In this post I want to teach you how to make the bullion stitch. The crochet bullion stitch is a beautiful texture stitch that personally I love to use for mandalas. However, you can also use this stitch for boarders, free form crochet, mofits, blankets, and many more projects. Trust me, you’ll be looking for reasons to use this stitch because it’s just so pretty!
The pros
This has a whimsical or elegant feel to it depending on the colors you use. The bullion stitch isn’t reversible, so it works really well in the round, like for a bag or head band. It is quite a warm stitch because it’s bulky and thick, as a result it would be excellent for making something insulating, like a trivet or a cup cozy. If I used a scrubby yarn, it would be great for a facial/body scrubby or dish scrubby
The downside
There are couple of cons to this stitch. Firstly, it is a bit of a yarn eater, second is that it takes some practice to get it down. Some crocheters don’t bother with this stitch because it can be fiddly, but I personally think the practice it takes is totally worth it!
Variations
There are two main looks to the bullion stitch. The first, is to make the loops in a straight cylinder shape. You can accomplish this by making each loop about the same size around the hook.
The second, is to have a cone shape to the stitch. You can make this by looping the yarn around the hook more loosely at first and then making the loops slightly smaller as it goes. These tend to be better for working in the round.
Traditionally, both of these variations are done using only your crochet hook. However if you’re having a hard time, you can use a latch hook* instead.
*Latch hooks are usually used when making hook rugs, but crocheters can use them to make certain stitches a bit easier, like this one, or to weave in ends.
Abbreviations
- Ins = insert
- Ch = chain
- Yo = yarn over
- St = stitch
- <> = total number of stitches in row
Supplies
- Yarn any type
- I’m using a variegated worsted weight yarn
- Crochet hook
- Size H/5mm hook
- Snips
- Yarn or tapestry needle
- Latch hook (optional)
The Bullion Stitch Tutorial
You can do this stitch with any number of stitches, just add 3 to your number of stitches for your chain up.
Tip: If you’re using a latch hook in place of a crochet hook, simply follow the instructions using the latch hook instead. Make sure you keep the loops loose!
Foundation row. Ch 16
Row 1. Yo 7 times loosely, ins hook into the 4th ch from the hook, Yo once and gently pull through all of the loops on the hook, Yo, pull through the last loop. Repeat til you reach the end. <13 bullions>
Row 2. Ch 1, turn, put 1 sc in each st. <13 sc>
Row 3. Ch 3, turn, Yo 7 times loosely, ins hook into the next st, Yo once and gently pull through all of the loops on the hook, Yo, pull through the last loop.
Repeat these steps til you reach the end of the row.
Row 4 – 7. Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Once you’ve finished the last row, cut your yarn, tie off the end, and weave in the tail.
That’s it, you’ve finished your swatch!
Looking for more texture stitches? Try the 3D stitch, the Crunch Stitch, or one of my favorites the Alpine stitch!
I hope you found this helpful! Please like this post and following my blog, so you’re alerted when ever I make a new post!
Let me know if you are going to try any of these or of you have a tip of your own share them in the comments! I’d love you hear from you.🦉😊