How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch Step by Step

If you are looking for a crochet stitch that is squishy, incredibly warm, and looks much more complicated than it actually is, you need to learn the Waffle Stitch.

As the name suggests, this stitch creates a deeply textured, raised grid pattern that looks exactly like a delicious breakfast waffle. Because the stitches overlap, the resulting fabric is extra thick and plush, making it the ultimate choice for heavy winter blankets, washcloths, and scarves.

Despite its impressive appearance, the waffle stitch only uses standard Double Crochet (dc) stitches and Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) stitches.

Let’s learn how to make it!

What is a Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)?

To understand the waffle stitch, you first need to know how to crochet around the “post” of a stitch. Normally, you insert your hook into the top two V-shaped loops of the stitch below. For a front post stitch, you insert your hook from front-to-back, and then back-to-front around the vertical “post” (or body) of the stitch itself. This pushes the stitch forward, creating the raised texture.

Waffle Stitch Instructions

Stitch Multiple: Chain a multiple of 3, plus 2. (For a practice swatch, try chaining 20).

Row 1 (Foundation Row)

1. Double crochet (dc) in the 3rd chain from your hook.
2. Double crochet in every chain across to the end of the row.
3. Chain 2 and turn your work. (This turning chain counts as your first double crochet for the next row).

Row 2 (The Raised Row)

1. The first stitch is skipped (because your turning chain counts as the first stitch).
2. Work a Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) around the post of the next stitch.
3. Work a standard double crochet (dc) into the top of each of the next 2 stitches.
4. Repeat pattern: Work 1 fpdc, then 2 regular dc. Repeat this sequence until you reach the end of the row.
5. Work a standard dc into the top of the turning chain from the previous row.
6. Chain 2 and turn.

Row 3 (The Recessed Row)

Now we are working on the “wrong side” or back of the fabric.

1. The first stitch is skipped.
2. Work a regular double crochet (dc) into the next stitch.
3. Work a Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) around the post of the next 2 stitches.
4. Repeat pattern: Work 1 regular dc, then 2 fpdc. Repeat this sequence across the row.
5. Work a regular dc into the top of the turning chain.
6. Chain 2 and turn.

Continuing the Pattern

To continue growing your waffle pattern, simply repeat Row 2 and Row 3.

As you add more rows, you will see the beautiful, recessed squares of the waffle begin to form. The fabric will pull in tightly, giving it that famous squishy stretch.

Pro Tip: Because the waffle stitch creates a thick, double-layered fabric, it uses significantly more yarn than standard flat stitches. Always buy an extra skein (or two!) of yarn when planning a waffle stitch blanket!