Popcorn stitch

Popcorns are small knitted bobbles that stand out from the garment. 29 of my patterns use them. Here is what they are, where they belong, and the one trick that decides whether they turn out nice.

What popcorn stitch is

A popcorn is made by knitting several stitches out of one stitch, working a few rounds on them, and gathering them again. The result is a small bobble that lifts from the surface.

It is one of the few details in knitting that is truly three-dimensional. A lace pattern makes openings, a cable makes shadow — a popcorn actually sticks out.

Where I use them

Almost always on the sleeve, and almost always together with something else. On Rosie the popcorns meet a lace pattern. On Green Eyes and La Vie en Rose they sit in half brioche. On Wild Rose they are meant to look like small flower buds.

The reason is simple: popcorns over the whole garment is a lot. Popcorns on a puff sleeve become a detail you notice.

Blocking — what decides it

Popcorns get their shape after washing. Straight off the needles they look flat and a bit random. Block the garment lightly, and they settle, stand up and get the depth they should have.

If you skip the blocking, you do not see what you have knitted. This is the most common question I get about popcorns, and the answer is almost always the same.

Yarn, needles and gauge

• 7 mm needle in most of them.
• Gauge 12 stitches × 10 cm.
• Level: Beginner plus. The popcorn itself is not difficult — it is just more steps than an ordinary stitch.
• Mohair works well, because the halo softens the edge of the bobble. In a very firm yarn popcorns can turn hard and a bit lumpy.

Popcorns use a little extra yarn. Not much, but it is not zero.

How to knit a popcorn

I have made a video that shows it. It is narrated in Norwegian.

The rest of the pattern techniques are in Knitting School Part 7, together with stripes and cables.