How to Crochet Waffle Stitch

Crochet waffle stitch is becoming increasingly popular for various types of crochet projects. It creates a textured and squishy crochet fabric that is the perfect choice for many projects, including blankets, accessories, and garments. 

Learn to crochet this fun stitch with my beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorial. You will be able to create this stunning stitch in no time!

What is the Waffle Stitch?

Waffle stitch is a unique crochet stitch pattern that creates an attractive, textured, and thick crochet fabric. It is a clever combination of basic double crochet with front post double crochet stitches. 

Here is a quick outline of crocheting the waffle stitch pattern:

• On Row 1, you will repeat 2 double crochet stitches followed by 1 front post double crochet.
• Row 2 will be the reverse of row 1: you will work a double crochet into each front post double crochet from the previous row, and a front post double crochet into each double crochet from the previous row.

That is the basic principle of how the stitch works. The stitches are arranged in such a way that the finished texture of the fabric resembles breakfast waffles. 

A Note about Post Stitches

Waffle stitch, like some other highly textured crochet stitches, is made with crochet posts stitches. The post stitches are what create the waffle-like grid lines that are characteristic of this stitch.

Post stitches are similar to traditional crochet stitches, except that you work the stitch around the post of the stitch from the previous row, rather than under the two loops at the top of the stitch.

There are two types of post stitches: front post and back post stitch. To make the front post stitch, you’ll insert the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch in the previous row. Likewise, for the back post stitch, you’ll insert the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch from the previous row. 

For the waffle stitch, you will only use the front post double crochet, which means you will insert your hook from front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull through, then finish off the stitch as a double crochet.

Crochet Techniques to Know

Waffle stitch might look complicated, but it’s really easier than you think.

To successfully crochet this textured stitch, you’ll need to master some basic crochet stitches first.

• Chain Stitches: Chain stitches form the foundation for the waffle stitch swatch.
• Double Crochet: To learn how to work double crochet stitches, read How to Double Crochet Stitch (dc) for Beginners.
• Post Stitches: Post stitches are similar to regular stitches, but they are worked around the post of the stitch rather than into the two loops at the top of the stitch. 

Once you are confident crocheting standard double crochet stitches and working these around the post of stitches, you can easily create the waffle stitch too.

Waffle Stitch Pattern Instructions

Now you know the basics, let’s learn the waffle stitch step by step with the help of photos.

• Skill Level: The waffle stitch crochet pattern is a great choice for a confident beginner
• Stitch Multiple: multiples of 3 + 2
• Row Multiple: the stitch pattern repeats over 2 rows

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Yarn – To practice, you can choose any yarn from your stash. Worsted weight or chunky yarn would work the best as they are easier to work with and less fiddly. These yarns will also make this stitch extra squishy.
• Crochet hook – Choose the hook size that’s called for on the yarn label of your chosen skein. Try a US Size H 8 (5.0 mm) hook if you’ve chosen a worsted-weight yarn. 
• Scissors
• Stitch markers – These are handy when you need to mark out the front post stitches.

Abbreviations:

• ch – chain stitch – yarn over and pull through
• dc– double crochet
• FPdc– front post double crochet – yarn over, insert hook around the post of the stitch, inserting your hook from front to back to front again, yarn over and pull through (you will have three loops on the hook), yarn over pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops
• st/sts – stitch/stitches

Pattern Notes:

• This stitch pattern is written in US crochet terms
• The turning chain-2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch

Instructions:

Starting Chain: the starting chain should be a multiple of three plus two stitches for the pattern to work. To follow along with the swatch below, chain 17 (which is 5 x 3 = 15 plus 2 chains = 17, your swatch will have five waffle stitch repeats)

Row 1: Starting in the 3rd ch from your hook, work 1 dc into each ch of the foundation chain, turn at the end. You should have a multiple of three dc sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, work 1 dc in the first st, *1 FPdc in the next st, 1 dc in the next 2 sts; repeat from * to 2 sts from the end, 1 FPdc in the next st, 1 dc in the last st, turn your work.

Row 3: 2 ch, work 1 dc in the first st, *1 dc in next st, 1 FPdc in the next 2 sts; rep from * to 2 sts from the end, 1 dc in each of the last 2 sts, turn your work. 

Repeat rows 2 and 3 for the pattern.

Patterns that use Waffle Stitch

As I mentioned above, one of the great things about waffle stitch is its versatility. This stitch would be particularly great to use when making blankets or accessories.

Here are a few patterns you can try after you master this fun and textured stitch pattern:

1. Baby blanket – I adore the Annabel baby blanket from Maisie and Ruth, which uses waffle stitch. It has an amazing squishy texture and will keep your baby super warm. 

The blanket is finished off with a simple border consisting of double crochet stitches, shell stitches, and a final round of single crochet stitches in a contrasting color. 

You can also weave a ribbon around your blanket and add a bow to each corner to finish it off. 

2. Scarf – The Waffle Stitch Crochet Scarf from Fiber Flux is the perfect neutral and cozy accessory you can make for yourself or as a gift for others. It is quick to work up, so you can whip up a few for the upcoming holidays.

3. Dishcloth – This waffle stitch dishcloth is a great project to practice your new skills. It is a small and quick project that will let you practice this fun stitch and have something useful at the end of it. You can pair it up with a handmade bar of soap and have a beautiful and thoughtful gift for a loved one! 

Common Questions about Waffle Stitch

Here are some frequently asked questions about crocheting the waffle stitch.

Does waffle stitch use a lot of yarn?

Waffle stitch is not the worst culprit when it comes to using up a lot of yarn. However, because of its squishy texture and three-dimensional look, it does take more yarn than other basic stitches. 

Although you might have to purchase an extra skein or two, I think it is totally worth it!

Is waffle stitch reversible?

Yes, the waffle stitch is reversible. The two sides aren’t exactly the same, but they are similar. This is especially handy for items like blankets, dishcloths, or other items where both sides will be visible. 

How do you crochet waffle stitch in the round?

You can definitely use the waffle stitch in the round rather than rows. Working waffle stitch in the round is especially handy to know if you want to use it for things like hats or cowls.

The easiest way to do this is to turn your work after completing each round. You will slip stitch into the top of your first stitch and turn to work on the wrong side of your work.

As long as you stick to the same principle of working the opposite stitches to the stitches from the previous round, the waffle stitch pattern will appear.  

And remember, for the pattern to work, you will need to work in multiples of two rounds. 

Explore More Crochet Tutorials

If you’ve enjoyed this single crochet tutorial, you may also be interested in these posts:

• How to Make a Slip Knot for Crochet: 2 Easy Methods
• 6 Basic Crochet Stitches for Beginners (Learn These First!)
• How to Half Double Crochet Stitch (HDC)
• How to Single Crochet (sc) for Beginners
• How to Crochet Moss Stitch (aka Linen, Granite, Woven Stitch)
• How to Crochet Shell Stitch (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
• Puff, Bobble, & Popcorn Crochet Stitches: What’s the Difference?
• How to Crochet Popcorn Stitch
• How to Herringbone Single Crochet Stitch

Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!

We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.

What’s Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!