Crochet · stitch tutorial

Crochet waffle stitch: how to do it, step by step

The crochet waffle stitch makes a thick grid of raised squares: on each row you alternate one front post double crochet with two regular double crochets, and on the next row you swap them, so the post stitches stack into ridges with deep pockets between.

What you need to know first

Double crochet (dc) and front post double crochet (fpdc): yarn over, insert the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below (not into its top), and finish like a double crochet.
The stitch repeat is 3 stitches. Most patterns add one plain stitch at each edge; follow your pattern's starting number.

The waffle stitch, row by row

Foundation: chain a multiple of 3 plus your pattern's edge stitches, then work a row of double crochet.
Row 2: turning chain, then (fpdc around the next stitch, dc in each of the next 2 stitches) across, with a plain dc at the edge.
Row 3: turning chain, then (dc in the top of the fpdc, fpdc around each of the next 2 stitches) across, with a plain dc at the edge.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 to the length you want.

Each column alternates between post stitch and plain stitch from row to row, which is what builds the waffle squares.

Tips

Don't pull post stitches tight. Let the loops come up to the height of a normal dc, or the fabric pulls in.
Count every row. It's easy to skip the stitch hidden behind a post stitch.
Use a smooth, light yarn so the grid shows; a hook a size larger than usual keeps the fabric soft.
Edges: a round of single crochet straightens the sides of a blanket.

Waffle stitch blanket

For a whole blanket, decide the size with the blanket size calculator or the crochet blanket size chart, round the starting chain to the 3-stitch repeat, and see our waffle stitch baby blanket guide.

Planning a waffle stitch blanket?The free blanket size calculator gives the starting chain, rows and yarn for every size from lovey to king. Waffle stitch uses more yarn than plain double crochet, so round the skeins up.

Size my blanket More crochet stitches

Questions

Is the waffle stitch hard?

No. It uses only double crochet and front post double crochet. The only thing to watch is which stitches get a post stitch on each row.

Does the waffle stitch use a lot of yarn?

Yes, noticeably more than plain double crochet, because each post stitch wraps around a whole stitch. Buy extra for a blanket.

Is the waffle stitch the same on both sides?

No. The deep grid shows on one side; the other side is flatter with a softer texture.

What is the waffle stitch good for?

Blankets, dishcloths, scarves and cushions: it's thick, squishy and warm.