How To Crochet Waffle Stitch – Beginner Step by Step EASY

The crochet waffle stitch is a highly textured stitch pattern made with double crochet and front post double crochet stitches. Its raised grid design resembles the surface of a breakfast waffle, creating a thick, cozy fabric with excellent texture and warmth. Waffle stitch is popular for blankets, dishcloths, scarves, pillows, and other projects where a dense, cushioned fabric is desired. Although the texture looks intricate, the stitch is created using a simple two-row repeat that becomes easy to memorize after a few rows. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to crochet waffle stitch in rows, explain common variations, and help you troubleshoot any problems along the way.

What is Waffle Stitch?

The crochet waffle stitch is a textured stitch pattern created by alternating regular double crochet stitches with front post double crochet stitches. The raised front post stitches form a grid pattern that resembles the pockets of a breakfast waffle. Because of its thick texture and excellent stitch definition, waffle stitch is commonly used for blankets, washcloths, scarves, pillow covers, and other projects that benefit from warmth and texture. The stitch uses more yarn than basic crochet stitches but creates a durable, cushioned fabric.

Read more about crochet stitch patterns: Different Crochet Stitches

Crochet Waffle Stitch Pattern (Step by Step)

Here is a Waffle stitch diagram:

There are 2 main skills you will need to make a waffle stitch in crochet. These are the double crochet stitch (dc) and a double crochet front post stitch (fpdc).

Here is your free crochet pattern for the waffle stitch:

Row 1: Start the Waffle Stitch

1. Work your foundation chain.
2. Find the 4^th chain from the hook and dc into that chain, and then into each chain across the row. Turn.

How many chains do you need to start waffle stitch? For waffle stitch, you always need a multiple of 3 plus 2 extra chains for turning.

Row 2:

1. Chain 2 (counts as first stitch).
2. * fpdc into next stitch, dc into the next 2 stitches.
3. Repeat from * until the last 2 stitches.
4. Fpdc into the next stitch, dc into the top of the turning chain, turn.

What is a front post? The post is the long vertical part of your crochet stitch or the part which gives the stitch its height. So where you would normally work into the top two loops of the stitch below, when working a post stitch you work into the ‘post’ or the tall vertical part of the stitch in the previous row. It really is easy once you give it a try!

Row 3:

1. Chain 2 (counts as first stitch), dc in the first stitch.
2. *Fpdc around next 2 stitches, dc in next stitch (You will be doing the dc into the top of the fpdc of the previous row. The fpdc will be into the dc of the previous row. In other words you will do the opposite to row 2.)
3. Repeat from *to the last 2 stitches, dc in next st, dc in top of turning ch, turn.

Rows 4 and Beyond

1. Repeat rows 2 and 3 until your fabric has reached the required length.
2. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.

Work a small sample swatch to get the feel of this stitch, (say just 14 stitches) then try making a dishcloth or washcloth. To do this, just make a square of waffle stitch the size you would like, then work all the way around the edges with single crochet.

Troubleshooting with Waffle Stitch

The most common problem when working with waffle crochet stitch is that your piece becomes narrower as you progress.

The usual cause of the piece narrowing is skipping a stitch at the beginning of the row. To avoid missing a stitch, place a marker in the first and end stitches of the row. In this situation, your chain 2 at the start of the row counts as a dc and is what you would record as the first stitch of the row. It’s referred to as the turning chain.

Know how many stitches, to begin with, then count each row as you finish it to ensure the count is correct. You may not want to keep counting all the way through your work, but it’s the only way to ensure you’re not missing any stitches. Also, “stop frequently to appreciate your work” is always a good idea—you’ll spot errors before they get too serious.

The other problem commonly mentioned is that the texture is not looking like a breakfast waffle. If this happens to you, it is probably a tension issue. Try using a different-sized crochet hook, or changing to a different yarn.

Variations on the Waffle Stitch Crochet

Once you get an idea of how this stitch works, you can try working on different versions of it.

• Waffle Stitch in the Round – This is sort of like making a granny square waffle stitch. Although it is described as in the round, you will be making a square. The round means that you are working around the square instead of working back and forth in rows.
• Mini Waffle Stitch – The mini waffle stitch is created in exactly the same way as the waffle stitch, but every time you would use a dc, you substitute that for a half double crochet.
• Diamond Waffle Stitch – To make this variation of waffle stitch, you need to work a front post treble 2 together. (fptr2tog) Diamond stitches need to be longer to stretch diagonally.

Waffle Stitch vs Basketweave Stitch

Although the waffle stitch and the basketweave stitch are both textured crochet patterns, they create very different finished fabrics. Here is a table comparing both of them:

Waffle Stitch	Basketweave Stitch
Small raised grid texture	Large woven texture
Easy 2-row repeat	More complex repeat
Uses FPDC	Uses FPDC and BPDC
Beginner-friendly	Intermediate
Ideal for blankets and dishcloths	Ideal for blankets and home decor

Waffle Stitch FAQs

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How to Crochet Waffle Stitch – In Conclusion

The crochet waffle stitch is a textured stitch pattern that creates a thick, cozy fabric with a distinctive waffle-like appearance. Although it looks impressive, it is made from a simple combination of double crochet and front post double crochet stitches worked in an easy two-row repeat. Because waffle stitch is warm, durable, and highly textured, it is an excellent choice for blankets, dishcloths, scarves, pillows, and many other crochet projects. Once you learn the repeat, it quickly becomes a relaxing and satisfying stitch to crochet. Give this interesting stitch a try, and you will soon be addicted to working on it! It’s an excellent stitch for dishcloths, washcloths, pillows, and crochet baby blankets.

More Crochet Stitch Patterns

• Sunburst Granny
• Solid Granny Squares
• Moss Stitch Crochet
• Crochet Seed Stitch