How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch for Beginners

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Chain your foundation

The waffle stitch works in groups of three, so your starting chain needs to be a multiple of three, plus four extra stitches for straight, even edges. For example, for a piece 30 stitches wide, chain 34 (30 plus 4). Keep your chain relaxed rather than tight, since you'll be working double crochet into every stitch across the first row and a tight foundation chain makes that first row harder to work into.

Step 2 — Work the foundation row

Skip the first chain from your hook, then work a plain double crochet into each remaining chain across the row. This row is just a foundation — it isn't part of the waffle pattern yet, it simply sets up a stitch to work into for row one. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work.

Step 3 — Work the right-side waffle row

This is where the pattern begins. Work a regular double crochet into the first stitch and the second stitch, going through the top loops as usual — this keeps a straight, tidy edge. For the third stitch in the group, insert your hook behind the entire double crochet column of the previous row, rather than through the top of the stitch, then complete a regular double crochet there. This pulls that stitch forward and pushes the other two back, which is what starts to create the raised ridge. Repeat this pattern — two regular double crochet, one worked behind the column — in groups of three across the row. The very first and last stitch of every row are always worked as regular double crochet through the top, even if the pattern would otherwise call for a pulled-forward stitch there, to keep your edges straight. At the end of the row, chain one and turn.

Step 4 — Work the wrong-side waffle row

The next row uses the opposite pattern: two stitches worked behind the column to pull them forward, then one regular double crochet through the top, repeated in groups of three. As before, the first and last stitch of the row are always regular double crochet to keep the edge straight. It takes two rows — one right-side row and one wrong-side row — to complete a full waffle square, so don't worry if the texture isn't obvious yet after just one row. Continue alternating the right-side row (Step 3) and the wrong-side row (Step 4) until your piece reaches the length you want. The pattern can feel a little unclear for the first two or three rows, but becomes much easier to read once the ridges start to appear, since you can simply look at your work to see which stitch comes next.

Step 5 — Finish with a plain row and block your piece

For your final row, work a plain double crochet into every stitch across — through the top loops only, with no stitches pulled forward. This creates a clean border row that matches your foundation row and frames the waffle texture neatly. Fasten off and weave in all yarn tails securely with your tapestry needle. Block your finished piece to even out the stitches and help the ridges sit flat and consistent, then wash gently in cold water and lay flat to dry — avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, which can distort the texture.

Frequently asked questions

What is the crochet waffle stitch and why does it look different on each side?
The waffle stitch is a textured crochet pattern made entirely from double crochet stitches, worked in groups of three. Two stitches are worked normally through the top of the previous row, and one is worked behind the entire double crochet column to pull it forward. This creates raised ridges on the right side that resemble a waffle grid, while the wrong side stays flat and plain.

Is the waffle stitch a good crochet pattern for beginners?
Yes. The waffle stitch only uses the double crochet stitch you already know — the only change is where you insert your hook. The first two or three rows can feel confusing while the pattern establishes itself, but once the ridges appear it becomes easy to read your own stitches and follow the repeat.

What can I make with the waffle stitch?
The waffle stitch works well for blankets, dishcloths, and potholders, since the ridged texture holds its shape nicely at any size. A tan or brown cotton yarn will make a potholder look like an actual waffle, while a softer yarn is a better choice for a cozy blanket.

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