Puff Stitch

Although the Puff Stitch is an advanced crochet stitch if you follow the instructions it is very easy to do. However, my advice is to always make a sample piece first. This gives you the opportunity to work out exactly:

• how to do the Puff Stitch
• the approximate size of your work
• if you need a different size hook to crochet with

Abbreviations:

Sc – single crochet

Ch – chain

Dc – double crochet

Hdc - half double crochet

YO – yarn over

Sl st - slip stitch

Ch-1 sp is the same as chain one space.

(Example: If a pattern indicates "sc in next ch-1 sp" then you do a single crochet in the next chain one space (the next space where you previously chained one). Work the stitch into the hole below the chain and not directly into the chain itself).

Start to a length as required in in multiple of 2 chs - Crochet these loosely.

Row 1: sc in second from ch from your hook, * ch 1, skip next ch, sc in net ch; repeat from *. You should end up with an uneven number of stitches.

Row 2: (Right side): crochet 2 ch and turn; work Puff Stitch into the next ch-1 sp as follows (YO, insert hook in ch-1 sp and pull up a loop) - do this 4 times (make sure the loops are even). YO and draw through all 9 loops on hook, 1 ch to close. Puff stitch is made. * 1 ch, work Puff Stitch in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * across, hdc in last sc.

Row 3: crochet 1 ch and turn; sc in first hdc, 1 ch, * sc in next ch-1 sp (between Puff Stitch), 1 ch, repeat from * across, sc in top of beginning ch.

Repeat row 2 and 3 of pattern until the required length.

Finish with an edging. See 'Pattern for Crochet Baby Blanket' for the pattern of a border if required.