Quick answer: MB (make bobble) means increasing into one stitch to make several, working short rows on those stitches only, then decreasing back to one. The stitch pops out from the fabric.
What it is
A bobble is a raised ball created by working multiple stitches into a single stitch, turning and knitting short rows on those stitches, then decreasing back. Patterns abbreviate it as MB.
When to use it
- Aran and textured stitch patterns
- Decorative accents on hats, cardigans, and baby knits
- Anywhere the pattern calls for MB
How to work a 5-stitch bobble
- Into the bobble stitch: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 — 5 stitches from 1.
- Turn. P5 across these 5 stitches only.
- Turn. K5. Turn. P5. Turn. K5.
- Pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the 1st — back to 1 stitch.
- Continue the row normally.
Common mistakes
- Bobble doesn't pop — surrounding stitches are too tight; pull them slightly looser
- Bobble leans to one side — turn tightly at each row end
- Using wrong stitch count — always check your pattern's specific MB definition