Learn how easy it is to crochet the waffle stitch with this free pattern. It has wonderful texture and a cozy, grid-like look. A great stitch for everything from waffle stitch dishcloths to cozy blankets and throws.
Create a thermal fabric that holds in warmth on chilly winter days. Follow an easy two row repeat.
The modern waffle stitch looks great in a variety of colors. Crochet a lovely blanket that is sure to be cuddled for years to come.
Learning New Crochet Stitches
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a long list of crochet stitches you’ve always wanted to try. The crochet waffle stitch has been on my bucket list for years!
Recently, my daughter asked if she could make a waffle stitch blanket pattern. I knew it was finally time to sit down and create a clear, beginner-friendly video tutorial and photo tutorial. Perfect for her and anyone else wanting to learn.
How Do You Crochet the Waffle Stitch?
The waffle stitch pattern is made with a clever combination of double crochet stitches and post stitches. It works beautifully in a solid color or stripes to really show off the waffle texture.
This really is quite an easy pattern.It’s considered an advanced beginner stitch. Because of the front post double crochet and double crochet combination. However, a confident beginner can absolutely succeed with the help of detailed stitch tutorials, written instructions, and helpful visuals.
You can see the specifics in the free pattern below, and I’ve also linked to a video tutorial at the end of the blog post.However, here’s a basic explanation of how you make this stitch!
You will start with a double crochet across the entire first row. Then in rows 2 and 3, you’ll be working a 3-stitch combination of double crochet and front post double crochet stitches. After that, just continue repeating rows 2 and 3 for the rest of the pattern.
Don’t worry, in the directions below, I’ll walk you through everything from the foundation chain and starting chain, to each row of double crochet and post of the stitch.
And yes—we’ll also cover how to spot the right side and wrong side, find the 1st st of the row, and how to work into the top of the turning chain at the end of the row.
Whether you’re crocheting a throw size blanket or testing this out with a dishcloth, you’ll want to pay attention to your stitch multiples, row pattern repeat, and stitch count. The waffle stitch is definitely a bit of a yarn eater, so be prepared for that.
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Directions: Learn How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
Gauge
Approximately 15 stitches and 7 rows in 4” x 4” of stitch pattern
Size
The sample is approximately 4 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches tall.
Make your project wider or narrower by using stitch multiples of 3. Change the length by adding or decreasing rows.
Materials
This sample pattern was worked using a medium weight yarn.
Size I 5.5mm crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Abbreviations
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet
- ST = Stitch
- STs = Stitches
- YO = Yarn Over
- [ ] = Repeat Between
Pattern Notes
Written in US Terms.
Turn at the end of each row.
You may choose to practice the pattern on a small swatch before beginning a larger project. The sample was worked using a foundation chain of 18 stitches.
There are photo tutorials throughout the pattern and video tutorials after the written pattern.
Crochet Stitches Used
Chain Stitch (CH ST)
Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook. Leave about a 5-inch tail on the yarn. This will be weaved in later.
Next snug up the yarn loop that is on the crochet hook; while it should be firm, it should also be loose enough to slide on the hook with ease.
Keeping the loop on the hook, insert the hook in the stitch, wrap the yarn over the crochet hook from back to front. Draw the yarn through the loop. Yarn over again and draw the yarn through both loops that are currently on the hook. (The first chain stitch is complete).
HOW TO CROCHET THE CHAIN STITCH video tutorial
Double Crochet (DC)
Yarn over, insert the hook through both loops and pull up a loop. Next, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook. Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE DOUBLE CROCHET STITCH video tutorial
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)
Front post stitches are raised crochet stitches on the surface of the fabric facing you.
When you work front post stitches, you will insert your hook from the front of your work to the back. Insert your hook the front to the back, so that the post you want to crochet around is in front of your hook.
- Yarn over, insert the hook from front to back between the posts of the first and second double crochet of the row below.
- Then insert the hook from the back to the front between the posts of the second and third stitches. (The hook should now be positioned horizontally in back of the post that you are working around).
- Yarn over, pull the yarn around the post of the stitch. There should now be 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull the yarn through 2 loops on the hook.
