Bean Stitch

Bean stitch, sometimes called the pea stitch, makes a firm, raised bump by pulling several loops up through one stitch and drawing them closed. For a common version you yarn over and draw a loop through the stitch, then repeat into the same stitch so a cluster of loops sits on the hook, and close them together with a final pull-through, which cinches the loops into a rounded bean that stands off the fabric. It is a cousin of the puff and popcorn, but the bean sits a little flatter and firmer, and worked in offset rows, each bean falling between the two below, the bumps tile into a dense, cushioned, all-over texture. That makes it a favourite for warm blankets, cowls, and structured bags. It uses a good deal of yarn because of the gathered loops, and the fabric has more body than drape. Keep the loops the same height so the beans match, and work the closing pull-through firmly so the bumps hold their shape.