Soft pillowy bumps — beanies love it. ImproverUS: puffUK: puff
Puff Stitch has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated puff), so you can follow either without converting.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by Lyza Walters on YouTube.
How to crochet the Puff Stitch — step by step
Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop to the height of a dc (3 loops on hook).
Repeat in the same stitch 3–4 more times: yarn over, insert, yarn over, pull up a tall loop (9–11 loops on hook).
Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook at once.
Chain 1 to close the puff. Keep the pulled-up loops equal in height for an even, pillowy bump.
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
Textured stitches add depth and structure — ideal for blankets, cushions, hats and anything that should feel substantial.
Common mistakes with the Puff Stitch
Uneven puffs or bobbles come from pulling loops to different heights — aim for the same height every time.
Texture stitches use more yarn (often 20–40% more) than plain fabric — plan with a yarn calculator.
Forgetting that bobbles pop to the back of the row you're working — work them on wrong-side rows so they face front.
Planning a project with the Puff Stitch? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
The Puff Stitch has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated puff.
Is the Puff Stitch good for beginners?
It is an improver stitch — comfortable once you know the basic stitches. Soft pillowy bumps — beanies love it.
Can I crochet the Puff Stitch left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Puff Stitch, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Puff Stitch used for?
Textured stitches add depth and structure — ideal for blankets, cushions, hats and anything that should feel substantial.
Learn the Puff Stitch in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.