- Lastly, yarn over again and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
HOW TO CROCHET THE FRONT POST DOUBLE CROCHET video tutorial
If you are a beginner crocheter, we also have a dedicated blog post on how to crochet the front and back post double crochet.
Begin
Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook.
Crochet your desired number of stitches using multiples of 3.
The sample uses 18 chain stitches
Row 1
In the 5th CH from the hook, work a DC and in each stitch across the row. Turn
Row 2
CH 3 (Counts at the first ST). In the second ST work a FPDC. In the 3rd ST work DC. [1 FPDC, 1 FPDC, 1 DC] Continue working the three stitches across between [ ]. Ending with a DC in the last ST (Which is the top CH of the previous row). Turn
Row 3
CH 3 (Counts as the first ST). In the 2nd ST work a DC, in the 3rd ST, work a DC. For the rest of the row, thinking in groups of 3 work [1 FPDC, 1 DC, 1 DC] Repeat the three stitches across between [ ]. Ending with a DC ST in the top CH of the first CH 3 of the previous row. Turn
Row 4
Repeat Row 2
Row 5
Repeat Row 3
Row 6 and Beyond
Continue repeating rows 2 and 3.
Finishing
After you work the last SC ST, cut off the yarn leaving about a 12-inch long tail. Pull the yarn tail through the last loop on the hook.
Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tails and weave them through the crochet stitches back and forth until the yarn feels secure. Snip off the excess yarn.
If you are a beginner crocheter, you can find more detail on finishing your crochet project on the website.
Visual Tip: Take a look at the photo below to see how you can “read” your stitches. Notice how some stitches are pushed back (those get a regular dc) and others pop forward (those get a fpdc). Once you spot the texture difference, keeping track of your waffle stitch pattern becomes second nature!
🧶 How to “Read” Your Stitches in the Waffle Stitch Pattern
One of the best tricks for working the waffle stitch is learning to “read” your stitches by how they sit in the row below. This becomes especially useful once you’re into the row repeat, like on Row 3 and beyond.
- If the stitch from the previous row looks pushed back or flat, that’s a front post double crochet (FPDC) from the row below. In the current row, you’ll work a regular double crochet (dc) into the top of that stitch.
- If the stitch looks raised or pushed forward toward you, it was a regular double crochet in the previous row. In this row, you’ll work a front post double crochet (FPDC) around the post of that stitch.
Think of it like alternating raised bricks and recessed mortar lines—your FPDCs create that lovely textured grid, and your dc stitches fill in the rest. Once you see the pattern, it becomes easy to follow without constantly counting!
Crochet Video Tutorials of the Waffle Stitch Crochet pattern
How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
Equipment
- 1 Size I, 5.5mm Crochet Hook
- 1 Tapestry Needle
- 1 Scissors:
Materials
- 50 yards Yarn medium weight works nicely with this stitch
Instructions
Begin
- Begin the chain stitch by making a slip knot on the crochet hook.
- Crochet your desired number of stitches using multiples of 3.
- The sample uses 18 chain stitches
Row 1
- In the 5th CH from the hook, work a DC and in each stitch across the row. Turn
Row 2
- CH 3 (Counts at the first ST). In the second ST work a FPDC. In the 3rd ST work DC. [1 FPDC, 1 FPDC, 1 DC] Continue working the three stitches across between [ ]. Ending with a DC in the last ST (Which is the top CH of the previous row). Turn
Row 3
- CH 3 (Counts as the first ST). In the 2nd ST work a DC, in the 3rd ST, work a DC. For the rest of the row, thinking in groups of 3 work [1 FPDC, 1 DC, 1 DC] Repeat the three stitches across between [ ]. Ending with a DC ST in the top CH of the first CH 3 of the previous row. Turn
Rows 4 and Beyond
- Continue repeating rows 2 and 3.
Finishing
- After you work the last SC ST, cut off the yarn leaving about a 12-inch long tail. Pull the yarn tail through the last loop on the hook.
- Thread the yarn needle with the yarn tails and weave them through the crochet stitches back and forth until the yarn feels secure. Snip off the excess yarn.
Notes
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!