Knit Waffle Stitch Tutorial 

Knit Waffle Stitch Tutorial    by Janice Jones     

Here is another tremendously simple beginner stitch that creates a textured fabric with bumps that look like tasty waffles . What do you think?

You might mistake this for a rib stitch because it involves a combination of knit and crochet stitches, but it is not. Rather, it forms a grid-like pattern It is a simple stitch pattern worked over a four-row repeat and a multiple of three plus one stitches.

Close up of the knitted waffle stitch

Table of Contents

What's so Great About the Knitted Waffle Stitch? 

Uses for the Knitted Waffle Stitch

Skills Needed to Make the Waffle Stitch

Abbreviations Used

Notes about the Stitch

Instructions

Understanding Knit Charts

FREE: Makeup Removal Pads

Materials for Makeup Pad Project

Instructions for Makeup Pad Project

What's so Great About the Knitted Waffle Stitch? 

  • The texture of the waffle stitch is somewhat stretchy and thick.
  • It lies flat, so it's perfect for projects requiring flat surfaces.
  • It's easy to do, so it's perfect for beginner knitters.
  • The pattern is easy to memorize and remember.
  • It’s not frilly and is more of a unisex design, so it works for his and her projects.
  • The wrong side also looks pleasing, even though the fabric is not reversible.

Uses for the Knitted Waffle Stitch

  • Washcloths
  • Table placemats and table runners,
  • Potholders
  • Makeup remover pads
  • Baby blankets
  • Scarves
  • I think this stitch pattern would be perfect for a warm, cozy cowl.

Skills Needed to Make the Waffle Stitch

Is this stitch beginner-friendly? Absolutely. Only a couple of skills are needed to create this beautiful pattern.  It can also be found as part of my entire library of free stitch patterns (Knit and Purl Stitches)

Common Abbreviations of Knit Stitches

K - Knit

P - Purl

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

RS - Right side

WS - Wrong side

*    * Repeat instructions between the two asterisks for the number of times indicated.

Rep Rows - repeat rows

Notes about the Knitted Waffle Stitch

  • Worked in multiples of 3 plus 1.
  • Four-row repeat.
  • Instructions use US terms.
  • This pattern creates a flat fabric, but if you want to add a border to create an exciting design, may I suggest you add a couple of rows of the garter at the beginning and end of your project?   Add four stitches when you cast on the required number of stitches for your project.  Make the first two and last two stitches in the garter stitch to complement your beginning and ending rows.
  • The seed stitch can be used as selvage stitches and provides an attractive border.

Supplies Needed for a Practice Swatch

  • Light colored yarn so you can see your stitches.  I recommend a CYC Number 4 yarn
  • Needles:  Size US 7 - 9 (4.5 mm to 5.5 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Waffle Knit Stitch Tutorial

Waffle stitch on the knitting needles

This is the perfect beginner knit pattern. It requires that the beginner know how to knit and purl—that's all!

Cast on:  Multiples of 3 stitches plus one, so a typical scarf pattern would require 36 plus one or 37 stitches.

If you prefer to knit a sample first, cast on a sample of 13, 16, 19, or 22 stitches.

CO a multiple of 3 +1 

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p2; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: *P1, k2; rep from * to last st, p1.

Row 3: Knit all stitches

Row 4: Purl all stitches

Repeat those four rows to your desired length. These four rows complete the waffle pattern. Afterward, bind off and weave in the ends.

Understanding Knit Charts

This is an easy pattern, so written instructions are likely all you need. However, I have provided one below if you want to learn more about knitting charts. 

Remember to begin at the lower right-hand corner and work across from right to left. Move forward to row 2, just above the first row, and work left to right.

The knitted waffle stitch shown in a knitted chart with symbols and explanationKnitted Waffle Stitch Knitting Chart

Common Mistakes

This is a beginner-friendly stitch pattern so for the more experienced knitter, this stitch should not prove difficult.  If you are a beginner, you might encounter a couple of challenges.

Keeping Track of Your Progress: This is a four-row repeat which is normally easy, but if you are new to knitting, you might lose your place especially if you put your needles down.  Use a post-it note and tally marks to keep track of the row you are working on.  You can also use a row counter.

Tension: Sometimes tension can be challenging when knitting knit and purl stitches.  You can compensate for the difference between the two stitches by tugging on the yarn a little before completing the purl stitch.

Counting Stitches:  Beginners often complain that their stitch counts are not consistent.  For example, they start out with 20 stitches and soon there is either 19 or 21.  Often an accidental yarn-over is placed creating more stitches.  The best advice I can give you is to go slow and concentrate on your stitches. Mindfulness.

Pin for Future Reference

Close up Pin Image for the Knit Waffle StitchKnit Waffle Stitch: Pin for Future Reference

FREE:  Makeup Removal Pads PatternWorked in the Knitted Waffle Stitch

Makeup removal pad displayed with sponge and soap.Knitted Waffle Stitch Makeup Pad

Materials Needed

Directions

Cast on 19 stitches

Row 1: (WS) Knit 1, * Purl 2, Knit 1, repeat from * to end

Row 2: P1, *K2, P1 rep from * to end

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: Purl

Continue creating the pattern until your piece is a square.  End with working one more Row 1 and Row 2.  Bind off and weave in ends.

Happy Knitting, Smart Knitter!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the knitted waffle stitch be worked in the round?

Yes, You can work this stitch on a circular needle.

Cast On: Multiples of 3

  1. Row 1 (RS): * K1, P2 *
  2. Row 2 (WS): * K1, P2 *
  3. Row 3: Knit 
  4. Row 4: Knit 

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 until your piece reaches your desired length, then cast off and weave in ends.

What are the best yarn weights for this stitch?

This stitch will work with all yarns, but if you are a beginner, I would recommend sticking to a CYC #4 Worsted Weight or #5 Bulky or Chunky with the corresponding needle size.

Is waffle stitch stretchy?

 The waffle stitch can be stretchy but not as elastic as rib stitches.  It is more textured than stretchy.  A soft acrylic or wool yarn will create a stretchier fabric than a thick cotton.

Please visit my entire library of knitting techniques:  

Do You Love This Stitch

Have you created an lovely object using the Knit Waffle Stitch?  Would you care to share your inspiration and creativity with other Smart-Knit-Crocheting visitors?  Great.  We would love to hear about your ideas. Contact me.

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About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 6 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting