The waffle stitch is a fun crochet pattern to make. It adds a soft and beautiful texture to any crochet project such as blankets, scarves, sweaters, hats, dishcloths, and many more. You can integrate the waffle stitch in any crochet project that you want, only imagination is the limit.
Though it may seem more complicated than the other basic crochet stitches, it really is an easy one. You only need to know two crochet stitches: the double crochet and the front post double crochet. As you work waffle stitch crochet, you'll put a double crochet on top of a front post double crochet and vice versa.
If you do not know about these stitches yet, don’t worry. Detailed instructions are provided below. I suggest that you read through the whole article first, then reread it again and again until you feel like you have the hang of it before working on your crochet waffle stitch. Embrace the relaxing and meditative aspects of crochet and take your time learning this fun crochet stitch.
And if you need more help with this stitch – or just want to learn more crochet stitches to try in your projects – our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library has tutorials for 45 different crochet stitches and patterns to try them with.
Crochet Waffle Stitch Pattern Step-by-Step Tutorial
Crochet Abbreviations
Now, let’s take a look at the abbreviations used in crochet patterns that you are likely to see in a waffle stitch pattern and what each of them represents.
| ABBREVIATION | CROCHET STITCH |
|---|---|
| st | stitch |
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet |
| fpdc | front post double crochet |
| yo | yarn over |
Materials and Tools
For this tutorial, I will be using Lion Brand Color Theory Yarn in moonbeam and Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook in 5mm or size H. You can purchase or use whatever materials are available and accessible to you, as long as the weight of the yarn corresponds to the size of the hook. Medium or worsted weight yarn (4) and a 5mm or 6mm hook are great for learning.
If you want to use a different weight of yarn, check the ball band to see what size crochet hook is recommended.
So, grab your yarn and hook, and let’s begin!
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms.
How to Make a Double Crochet Stitch?
Before we get started on the waffle stitch crochet tutorial, let’s cover the basic stitches used to make it, starting with double crochet (dc).
To make a dc, yo and insert your hook in the indicated ch or st, yo, and pull up a loop. With 3 loops on your hook, yo and pull through the first 2 loops. Yo and pull through the 2 loops left on the hook. Now, you’re done with one double crochet.
How to Make a Front Post Double Crochet?
The other key technique for learning waffle stitch is front post double crochet. The fpdc is based on the dc stitch. The difference is that instead of inserting your hook in the next st, you insert your hook around the post of the stitch from the row below.
To make an fpdc, yo and insert your hook from the front to back, then to the front, placing your hook at the back of the post of the next stitch, yo, and pull up a loop.
Then, you’ll have three loops on your hook. Yo and pull through the first two loops. Yarn over and pull through the two loops left on the hook. A finished fpdc looks raised, making the 3D effect of the waffle stitch. It’s really easy as a pie if you keep on practicing.
Need more help with the basics? Check out our Crochet Fundamentals workshop!
How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
Notes:
- The ch 3 at the beginning of each row counts as the first stitch or dc.
- At the end of each row, turn your work so you can work back across.
- Repeat the instructions inside the asterisks (* *) as many times as needed until 2 st are left.
- For this tutorial, every row has a total of 23 st.
To start the crochet waffle stitch, chain a multiple of 3, then add 2 more chains.
Insert the hook in the fourth ch from the hook and make a dc.
Dc in each remaining ch across.
To begin row 2, ch 3.
Work an fpdc in the next stitch. Remember you are working around the post of the stitch from the last row, not at the top of the stitch as usual.
Work a dc in each of the next 2 sts.
Repeat *fpdc, 2 dc* to the last 2 stitches. Fpdc around the next st, then dc into the top of the skipped ch 3 from the previous row.
For row 3, turn your work and ch 3.
Work a dc in the next st.
Work an fpdc in each of the next 2 sts.
Repeat *dc, 2 fpdc* to the last 2 sts.
Dc in each of the last 2 st.
Now, let's make the instruction simpler.
