I have always loved this stitch!  This is actually one of the first of the “special” stitches I learned on the looms about 10 years ago.  It provides a wonderful, lofty texture with such a delicate design, yet is accomplished using only those basic techniques that are learned when first looming a hat!  It’s a terrific way to add some wow factor to any project, without also adding complicated stitches that might slow you down. 😉

The other terrific thing about the Popcorn Stitch is that the back is lovely too!  This makes the stitch perfect for scarves, blankets, and any type of project that could be seen from both sides.

In this monthly column we’re going to be working on some exciting new stitch patterns, as well as a few new techniques thrown in for good measure.  My intention for our yarn play is to provide all the know-how for you to be able to work the new stitch; any charts, photos, or videos you may need; as well as a pattern to create an 8” x 8” square.  As we go along in our looming journey, we should be able to create lovely pieced afghans with our squares, as I like to know that we’re going somewhere while swatching, don’t you?  You can think of it as our Stitch Sample Afghan—a stitch dictionary right at your fingertips, keeping your legs warm, lol. 😉  To find all the previous stitches in this column, simply click here.

Popcorn Stitch Square

Items Needed

Loom: Authentic Knitting Board Adjustable Hat Loom: 2 rounded pieces + 3 peg connectors, with pegs in all holes for a 3/8” gauge.  The Sock Loom 2 or the All-n-One Loom could also be used.

Yarn: approx. 75 yards Worsted Weight (Sample uses Berroco Vintage in sakura)

Notions: Loom tool, yarn needle, scissors.  (Also helpful: peg markers, row counter, and blocking pins)

Pattern Notes:

To work this pattern in the round such as for a hat, use the Main Pattern Rows directions, but simply work all stitches in EW, as there will be no need for extra border stitches.  Make sure to also use an even number of pegs.

For flat pieces of a greater size, simply increase the number of EW’s inside the Main Pattern Rows.  You might also want to increase the number of rows/pegs used for the garter stitch top/sides/bottom to better match the new dimensions of the piece.

When the pattern uses the term “knit” or “k”, please use the true knit stitch or the u-stitch, not the e-wrap.

This is what the stitch looks like in a small gauge.  You could make the popcorn shapes more pronounced by increasing the number of pegs skipped in the Popcorn Rows A & B below.

Step by Step Instructions for the 8” x 8” square:

Cast onto your loom using a total of 32 pegs. (Sample uses Chain Cast On)

Set Up Rows

Row 1: p32

Row 2: k32

Row 3: p32

Main Pattern Rows

Rows 4-8: Repeat the following 2 row pattern:

a)  k2, EW28, k2

b) p2, EW28, p2

*Work Popcorn Row A:

Working with every other peg starting at peg 4,  look to the inside of the loom and count down 4 loops, starting with the loop directly at the back of the peg.  Lift the 4th loop up and over the peg. (This is very similar to the technique used in making the brim of a classic hat.) Continue with these same steps every other peg, to peg 30.  Every even #’d peg between pegs 4 and 30 should now have 2 loops.  KO all the pegs with extra loops.

Row 9-13:  Repeat the following 2 row pattern:

a)  p2, EW28, p2

b) k2, EW28, k2

*Work Popcorn Row B:

Working with every other peg starting at peg 3,  look to the inside of the loom and count down 4 loops, starting with the loop directly at the back of the peg.  Lift the 4th loop up and over the peg. (This is very similar to the technique used in making the brim of a classic hat.) Continue with these same steps every other peg, to peg 29.  Every odd #’d peg between pegs 3 and 29 should now have 2 loops.  KO all the pegs with extra loops.

Rows 14-83:  Repeat Rows 4-13, including Popcorn Rows A & B.

Finishing Rows

Rows 84-86:  repeat set up Rows 1-3.

Bind off all stitches loosely. (Sample uses the Basic Bind Off)  Weave in ends and trim close to work.

Block to an 8” x 8” measurement.

Afghan Notes:

If you are intending this square to be part of an afghan, you may wish to make up to 3 or 4 additional squares.  We will be sharing at least 12 of these patterns for you to use in your blanket.  Use the following general measurements to decide how many of each of the 8″ x 8″ squares you will need, rounding up as necessary:

• Baby Blanket: 30″ x 36″
• Children: 42″ x 48″
• Lapghan: 36″ x 48″
• Twin Bed Afghan: 60″ x 85″
• Queen Bed Afghan: 90″ x 95″