet chain

Abbreviations

Pf, Ps, Puff:  Puff Stitch

sc:  single crochet

hdc:  half double crochet

* *  Repeat the instructions between the two asterisks

rep:  Repeat

ch:  chain

ch st:  chain stitch

How to Make the HDC Puff Stitch Tutorial

We'll begin with the written instructions and then the picture directions are below.

Begin with an odd number of chains plus 2.

To Make a simple Puff Stitch:

1. Yarn over hook.  Insert the hook into the next stitch where you want to create a puff stitch.  Yarn over and draw up a loose loop than you normally would when making a half double crochet stitch.
2. Repeat the instructions in step one into the same stitch, 3 more times, creating 3 more partial half double crochet stitches (4 partial half double crochet stitches in total).  There are now 9 loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over and draw the yarn through all 9 loops on the hook.
4. Chain one to complete the stitch.  You have now completed one half double crochet puff stitch.

Half Double Crochet Puff Stitch Practice Swatch

It is always advisable to create a practice swatch to master the stitch before beginning a new project.  For this stitch, we will work a practice swatch on 17 stitches.

Begin with a foundation chain with an odd number of stitches, plus 2.  (15 + 2 = 17)

Abbreviated Form

Ch 17.  Turn

Row 1:  Hdc in 3rd ch from hook.  Work 1 hdc in each ch st across row.  Ch 1.  Turn (15 hdc) 

Row 2:  Sc in 1st.  *Work one pf st in next st, sc in next st. Rep from * until one last stitch remains.  Sc in last st.   Ch 2 and turn. (7 Puff stitches).

Row 3: Hdc in first st.  *Skip the next stitch which is the chain from the top of the puff stitch.  Work one hdc  into the next 2 stitches.  Rep from * to the end of the row.  Ch1 and turn.

Row 4 and beyond:  Rep rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off.

Instructions in Plain English

If you prefer, here is the instructions you just read in plain English.  I hope this will make this stitch easier to understand.

Chain 17.  Turn

Row 1:  Work one half double crochet into the third chain from the hook.  Continue to work 1 half double crochet stitch into each chain stitch across the row.  Chain 1, and turn.  (15 half double crochet stitches).

Row 2:  Work one single crochet stitch into the first stitch of the row.  *Work a puff stitch into the next stitch. (see instructions above).  Work one single crochet into the next stitch.  Repeat from * until one last stitch remains.  Work one single crochet stitch into the last stitch.  Chain 2 and turn. (7 Puff stitches)

Row 3: Work one half double crochet into the first stitch.  *Skip the next stitch which is the chain from the top of the puff stitch.  Work one half double crochet into the next two stitches.  Repeat from * to the end of the row.  Chain 1 and turn.

Row 4 and beyond:  Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the half double crochet puff stitch can add texture and warmth to your projects. By following this tutorial, you learn not only the basic steps to execute the stitch but also some practical tips on how to incorporate it into various designs.  Happy crocheting!

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Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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