Row 4: Ch 3, *fpdc, 2 dc* repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, fpdc, dc.
Row 5: Ch 3, *dc, 2 fpdc* repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, 2 dc.
Repeat rows 4 and 5 until your desired length is achieved.
To fasten off your work, at the end of the last row, ch 1, cut yarn, leaving about 6 inches of tail, then pull the tail through ch 1 and tighten.
Wow! Look at what you’ve made, a beautiful waffle stitch crochet swatch! You might need to try this stitch a few times to be totally comfortable with it, but like in so many other things, practice makes perfect, and you’ll have this stitch down in no time.
Crochet Projects to Make with Waffle Stitch
A great way to get more comfortable with a new-to-you stitch pattern is to use it in a project. Check out these great patterns using waffle stitch crochet, and you’re sure to have it mastered in no time.
Waffle Stitch Crochet Blanket Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran
One of the best crochet projects to make with the waffle stitch is a blanket. It’s easy to make and you can always adjust the size to what you need. You can make it a baby blanket, for a toddler, or even for an adult.
All-Purpose Crochet Dishcloths
Designer: I Can Crochet That
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Waffle stitch makes a crochet dishcloth that’s both charming and functional. They can add an atmosphere of coziness to your kitchen. Cotton yarn is the way to go here for better absorption and a softer dishcloth.
Raised Squared Waffle
Designer: Buttonnose Crochet/Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Square crochet patterns are very versatile, you can make one big square or small squares stitched together. With this pattern, you can make a dishcloth or you can continue crocheting until you make a waffle stitch blanket. With this project, you will also learn how to work a waffle stitch square from the center out.
Buttery Soft Waffle Pillow
Designer: Crazy Cool Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
Why not make a pillow cover in waffle stitch? This is a pillow you’ll want to hug every time you see it because it’s just so soft and comfortable to touch. The texture is so great for home decor, too!
Breakfast in Bed Waffle Stitch Sweater
Designer: Stitch and Hound
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Yes, you can also make a garment with the waffle stitch crochet pattern. This blog, which contains a photo tutorial, will show you that it’s possible and also easy to make a sweater with the waffle stitch.
The ‘Off Piste’ Hat
Designer: Dora Does
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Wool Aran
If you want a super cozy hat for cold weather, this crochet hat is what you need. Made with waffle stitch and pompoms, it will surely keep your head warm. You can make one for you, for a toddler, for a child, or for another adult as a gift. (The teen/adult size is a free crochet pattern.)
Waffle Stitch Crochet Scarf
Designer: Fiber Flux
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart With Love
This scarf is cozy with its thick and beautiful texture made with a waffle stitch crochet pattern. This scarf is one of the easiest patterns there is because it’s just a long strip without any shaping.
Watson Waffle Crochet Hat
Designer: Lakeside Loops
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo Linen
Do you prefer a hat with no ribbing? This crochet hat has no ribbing as a brim, it’s just waffle stitch all the way. It includes a wide range of sizes from baby to adult large. Even though it is worked on lighter weight yarn, the waffle stitch will still make this warm and cozy.
Crochet Eyeglass Pouch
Designer: Creating Me
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spun Yarn
Do you usually get scratched eyeglasses or sunglasses whenever you take them from your bag? With this pouch, you don’t only get a pretty pouch, you can also protect your eyeglasses or sunglasses from getting scratched.
Jumbo Waffle Amigurumi
Designer: Little World of Whimsy
Yarn weight: (7) Jumbo
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vel-Luxe Jumbo Yarn
Nothing is more amazing than making a waffle with a waffle stitch! Don’t you just want to take a bite at this crochet waffle stitch project?
Learning to stitch waffle stitch is a lot of fun and there are so many great ways to use it! If we’ve inspired you to learn more new crochet stitches, check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library. Here you’ll find instructions and patterns for learning and using 45 crochet stitches. That should keep you learning for a long time!
Looking for more great crochet patterns: 35+ EASY & FUN CROCHET PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS, 50+ CROCHET SQUARE PATTERNS
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