How to Crochet Millstone Stitch (Wavy Brick Pattern)

The crochet millstone stitch creates a textured wavy brick-like pattern using alternating stitch heights and two contrasting yarn colors. This decorative stitch works especially well for blankets, cushions, bags, and colorful crochet projects because the geometric texture stands out beautifully. Although the millstone stitch looks intricate, it uses basic crochet stitches including single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. This tutorial will show you how to crochet millstone stitch step-by-step.

What is Millstone Stitch?

The millstone stitch seems strangely named because it really has nothing to do with actual millstones. Perhaps it is related to the geometric designs that were cut out on the surface of these stones, which were used to mill grains. I have also seen this stitch referred to as “Wavy Stitch”, but I’m sure there are many crochet stitches that have been given that name! This stitch resembles bricks and mortar, and if you look at the pattern created by Brick Stitch, you will see the similarity. This is more gentle and flowing, and it involves creating varying stitch heights to create a delicate wavy movement. Personally, I prefer the soft, continuous look of this stitch.

Millstone stitch is best worked in at least two colors to be visible. One color represents the “bricks,” and the other represents the “mortar.” However, you can modify the colors for each row however you like. If you do it entirely in one color, the pattern will lose its effect.

How to Crochet Millstone Stitch (Step by Step)

The Millstone stitch is simple as long as you know how to work single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

Millstone stitch is done in rows, with color A acting as the “mortar.” The first row is made up of single crochet stitches and serves as a nice foundation for the second color. The “bricks” created with color B are actually two rows. The repetition is as follows: two rows for “bricks”, and one row for “mortar”. We will repeat single crochet stitches, half double crochet, and double crochet to achieve the distinctive wavy look.

Row 1: Single Crochet

Start with color A and work your foundation chain in a multiple of 10 + 2. My sample is 32 stitches.

1. 1 sc in the 2nd chain from the hook, 1 sc in each chain to the end.
2. Change to color B at the end of this row.

Special Skill – How to Change Colors

Why Does Millstone Stitch Use Two Colors? Millstone stitch relies on contrasting colors to highlight the staggered wave and brick-like texture. One color acts as the “mortar,” while the second color creates the raised patterned sections.

• To change the colors, simply continue the last stitch, but before you yarn over for the final time, drop the color you’re working with. Take your new color and place it on top of your crochet hook. Leave the previous color!
• Pull color B through the two color A loops, turn your project, and work your turning chain. Continue to work on your pattern as instructed. Repeat whenever you change colors.

Row 2: Waves

1. Ch1, skip first st, 1sc, 1hdc, 5dc, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1.
2. Repeat from * to end.
3. Do not ch1 after final sc but work 1sc into last st (turning chain), turn.

In each sequence of millstone stitches, you can see how the stitches vary in height.

Row 3: More Waves

1. Repeat row 2. Change the color at the end.

Row 4: Mortar

1. Ch1, skip first sc.
2. *1sc into the next 9 stitches, 1dc into the skipped stitch from row 1.
3. Continue from * to end, working last dc into turning chain, turn.

This will be like forming a spike stitch. This stitch must be loosely worked so that the crochet fabric doesn’t bunch up too much.

Row 5: Straighten

1. Ch1, skip first sc, 1 sc in each st to end, last sc into turning chain. Change color, turn.

Row 6: Waves

1. Ch3, skip first st, 1dc in next 2sts, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1. (this produces a half repeat so that your pattern is staggered)
2. *1sc, 1hdc, 5dc, 1hdc, 1sc, ch1, skip 1.
3. Repeat from * to last half repeat, 1sc, 1hdc, 2dc, 1dc in turning chain, turn.

Row 7: Waves

1. Repeat row 6, changing color at the end.

Row 8: Mortar

1. Ch1, skip first st, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 1 dc into skipped stitch from row 6.
2. *1sc into next 9 stitches, 1 dc into the skipped stitch from row 6.
3. Repeat from * to final half repeat, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 1 dc in top of turning chain, turn.

Row 9: Straighten

1. Ch1, skip first sc, 1 sc in each st to end, last sc into turning chain, change color, turn.

Finishing with Row 10 & Beyond

Repeat rows 2–9 until your crochet fabric is the length you require.

To finish off your millstone stitch swatch, fasten your yarn by cutting it and pulling the cut end through the last loop. Weave in any loose ends using your yarn needle.

Uses of Millstone Stitch

This stitch is excellent for making blankets since it results in a dense and elastic fabric. It is a good option for using up leftover pieces of yarn to make a scrap blanket, and it can also be used for making garments and accessories. If you wish to use up scrap yarn for the best effect, keep the “mortar” of your millstones all in the same color, and change colors for the “bricks”.

Is Millstone Stitch Beginner-Friendly?

Millstone stitch is suitable for adventurous beginners who already know basic crochet stitches and simple color changes.

I find the stitch repeat becomes much easier after a few rows once the wave pattern starts becoming visible.

Tips for Millstone Stitch

If you are only using 2 colors, you do not need to cut the yarn each time you change color. You can just carry the yarn loosely up the side of your work. This will save you a lot of weaving in ends at the end of your project. If you are using multiple colors, however, you won’t be able to do this.

• Experiment with different colors to see which highlights the pattern the best.
• See if you prefer the look of just two colors or if you prefer your “bricks” to change color for a rainbow effect.
• Be careful to keep your tension even so that the pattern is not too loose or does not bunch up at all.
• Keep counting your stitches and checking that your stones are ‘staggered’ correctly, or the effect will be lost.

Pin for Later

Millstone Stitch Projects

This stitch is most often used for blankets, but it can be used to make anything at all! It makes really attractive pillows, cushions, or any other home décor item. Millstone crochet stitch would also make a charming bag, would look stunning as a poncho or shawl, and would make any crochet garment appealing.

Millstone Stitch FAQs

In Conclusion

The millstone stitch creates textured, flowing, geometric crochet fabric using simple stitch height changes and contrasting yarn colors. Its brick-like wave pattern makes it ideal for blankets, cushions, bags, and colorful crochet projects. Once you become familiar with the repeating rows and color changes, millstone stitch becomes an enjoyable textured crochet technique with beautiful decorative results.