Bubble Stitch Knitting Pattern

Today we are knitting up the pretty, cozy Bubble Stitch Pattern. This texture is three dimensional is totally addictive to knit up! Other names given for this knit stitch pattern are the Bubble Wrap Stitch, Air Bobble Stitch, 3D Bubbles Stitch, Dimple Stitch, and Chickadee Bubble Stitch.

Keep reading to get all your materials, techniques, and written pattern instructions both flat on straight needles and in the round on circular needles.

Knitted Bubble Stitch Textures in purple, pink, and white yarn colors.

Bubble Stitch Knitting

Texture Design

Since we’re cinching up our stitches, this pattern is a lot like a loose bobble stitch. It is gathered and textured with the Knit 4 Below technique.

You can create this texture into a wide variety of creative fashion projects like scarves, hats, blankets, and pillows.

Stitch Repeats

The texture is created with simple repeat of 12 rows.

Bottom-Up

This stitch is created from the bottom up.

Colorwork

Colorwork knitting is especially gorgeous with this texture. Knit up in just one color, two yarn colors, or as many as you’d like.

Not Reversible

This is not a reversible pattern, because the pattern is visible only on the right side of your work.

Right and wrong sides of the Bubble Stitch in pink, orange, and white colored yarn on knitting needle.

Knitting Techniques

Need to brush up or learn a new technique? Check out my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help you along as you knit up this project.

While you review the pattern below, you will see that it includes Knit 4 Below. My video tutorial below breaks it down. As a result, you’ll see that this knit stitch technique K4B is pretty fun, a little risky, and oh-so-satisfying.

Slip Knot 
• CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
• K = Knit Stitch 
• P = Purl Stitch
• K4B = Knit 4 Below
Change Yarn Colors
Bind Off

Bubble Stitch knitted texture in pink, orange, and white colored yarn on knitting needle.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Knitted Bubble Stitch Textures in purple, pink, and white yarn colors.

Printable Knitting Pattern

This Bubble Knit Stitch Pattern is three dimensional, has a lot of texture, and is totally addictive to knit up!  

Makes: Bubble Stitch Pattern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 4 + 3 stitches

  1. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl All
  2. Row 2 (Right Side): Knit All
  3. Row 3: Purl All
  4. Row 4: Knit All
  5. Row 5: Purl All - NOTE: If you wish to change yarn colors, do so before starting Row 6.
  6. Row 6: Knit 3, * Knit 4 Below, Knit 3 * (repeat pattern within asterisks)
  7. Row 7: Purl All
  8. Row 8: Knit All
  9. Row 9: Purl All
  10. Row 10: Knit All
  11. Row 11: Purl All - NOTE: If you wish to change yarn colors, do so before starting Row 12.
  12. Row 12: Knit 1, * Knit 4 Below, Knit 3 *, (repeat pattern within asterisks) until last 2 stitches then finish with K4B and K1

Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until your work is the length you desire, ending by purling after either Row 1 or Row 7, then Bind Off.

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 4 + 3 stitches

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
  2. Row 2: Knit All
  3. Row 3: Knit All
  4. Row 4: Knit All
  5. Row 5: Knit All - NOTE: If you wish to change yarn colors, do so before starting Row 6.
  6. Row 6: Knit 3, * Knit 4 Below, Knit 3 * (repeat pattern within asterisks)
  7. Row 7: Knit All
  8. Row 8: Knit All
  9. Row 9: Knit All
  10. Row 10: Knit All
  11. Row 11: Knit All - NOTE: If you wish to change yarn colors, do so before starting Row 12.
  12. Row 12: Knit 1, * Knit 4 Below, Knit 3 *, (repeat pattern within asterisks) until last 2 stitches then finish with K4B and K1

Repeat Rows 1 - 12 until your work is the length you desire, ending by purling after either Row 1 or Row 7, then Bind Off.

Notes

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Not a Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

12-Row Repeat

_____

KNITTING TECHNIQUES

• Slip Knot 
• Cast On Long Tail Method
• Knit Stitch 
• Purl Stitch
• Knit 4 Below (K4B)
• Change Yarn Colors
• Bind Off

_____

KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart graph of the Bubble Stitch.

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Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer

After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

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