In this swatch, we’re going to count both the puff stitch top loop and the ch1 as stitches, so each crochet puff stitch will count as 2 sts and skipping a stitch on the row below after each puff stitch will maintain the same stitch count. Some patterns may only count the ch1 as a stitch so follow the instructions in the pattern you’re working with.
Make more puff stitches in the same way to the end of the row (make 7 puff stitches), then work a plain treble stitch into the top of the turning chain on the row below
You’ll see how the stitches look like little puffs of yarn – if you lie your fabric flat, the puffs should stand out a little from the treble stitches in the fabric.
Turn your work and then you can either make another row of puff stitches in the same way, or work a plain row of 16 treble stitches like we did.
From the wrong side of the fabric, you’ll see that the puff stitches look very similar, so you can work them on the right side or wrong side of your fabric – very handy!
In a pattern, you’ll usually see a crochet puff stitch like the one above written as follows: (Yrh, insert hook in next stitch, yrh, pull loop of yarn through stitch) 3 times, yrh, pull through all loops on hook.
This sort of puff stitch has 3 repeats, which means you pulled a loop of yarn through the stitch on the row below 3 times. You can make larger puff stitches by increasing the number of times you work this part of the technique.
Use the swatch you’ve already started to practise working a puff stitch that has 4 repeats. Start the next RS row with the 3-ch t-ch, then work a puff stitch into the top of the next stitch on the row below, as follows: (Yrh, insert hook in stitch, yrh, pull loop of yarn through stitch) 4 times. You should have 9 loops on the hook.
Remember to pull the loops of yarn up to the same height as a treble stitch. Yrh, pull through all loops on hook. Chain 1. Now work yrh, skip 1 stitch and work another 4-repeat puff stitch into the next stitch.
Continue in this way to the end of the row (make 7 puff stitches), and work a plain treble stitch into the top of the turning chain on the row below. Turn and make a row of 16 treble sts.
Then try making a row of puff stitches with 5 repeats – simply work each puff stitch in the same way as before, but repeat the bracketed section 5 times instead of 4 times, as follows: (Yrh, insert hook in stitch, yrh, pull loop of yarn through stitch) 5 times.
You’ll notice that the puff stitches get larger and closer together, which creates a slightly different effect in your fabric.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this puff stitch crochet tutorial. Why not try some more of our crochet tutorials such as how to do crochet colourwork or how to crochet solomon’s knot.
How to crochet puff stitches
Now you know how to crochet puff stitches, you can add tonnes of texture to all of your crochet projects!
Crochet puff stitches appear in all kinds of patterns from blankets to cardigans. Once you've mastered the basic technique you'll be able to craft these projects with confidence.
Boost your skills with our crochet stitches library
In our crochet stitches library, we've collected all of our stitch tutorials in one place. Bookmark it so you can come back to it whenever you get stuck!
Improve your technique with Gathered's guide to crochet stitches.
