The Waffle Stitch

Learning the Waffle Stitch is a wonderful next step once you're comfortable with basic crochet stitches. Its deep, squishy texture is created by alternating regular double crochets with front post double crochets, producing a fabric that looks just like a warm breakfast waffle. The result is thick, cozy, and perfect for blankets, scarves, washcloths, pillows, and anything you want to have extra texture. Once you get the hang of working around the posts instead of into the top loops, the pattern quickly becomes relaxing and repetitive.

Materials Needed

Your current project yarn: Any weight yarn works, though a smooth worsted weight yarn makes it easiest to see the texture while practicing.

A matching hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label.

Tapestry needle and scissors: For weaving in your ends when your project is complete.

The Stitch Breakdown

Before beginning the Waffle Stitch, you'll need to know a few basic stitches.

Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below (rather than into the top loops), yarn over and pull up a loop. Complete the stitch exactly like a regular double crochet.

Step by Step Pattern : VIDEO

Foundation Row

Chain any multiple of 3, then add 2 extra chains for turning.

Double crochet in the third chain from your hook.

Work one double crochet into every remaining chain across.

Turn your work.

Row 1: Creating the First Posts

Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch).

Work one regular double crochet into the first stitch.

*Work one Front Post Double Crochet around the next stitch.

Work one regular double crochet into each of the next two stitches.*

Repeat from to across the row.

Finish with one regular double crochet in the final stitch.

Turn.

Row 2: Building the Waffle Texture

Chain 2.

Work one regular double crochet into the first stitch.

*Work one regular double crochet into the next Front Post stitch.

Work one Front Post Double Crochet around each of the next two regular double crochet stitches.*

Repeat from to across.

Finish with one regular double crochet in the final stitch.

Turn.

Continue the Pattern

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your project reaches the desired length.

As the rows build, you'll begin to see the raised squares that give the Waffle Stitch its signature texture.

Finding Your Rhythm

The secret to a beautiful Waffle Stitch is remembering that every row alternates where the Front Post Double Crochets are placed.

If the previous row has a raised Front Post stitch, you'll work a regular double crochet into that stitch on the next row.

If the previous row has a regular double crochet, you'll work a Front Post Double Crochet around it on the next row.

This alternating pattern creates the raised "waffle pockets" that make this stitch so soft, warm, and visually striking.

Don't worry if the texture isn't obvious after the first couple of rows. By the fourth or fifth row, the pattern really begins to stand out, and from there it's easy to settle into a relaxing rhythm.

Happy crocheting!