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This waffle stitch washcloth crochet pattern in two sizes is a great way to learn this common crochet stitch and make some cloths that are good for whatever needs cleaning up.
What is Waffle Stitch?
Waffle stitch is a pretty common crochet stitch pattern that is based on double crochet. Instead of working all the stitches in the top loops as you normally would with double crochet, some stitches are worked as front post double crochet, which means you take the hook behind the post (the tall part of the stitch) to make the stitch.
This brings that stitch forward from the surface of the fabric, giving waffle stitch a lot of texture. It has a reputation for being a yarn eater but it’s also a fast stitch to make, so it’s great for last minute gifts with a bit of drama without a lot of fuss.
Supplies
For this waffle stitch washcloth crochet pattern I made two different sizes of cloths, both using Lily Sugar’n Cream, a medium/worsted/size 4 100 percent cotton yarn. The smaller one used about 40 yards and the larger was a full “super size” skein or about 143 yards. The smaller one is the colorway Coneflower, while the larger actually doesn’t list a color and I can’t find it online, though it is similar to Jewels.
I also used a size H-8/5mm crochet hook for both.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical but I got about 3.2 stitches and 1 row per inch/2.5 cm in waffle stitch.
Size
Finished size of the small washcloth is 7 inches/17.75 cm square. The larger one is about 13 inches/33 cm by 10.5 inches/26.6 cm tall. If you want to make it square you can make the chain a little shorter or use more than one skein of yarn.
Waffle Stitch Washcloth Crochet Pattern
The stitch pattern is the same regardless of the size. To begin you need a multiple of 3 plus 2 chains. The smaller one is 26 chains, while the larger is 44.
Work a regular double crochet stitch starting in the third chain from the hook and in each stitch across. Using my sizing you’ll end up with 24 or 42 stitches respectively. Chain 2 and turn.
Row 1: Double crochet in the first stitch. *Front post double crochet, 2 double crochet. Repeat from * to last two stitches, fpdc, dc. Chain 2 and turn.
Row 2: Double crochet in the first two stitches. *2 fpdc, 1 dc. Repeat from * to last stitch, dc. Chain 2 and turn.
Repeat these 2 rows to desired length. Fasten off yarn and weave in ends.
Photo Tutorial for Waffle Stitch Washcloth
If you need a little more detail in your pattern, here’s a step-by-step photo tutorial to help you along.
First, chain the required number of stitches (a multiple of 3 plus 2).
Work a double crochet in the third chain from the hook.
Double crochet across the whole row. You should have a multiple of 3 stitches worked (in my case, 24 or 42).
Chain 2 and turn.
Work a double crochet in the first stitch.
Work a front post double crochet in the second stitch. To do that, yarn over, then take your hook behind the post of the double crochet from the previous row from right to left. Yarn over and pull through a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops, then again to finish the double crochet stitch.
Double crochet in the next two stitches, then repeat a fpdc and 2 dc across to the last 2 stitches.
Work one more fpdc and one more dc to end the row.
Chain 2 and turn the work. Start the next row with 2 double crochet stitches.
Work 2 fpdc stitches.
Double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat 2 fpdc, 1 dc across to the last stitch, then double crochet that stitch.
Chain 2 and turn. Continue working these two rows to your desired length, whether a square or until you run out of yarn.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
