Texture series #1: Bobbles
Adding texture to your knits is such a fun way to make a plain stockinette piece more interesting. In this series, I want to explore different types of stitches that can add some character. First up: Bobbles!
I like to call them bobbles but you can also find it as popcorn stitch. There are many different ways to knit one up, as explained in this video by GoodKnitKisses.
Bobbles are joyful and I just want to keep bopping them whenever I see or make them myself. This round-up features five diverse patterns, which have incorporated bobbles into their design in very unique ways!
I hope you get inspired and let me know which stitch pattern I should do the next round-up on!
Copyright: Joji Locatelli
La Prairie by Joji Locatelli
Combining a colour fade with lovely textures and bobbles? I am here for it. But it’s also possible to knit Joji Locatelli’s La Prairie cardigan in a solid colour to make the texture pop even more.
The pattern is drafted for fingering weight yarn and comes with six sizes. It is available in English and Spanish.
Shirin Shawl by Craft Doodling
Even if I personally don’t knit shawls (yet), I felt compelled to include Kavitha Raman’s Shirin Shawl in this round-up. Shawls offer a great playground for adding texture and the Shirin shawl is a lovely example! Very fittingly, the word Shirin means sweet, pleasant or charming in Hindi.
Knit with DK weight yarn on 4mm (US 6) needles, the pattern alternates between bobbles, garter stitch and diamond lace rows.
Copyright: Kavitha Raman
Copyright: Maya Macdonald
Bobbles and Stripes Shorties by The Wool Barn
How cute are these short socks by UK-based designer Maya Macdonald? I love a good stash-busting or mini skein project and the Bobbles and Stripes Shorties have been designed with this in mind. They are knit from cuff down, using magic loop method and feature fun bobbles under the cuff and wide stripes along the foot.
The pattern comes in three sizes and uses fingering weight yarn on 2.5mm (US 1.5) needles.
Heart Warmer by Justyna Knits
Full disclosure: I have knitted the Heart Warmer cowl before and I absolutely loved it. If you want to try out a range of textures, including bobbles, you should give this one a try!
The final piece measures about 60 cm (24”) in circumference and 43 cm /17”) in height. It is knit with fingering weight yarn and the pattern is available in both English and Spanish.
Copyright: Justyna Lorkowska
Copyright: Heidi Kirrmaier
Snow Wonder by Heidi Kirrmaier
Are you already thinking ahead for the festive period? Then, may I suggest the Snow Wonder pattern? The innovative use of the bobbles quite literally make this design stand out.
This size-inclusive pattern comes in 13 sizes (84 cm/33¼” to 180 cm/72” finished body circumference) and is knit with worsted weight yarn. Heidi also has a children’s version of this jumper on her Ravelry.