Popcorn is a popular crochet technique for adding texture to the surface of a work. This stitch really “pops” on the surface, like popcorn. This basic stitch is created by making five double crochet stitches into a single stitch and pulling them together, but the way you make them in your piece can vary depending on whether you're working a single crochet or a double crochet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Popsicle Stab
Step 1. Make five double stitches on one stitch
When you need to make popcorn in a row of chain stitches, start by making five double stitches on one chain stitch in that row.
If you don't know how to make a double crochet, see the “Tips” section for instructions
Step 2. Insert the hook into the first stitch of the group
Remove the hook from the last stitch, leaving an open loop. Reinsert the hook in the top loop of the first stitch of the batch of popcorn, then back through the open loop.
At this point, you should have two circles on your hook: the first circle and the last circle of the popcorn batch
Step 3. Close the group
Make a slip stitch by pulling the last loop into the first loop of the stitch, which is already on your hook.
- Use your fingers to push the popcorn skewer toward the face.
- This step completes the actual creation of the popcorn.
Step 4. Separate your stitches
Often, you will have to redo the popcorn stitch to create a pattern for your piece. The popcorn stitches are almost always separated by a chain stitch or two, and are rarely placed next to each other.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Making Popsicle Sticks on a Single Skewer
Step 1. Make a basic chain stitch
Make a basic chain stitch in a number that is divisible by three.
- For example, your chain stitch may have 12, 15 or 18 stitches of chain stitch.
- You should start by making a live knot on the end of your crochet hook. See the "Tips" section for instructions on creating a live knot.
- If you've never made a chain stitch, see the “Tips” section for instructions.
Step 2. Make a single stitch on each stitch
When you reach the end of your basic chain stitch, make a single stitch in the second stitch of the hook. From there, make a single crochet on each stitch of the initial chain stitch.
If you don't know how to make a single crochet, see the “Tips” section for complete instructions
Step 3. Make two single stitches
Make one chain stitch first before moving on to the next row. Turn your piece over, then make a single crochet in the next two stitches.
Step 4. Make five double stitches
In the next stitch (third stitch of the previous row), make five double stitches. Let the last loop of each stitch hang on your hook as you make it.
- This is the starting point for your popcorn stitch.
- If you don't know how to make a double crochet, see the “Tips” section of this article for instructions.
- Keep in mind that the popcorn stitch technique you use for this method is slightly different from the basic stitch mentioned in this article because you'll need to work all the top loops of the double stitch in groups, and not just the first and last loops.
- If you find it difficult to keep all the loops on the hook as you work, simply double crochet as usual and remove the hook from the last loop. Reinsert your hook through the top five loops of the double stitch in the group, including the sixth loop at the end of the group.
Step 5. Make slip stitches on all circles
Wrap the thread around the hook, then pull it through the six loops on the hook.
- This step completes the popcorn stitch.
- See the “Tips” section of this article if you need additional help making slip stitches.
Step 6. Make a single crochet in the next three stitches
Make a single crochet on the three stitches from the previous row.
Step 7. Repeat throughout the row
Make another batch of popcorn in the next stitch using the steps described earlier. Make a single crochet in the next three stitches again. Make it along the row with this pattern to the end of the row.
Step 8. Make a single stitch on each stitch
Make one chain stitch before moving on to a new row. Make a single crochet on each stitch in the previous row to even out the stitches.
When you reach the part of the popcorn, make a single crochet in the center back side of the popcorn
Step 9. Repeat as needed
Make a new row with the popcorn stitch as described earlier, followed by another row of single stitches. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your piece.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Making Popsicle Sticks on Double Stitches
Step 1. Make a basic chain stitch
Make a row of 12 chain stitches.
- You'll need to attach the yarn to the crochet hook in a live knot before you make the basic chain stitch. If you've never created a live knot, see the "Tips" section for instructions.
- You can also see the “Tips” section if you need instructions for making a chain stitch.
Step 2. Double crochet each stitch
Make a double crochet on the fourth chain stitch of the hook. After that, double crochet each chain stitch until the end of the row.
If you don't know how to make a double crochet, see the “Tips” section of this article for details and instructions
Step 3. Make three chain stitches
Make three chain stitches to move on to the next row. Turn over your work before continuing.
Step 4. Double crochet the next five stitches
Skip two double stitches from the previous row, then double crochet the previous five stitches.
Step 5. Make five double stitches
Make five double crochets in the next stitch, which should be the seventh stitch from the previous row.
- This step starts the creation of the popcorn skewer.
- Keep in mind that this popcorn stitch is pretty much the same as the popcorn stitch described in the basic methods section.
Step 6. Move the hook position and close the seam group
Remove the hook from the open loop. Thread the hook on the top loop of the popcorn stitch group, then return to the open loop. Pull the open loop through the first loop to close the group of popcorn stitches.
- You may have to push the batch of popcorn on the face of your piece. You can do it with your fingers.
- This step completes the popcorn stitch.
Step 7. Double crochet all the way to the end of the row
Double crochet each stitch until you reach the end of the row.
Step 8. Repeat as needed
Continue to the next row by making a chain stitch three times and turning your work over. Create an additional row by doing it on the stitches of the previous row. Repeat as many times as needed until the end of the row.
Tips
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To create a live node:
- Make a loop by crossing the long end of the thread with the tail of the thread.
- Push the long end of the thread into the loop that happens to make the second loop, then secure the first loop.
- Slip the crochet hook into the second loop, then secure the second loop on the hook. This completes the live node.
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To make a chain stitch:
- Wrap the long end of the thread between the hook and the loop on the hook.
- Pull this thread through the loop on the hook. This completes one chain stitch.
- Repeat as needed to complete the chain stitch.
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To make a single stitch:
- Thread the hook through the stitches from the previous row.
- Grab the thread with the hook and pull it through the seam. You have two circles on the hook now.
- Take the thread with the hook again.
- Pull the linked thread through both loops on your hook. You will have a loop on your hook after that. This completes a single stitch.
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To make a double crochet:
- Wrap the yarn around the hook from front to back.
- Thread the hook on the seam of the previous row.
- Grab the thread with the hook and pull it through this stitch. You have three loops on the hook.
- Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook.
- Wrap the yarn around the hook again, then pull it through the last two loops on the hook. You will leave a loop, and with this, your double crochet is done.
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To make a slip stitch:
- Thread the hook through the desired seam.
- Wrap the thread on the hook.
- Pull the wrapped thread through all the loops previously on the hook. There will be one loop left on the hook. This completes the slip stitch.
