How To Crochet A Bobble Blanket Border (Written + Video Tutorial)
Crochet Bobble Blanket Border
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you probably already know how much I love a good bobble! I’ve used bobbles in quite a few of my designs over the years, including one of my most popular patterns, the Grace’s Bobble Blanket. There’s just something about that extra bit of texture that makes a project feel cozy, fun, and a little extra special.
So it should come as no surprise that I eventually decided to turn my love of bobbles into a blanket border!
If you’re looking for a fun way to finish off a blanket, this Crochet Bobble Blanket Border might be just what you need. Although I used this border on a blanket, it would work well on all kinds of crochet projects. Try it on a baby blanket, scarf, throw, lapghan, or any project that could use a little extra texture around the edges. I think the bobbles add lots of fun and character.
One of the things I love most about this border is that it works with pretty much any stitch count. Since you’re repeating the pattern around the edge of your project, it’s easy to make small adjustments if needed when you get back to the beginning of the round. There’s no need to stress if your stitch count isn’t absolutely perfect.
I originally created this border while working on a stash-busting blanket. I had challenged myself to use up as much of my Lion Brand Heartland yarn as possible, and by the time I finished the blanket, I still had more yarn left than I expected. Since my goal was to use up every last bit that I could, I knew I didn’t want to stop with a simple border. So I decided on a bobble border to finish my blanket (spoiler: it used so much yarn, I ended up having to purchase an extra skein because I ran out lol).
I hope you’ll give this Crochet Bobble Blanket Border a try. Below you’ll find both the written instructions and a full video tutorial to help you crochet along.
Video Tutorial for the Bobble Border:
Materials
Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern uses mostly basic stitches but includes a few special techniques, including cluster stitches, working into chain back bumps, and creating a decorative bobble border. If you’re comfortable reading written crochet patterns and identifying where your stitches go, you’ll be ready to tackle this project.
Tutorial Notes:
- This border tutorial is two rounds, both worked in the round, with the right side facing you.
- Chain 1 at the beginning of a round does not count as a stitch.
- When working the first round of the border, place stitches evenly along the sides of the blanket to help prevent rippling or puckering.
- If your rows contain double crochet stitches, you may find it helpful to place 2 single crochet stitches in the end of each row. For shorter stitches, 1 single crochet in the end of each row is usually sufficient.
- The bobble border (Round 2) is worked continuously around the blanket without any special corner adjustments.
- Stitch counts may vary slightly when working the bobble border. Finishing instructions are provided at the end of the round to help accommodate minor stitch count differences.
Stitches Used and Abbreviations:
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- yo = yarn over
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sk = skip
- sc = single crochet
- dc cl = double crochet cluster
Instructions for the Bobble Border
Round 1
With the right side of your work facing you, join your yarn in the top right corner.
Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 sc in the same stitch where you joined.
Working across the top edge, place 1 sc in each stitch across. In the last stitch, work 3 sc. This forms your first corner.
Working down the first side, place sc stitches evenly along the edge. If your rows contain double crochet stitches, you may wish to work 2 sc in the end of each dc row. For rows made with single crochet stitches, 1 sc in the end of each row is usually sufficient.
In the last stitch of this side, work 3 sc. This forms your second corner.
Working across the bottom edge, place 1 sc in each stitch across. In the last stitch, work 3 sc. This forms your third corner.
Working up the remaining side, place sc stitches evenly along the edge, just as you did on the first side. In the last stitch, work 3 sc. This forms your fourth corner.
Join with a sl st to the first sc to complete Round 1. You now have a simple round of single crochet stitches all the way around.
Round 2: Bobble Round
Do not turn your work. Continue working with the right side facing you.
Ch 5.
Count 3 chains from your hook and locate the back bump of the third chain.
Work a double crochet cluster into this back bump as follows:
- Yarn over, insert hook into the back bump of the third chain, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
Repeat these steps 4 times total. You should now have 5 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 5 loops to complete the cluster. Ch 3.
Work a second double crochet cluster into the back bump of the first chain of the beginning ch-5 using the same method as above.
You should now have two double crochet clusters stacked on top of one another.
To close the bobble, locate the two bars at the base of the first cluster. I squeeze that first cluster together to make it easier to see the two bars.
Insert your hook through both bars and work a sl st. This ‘closes’ the bobble by bringing the two clusters together.
The first photo shows my tapestry needle through these bars. This is where you will insert your hook to complete your sl st to close the two clusters together. The second photo is the completed bobble.
Ch 3, skip the next 3 sts, sc in the next st.
Repeat from * around the entire project.
No special stitches are required in the corners. Continue working the bobble pattern evenly around all four sides, treating corner stitches the same as any other stitch.
Finishing the Bobble Blanket Border
When you reach the end of the round, your remaining stitch count may not work out perfectly, and that’s okay! Since every blanket is a little different, you may end up with a different number of stitches remaining than I did.
In my sample, I had 5 stitches remaining at the end of the round. I could have simply skipped all 5 stitches and joined to the first stitch of the round, and the border would have looked just fine.
Instead, I chose to work one more bobble repeat. I skipped 2 stitches, worked 1 single crochet in the next stitch, and then worked one final bobble repeat. That left me with 2 stitches, which I skipped and then joined to the first stitch of the round.
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to finish your border. The goal is simply to create a neat finish that blends naturally into the beginning of the round. I felt that adding one more bobble repeat worked best for my blanket, but you should choose the option that makes the most sense for your project and your final stitch count.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Crochet Bobble Blanket Border tutorial! One of the things I love most about it is how adaptable it is; you don’t need a perfect stitch count, and it’s easy to make small adjustments to fit your project.
If you give this border a try, I’d love to see your finished project! Be sure to share a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful work. Happy crocheting!
SHOP PREMIUM PATTERNS:
These photos are the property of Spotted Horse Design Co. This tutorial is for your personal use only. Please do not copy/paste, distribute, or alter and claim as your own.
