The Grape Cluster Bobble Knitting Stitch, traditionally called Bunch of Grapes, is a richly textured pattern that uses raised knitted bobbles to form clusters resembling bunches of grapes. Knit, purl and twisted stitches create the textured background and help the three-dimensional grape motifs stand out.
Worked over a multiple of 20 stitches plus 1, this decorative bobble stitch has a 12-row repeat. The grape clusters are staggered across the fabric, creating an impressive all-over texture for blankets, cushion covers, scarves, sweaters, bags and decorative knitted panels.
Pattern Details
- Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 20 + 1 stitches
- Row Repeat: 12 rows
- Techniques: Knit, purl, purl through the back loop and bobbles
- Original Stitch Name: Bunch of Grapes
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ptbl: purl through the back loop
- yo: yarn over
- sl 1: slip 1 stitch
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together
- p2tog: purl 2 stitches together
- psso: pass slipped stitch over
- MB: make bobble
- RS: right side
How to Make the Bobble
MB: (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) all into the next stitch, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p2tog, p1, p2tog, turn, sl 1, k2tog, psso.
The bobble begins with one stitch and temporarily increases to five stitches. These stitches are worked back and forth over several short rows before being decreased back to one stitch.
Complete the entire bobble before continuing with the rest of the pattern row.
Grape Cluster Bobble Written Pattern
Cast on a multiple of 20 stitches + 1.
Row 1 (RS): k1, *(p4, k1) twice, p4, MB, p4, k1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: p1, *k4, ptbl, (k4, p1) 3 times; repeat from * to end.
Row 3: k1, *(p4, k1) twice, p3, MB, p1, MB, p3, k1; repeat from * to end.
Row 4: p1, *k2, (k1, ptbl) twice, k3, p1, (k4, p1) twice; repeat from * to end.
Row 5: k1, *(p4, k1) twice, p2, MB, (p1, MB) twice, p2, k1; repeat from * to end.
Row 6: p1, *k2, ptbl, (k1, ptbl) twice, k2, p1, (k4, p1) twice; repeat from * to end.
Row 7: k1, *p4, MB, (p4, k1) 3 times; repeat from * to end.
Row 8: p1, *(k4, p1) twice, k4, ptbl, k4, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 9: k1, *p3, (MB, p1) twice, p2, k1, (p4, k1) twice; repeat from * to end.
Row 10: p1, *(k4, p1) twice, k3, ptbl, k1, ptbl, k3, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 11: k1, *p2, MB, (p1, MB) twice, p2, k1, (p4, k1) twice; repeat from * to end.
Row 12: p1, *(k4, p1) twice, k2, (ptbl, k1) twice, ptbl, k2, p1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1–12 for the pattern.
Helpful Knitting Notes
The individual bobbles form the grapes, with their position changing over successive rows to build each rounded grape cluster. The clusters are staggered across the fabric rather than sitting directly above one another.
The pattern also uses purl stitches worked through the back loop (ptbl). Twisting these stitches gives extra definition to the textured sections between the grape clusters.
Each bobble starts and finishes as one stitch, so working a bobble does not change the overall stitch count.
This is a pattern where stitch markers can be particularly helpful. Place a marker between each 20-stitch repeat while learning the pattern so you can quickly check that each grape cluster is correctly positioned.
Keep your tension reasonably relaxed when making the bobbles. If the five bobble stitches are worked too tightly, the short rows and decreases can become difficult to work.
Choosing Your Cast-On Number
Use:
20 × number of repeats + 1 stitch
- 1 repeat: 21 sts
- 2 repeats: 41 sts
- 3 repeats: 61 sts
- 4 repeats: 81 sts
- 5 repeats: 101 sts
Tips for Knitting the Grape Bobbles
A smooth, solid-coloured yarn will make the grape clusters and twisted stitch details easier to see. Very fuzzy or heavily variegated yarns may disguise some of the three-dimensional texture.
The bobbles may look uneven while you are knitting, particularly before several rows of the pattern have been completed. Once the surrounding stitches are established, the grape shape becomes much clearer.
When blocking the finished fabric, shape the background gently but avoid pressing the bobbles flat. The raised texture is an important part of the finished grape cluster knitting pattern.
