Take your spooky crochet game to the next level! If you loved our flat crochet eyeball pattern, you are going to be obsessed with this 3D crochet eyeball pattern featuring bobble stitch eyelids.
This intermediate-level pattern uses the wildly popular bobble stitch (bo) to create a creeping, half-closed eyelid that drops over the iris, giving your eyeball a creepy, character-filled 3D effect. Measuring approximately 8 cm across and worked in sturdy size 10 crochet cotton, this piece makes a wildly entertaining coaster or a spooky addition to your Halloween bunting.
Plus, adding the random red veins is the perfect mindful exercise to help you embrace crochet mindfulness and find inner peace—even when you’re stitching something delightfully macabre!
Why You’ll Love This 3D Eyeball Pattern
What sets this crochet eyeball apart is the incredible texture. By strategically placing bobble stitches in Rows 4 and 6, and then working into the backs of those bobbles in Row 7, you create a lid that physically pops off the fabric. Row 8 then flares out with treble crochets to form the eyelid edge.
It’s a fantastic technique to learn and looks incredibly impressive! Once stiffened with spray starch, these eyeballs are perfect practical decor. You can cozy up your space with crochet home decor patterns that show off your quirky side, or pair this eyeball with a bobble stitch pumpkin pattern for the ultimate textured Halloween centerpiece!
Materials and Supplies
To hook up this 3D eyeball, you will need:
- Crochet Cotton Ball (Size 7 to 10): You will need 3 colors—Iris color, Main eye (white/sclera) color, and Edging color.
- Note: Crochet thread is labelled with a number, like a 3 or a 10. This refers to the thickness of the thread—the smaller the number, the thicker the thread.
- Crochet Hook: Size 2.5mm
- Scissors
- Embroidery Needle: Rounded point
- Embroidery Thread or Crochet Cotton: In red for the veins. (For this tutorial, we use red crochet cotton, but you can use split embroidery thread as in the first eyeball pattern).
- Spray Starch: Essential for stiffening the eyelid so it keeps its 3D droop!
Abbreviations Used (US Version)
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology:
- ch – Chain
- ch st – Chain stitch
- ch sp – Chain space
- sc – Single crochet
- dc – Double crochet
- tr – Treble or Triple crochet
- bo – Bobble Stitch
- sl st – Slip stitch
The 3D Crochet Eyeball Pattern
Measurement: Approximately 8 cm Base: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to create a loop.
Row 1: Ch 2, crochet 11 dc into loop. Join with sl st.
Row 2: Take your new colour (Main eye). Sl st into any ch st, 2 ch, 1 dc into first ch st, 2 dc into the next 11 ch st. Sl st to join. (24 stitches in total, incl 2 ch). Fasten off.
Row 3: 2 ch-1 dc into the same ch sp, 2 dc into the next 3 ch st, 1 dc into the next 2 ch sp, 2 dc into the next 4 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 2 ch sp, 2 dc into the next 4 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 2 ch sp, 2 dc into the next 4 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 2 ch sp, sl st to join. (40 stitches, incl 2 ch).
Row 4 (Creating the first eyelid bump): 3 ch, 1 tr into next 20 ch sp, 1 bobble stitch (bo) into next ch sp, 1 tr into next 18 ch sp, sl st to join. (40 stitches inc 3 ch).
Row 5: 3 ch, 1 tr into the same ch sp, 1 tr into the next 2 ch sp, 2 tr into the next ch sp. Repeat from * to * 12 times. 1 tr into the last 3 ch sp. Sl st to join. (53 stitches incl 3 ch).
Row 6 (Creating the second eyelid bump): 3 ch, 1 tr into the same ch sp, 1 tr into the next 2 ch sp, 2 tr into the next ch sp, 1 tr into the next 2 ch sp, 2 tr into the next ch sp, 1 bo into the next ch sp, 1 tr into the next 2 ch sp, 2 tr into the next ch sp. Repeat from * to * 8 times. 1 bo into the next ch sp, 1 tr into the next 2 ch sp, 2 tr into the next ch sp. Repeat from * to * 6 times. 1 tr into the last ch sp. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Row 7 (Forming the eyelid crease): Take your new edging colour. Sl st into any ch, 2 ch in the same ch sp, 1 sc into the next 9 ch sp, 2 dc into the back of the bo st, 1 sc into the next 32 ch sp, 2 dc into the back of the bo st, 1 sc into the next 25 ch sp, sl st to join.
Row 8 (Defining the eyelid edge): 3 ch, 1 tr into the next 9 ch sp, 5 tr into the next ch sp, 1 tr into the next 33 ch sp, 5 tr into the next ch sp, 1 tr into the next 26 ch sp, sl st to join. Fasten off. Weave ends in and cut off excess cord.
Finishing Off and Adding the Realistic Veins
The random red veins are what give this eyeball its unsettlingly realistic look! Here is how to add them:
- Prep your thread: For this version of the eyeball, I used red crochet cotton for the veins. (Option: You can use embroidery thread split in two, as in the first eyeball pattern).
- Cut to length: Cut your crochet cotton in lengths of 40 cm. The amount of thread you use will depend on how many veins you want to create.
- Stitching: Thread your embroidery needle. Start in the red edging, coming from the back and threading through to the front.
- Randomize: Pick up crochet stitches in each row randomly. There is no strict order—just create the veins as you go along! You can make them thin or thick depending on your thread choice.
- Clean up: Weave in all ends and cut off any excess thread.
Pro-Tip for 3D Eyeballs: Don’t skip the spray starch! Because the eyelids pop off the fabric, they need structure to hold their shape. Spray starch your finished eyeball, use your fingers to pinch and shape the eyelid over the iris, and let it dry completely.
Creative Ways to Use Your 3D Eyeball
Repeat the process for however many eyeballs you would like to make! Here are a few fun ways to use them:
- Spooky Drink Coasters: The stiffened cotton is completely flat on the back, making it a perfect, conversation-starting coaster.
- Creepy Bunting: String a whole garland of peeping eyeballs across your mantle or doorway! Need help stringing them together? See our free granny triangle bunting tutorial for beginners for tips and tricks on how to assemble your bunting.
- Appliques: Sew them onto a black tote bag, a spooky sweater, or use them to decorate a fall crochet centerpiece for your next Halloween party.
Happy hooking! These 3D bobble stitch eyelids are sure to keep an eye on your guests all season long.
