The puff stitch adds gorgeous, squishy texture to crochet — soft little raised bumps that are perfect for cosy blankets, cushions and baby items. It looks plush and impressive but is really just a series of loose loops gathered together.
What is the puff stitch?
A puff is a cluster of incomplete, elongated stitches drawn up to the same height and then closed together in one go. Unlike a bobble (made from full double crochets), a puff uses loose loops, which gives it a softer, rounder, more cushioned look. It's a close cousin of the popcorn and bobble stitches. New to the basics? Start with how to half double crochet.
How to crochet the puff stitch (step by step)
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a long, loose loop to about the height of a double crochet. You now have 3 loops on the hook.
- Repeat step 1 into the same stitch two or three more times, keeping the loops loose. You'll have 7–9 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook at once.
- Chain 1 to "close" and secure the puff (some patterns skip this).
- Usually skip a stitch, then work the next puff, repeating across.
Tips for soft, even puffs
- Keep your pulled-up loops loose and the same height — this is the secret to neat puffs.
- If closing all the loops is tricky, use a slightly larger hook.
- Count your loops before closing so every puff has the same number of pulls.
- Work puffs with the right side facing so the texture pops forward.
What to make with the puff stitch
Puffs are wonderful for baby blankets, cushions, cowls, hats and textured throws. A row or grid of puffs adds instant cosiness, and puff-stitch flowers are a popular embellishment.
Add some texture
Try the puff stitch on a cosy project. Browse our beginner patterns or grab a free pattern to practise.
Browse all patterns →Frequently asked questions
What is a puff stitch in crochet?
A puff stitch is several loose, elongated loops worked into the same stitch and then gathered together by pulling the yarn through all of them at once, creating a soft, raised bump.
What is the difference between a puff and a bobble stitch?
A puff uses loose, incomplete loops for a soft, rounded look, while a bobble is made from several full double crochets, giving a firmer, more defined bump.
Why won't my puff stitch close?
The loops are probably too tight. Pull them up loosely and to an even height, and try a slightly larger hook so the final yarn-over can pass through all the loops.
What can I make with the puff stitch?
Puff stitch is lovely for baby blankets, cushions, cowls, hats, textured throws and puff-stitch flowers.
Want more texture stitches? Try the shell stitch and bobble stitch next, or learn the fundamentals in our complete beginner's guide.
