The Nearsighted Owl's Bobble Blanket

Rachele's amazing Bobble Blanket - image from The Nearsighted Owl

Recently my cousin and I began a crochet-along (CAL) using The Nearsighted Owl's pattern for her Bobble Blanket. As we began we ran into some sticky spots where we weren't sure what to do next. Rachele, of The Nearsighted Owl, is very sweet to say that she is not a pattern writer. I think she did a great job!

Because her way of seeing things through her pattern did not always make sense to us, I re-worked the pattern so that it would make sense to me. There are two different ways to make her blanket.

One is to have all the rows line up with each other like this:

The other is to have all the rows alternate with each other like this:

Depending on the look you desire for your blanket you will have to do a few different things to get the look you want. So, first choose the look for you then follow the appropriate pattern below. I give full credit to Rachele at The Nearsighted Owl for all of this work. She was the inspiration in the first place! 

For Stacked Rows:
Worsted weight yarn
Size I crochet hook

Bobble Stitch Pattern #1: 

Chain 187 (or any odd number depending on desired width)

Row 1: Single crochet in each chain across. Chain 1. Turn.  (This will create a sturdy foundation for the blanket.)

Row 2: In the second single crochet from the hook, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from ** all the way across. Chain 1. Turn.

On Row 3: when single crocheting across,
 use these loops on the backside.

Row 3: Single crochet in all loops all the way across. Fasten off. Leave a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

Using a new color, slip knot onto the hook and put the hook in the last loop of row 2 and pull through. Chain 1. Turn. 

Row 3 - Finished

Row 4:  In the second single crochet from the hook, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from ** all the way across. Chain 1. Turn.

Row 5: Single crochet in all loops all the way across. Fasten off. Leave a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

-- Using a new color, slip knot onto the hook and put the hook in the last loop of row 4 and pull through. Chain 1. Turn.

Row 6:  In the second single crochet from the hook, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from ** all the way across. Chain 1. Turn.

Repeat rows 2 through 6 until your blanket is big enough! 

End Row 2.

Final row: Single crochet in each single crochet across. Fasten off.

Weave in all your ends.

~~~~

For Alternating Rows - 
Worsted weight yarn
Size I hook

Bobble Stitch Pattern #2:

With beginning color, chain 187 (or any odd number depending on desired width)

Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across. Chain 1. Turn.  (This will create a sturdy foundation for the blanket)

Row 2: In 1st single crochet, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from ** all the way across. Chain 1. Turn.

Change colors here, if desired. 

Fasten off, leaving a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

On Row 3: when single crocheting across,
 use these loops on the backside.

Row 3: (With new color) **Single crochet in 1st single crochet, single crochet in top of the next dc5tog; repeat from ** across to last single crochet, 2 single crochets in last single crochet. Chain 1, turn.

Row 3: Finished

Row 4:  In 1st single crochet, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from **  to last single crochet, single crochet in last single crochet. Chain 1. Turn.

Row 4: Two single crochets

Change colors here, if desired. Fasten off, leaving a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

Row 5: (With new color) **Single crochet in 1st 2 single crochets, single crochet in top of the next dc5tog, repeat from ** across. Chain 1, turn. 

Row 6:  In 2nd single crochet, **dc5tog (double crochet 5 together - bobble stitch), single crochet in next single crochet; repeat from ** across. Chain 1. Turn.

Change colors here, if desired. Fasten off, leaving a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

Repeat rows 3 through 6 until your blanket is big enough! End Row 3.

Final row: Single crochet in each single crochet across. Fasten off. 

Weave in all your ends.

~~~~

I have to tell you that this blanket takes a LOOOOONG time, a TON of yarn, and creates tired hands! It is also a rather stiff fabric when completed, not really my idea of a snuggly blanket. 

Stiff stuff, this!

My cousin is using hers for her baby boy to lay on. The nubby texture will make for a great tactile experience for him. 

Oooooo, nubby...

I have decided to create a different blanket with this stitch. I want to use one row of bobble then fill in the next row with large granny squares, then another row of bobble. It's still an abstract thought, but I'd like to try it. I like my blankets a little more flexible.

The bobble stitch is one of my favorites, but I find it's limited in the snuggly department.

~ Amimommy