Long Wave Crochet Pattern Tutorial for Beginners

Long Wave Crochet Pattern:  Reading time: 3 min 11 sec

Discovering a new stitch pattern is always exciting for me, and I wanted to share this with you.  The long wave crochet stitch creates a fabric that reminds me of gentle ocean waves. 

Worked in one color or more, it’s known for its softness, drape, and exciting texture.  Please don’t confuse this stitch with the crochet ripple stitch, as they are two distinct patterns.  There are other crochet wave stitches, and I will list them below.

Don’t worry if it looks complicated; it’s beginner-friendly if you know how to make basic crochet stitches, such as single, half-double, double, and treble crochet. But you don’t need to be a beginner to enjoy this stitch pattern.

The stitch pattern is relatively easy to remember, making it ideal for a larger project such as a blanket. I also love it for bags, pillow covers, shawls, and cowls. Smaller projects such as washcloths, placemats, and table runners are also ideal for this crochet stitch pattern.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Choose a single color or two distinct colors that work well together. I used Joann’s Big Twist Acrylic, a worsted weight (CYC #4) yarn in white and sky blue for the swatch photographed on this page.
• Use a crochet hook that corresponds to the yarn you have chosen. I used an H (5.0 mm) hook.
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

What Type of Yarn Works Well with the Long Wave Crochet Stitch Pattern?

Depending on your project, the longwave crochet stitch can be used with many different types of yarn.

Cotton is always suitable for dishcloths, potholders, and market bags and holds the wave structure nicely.

Acrylic or super-wash merino wool is a good choice for items that must be washed frequently, such as baby clothes.

Wool or alpaca keeps you warm and cozy and is excellent for anything that won’t need to be washed frequently. However, items made with wool or alpaca must be hand-washed.

Solid colors work well with this stitch pattern. Still, you may want to experiment with variegated yarn for an exciting design.

I do not recommend only highly textured yarns, as they obscure the pattern.

Directions for Making a Swatch

Skill Level

Project Skill Level: 2 Beginner

Skills You Should Know

• Single Crochet Stitch
• Half Double Crochet Stitch
• Double Crochet Stitch
• Treble Crochet Stitch
• Chain Stitch
• Weave in Ends

Abbreviations

Sc = single crochet

Hdc = half double crochet stitch

Dc = double crochet

Tr = treble crochet stitch

Ch = chain

*  *  Work the instructions within the two asterisks the number of times indicated

Notes

1. These instructions are written in the U.S. Terms.
2. At the beginning of the row, you will work either one single or three double crochet stitches. The three double crochet stitches count as 1 stitch, the single crochet does not count as a stitch.
3. I like to add a row of single crochet stitches, but that is not necessary.  Feel free to omit the extra row of single crochet stitches.
4. This pattern looks fantastic when worked in two or more colors. I’ve added the instructions for working in two colors below. Ignore the color changes if you want to make the swatch in one color.
5. The long wave crochet stitch is worked in multiples of 14 plus 2.

Instructions Written Out

Chain 30.
Row 1: Single crochet stitch in 3rd chain from hook (count as 1 single crochet stitch), then

1 single crochet in next stitch,

Half double crochet in next 2 stitches,

Double crochet  in next 2 stitches,

Treble crochet in next 3 stitches,

Double crochet in next 2 stitches,

Half double crochet in next 2 stitches,

Single crochet in next 2 stitches. 

Repeat this sequence of stitches until you reach the end of the row.

Row 2: Chain 1, Skip the first stitch, then work 1 single crochet in the next stitch and each stitch to the end of the row, with working the last stitch into the top of turning chain.  (If you work with two or more colors, change to color B in the last stitch.)

Row 3: With Color B, chain 3. (counts as 1 treble stitch),

Skip 1st stitch,

Work 1 treble stitch in the next stitch,

Double crochet in next 2 stitches,

Half double crochet in the next 2 stitches,

Single crochet in the next 3 stitches,

Half double crochet in the next 2 stitches,

Double Crochet in next 2 stitches,

Treble crochet in the next 2 stitches. 

Repeat this sequence until the end of the row.

Row 4: Repeat row three. Change colors at the end of the row.

Row 5: and beyond.  Rep rows 1 to 4 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off. Weave in Ends.

Shortened Instructions Using Abbreviations

Ch 30 with Color A.

Row 1: Sc in 3rd ch from hook (count as 1sc), *1 sc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts.  Rep from* to end, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sk 1st st, 1 sc in next st and each st to end working last st into top of tch, turn. (If you work with two or more colors, change to color B in the last stitch.)

Row 3: With Color B, ch 3. (counts as 1 tr st), sk 1st st, *Work 1 tr in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts.  Rep from * to end.

Row 4: Repeat row three. Change colors at the end of the row.

Row 6: and beyond.  Rep rows 1 to 4 until you reach your desired length.  Fasten off. Weave in Ends.

Changing Colors in Crochet

If this is the first time you have changed colors in crochet, don't worry, it's easy.

Work to the end of the row.  Begin the last stitch and work the stitch to the last step.  Lay the new color over the hook and finish that last stitch with the strand of yarn draped over the hook.  No need to make any knots in the yarn.  Simply tighten the ends and continue as usual with the new color.

To Carry or Not to Carry Yarn Up the Side of the Work

Many designers might suggest your best bet is to carry the yarn up the side of the work.  This method avoids the task of weaving in so many ends.  It's very tempting. 

This works well with many projects but not with this one unless you plan to add a border later on.  

My best advice is to fasten off the ends leaving a six foot tail that you will weave in after you finish.  Why, you might ask?

The distance between colors changes is too long with this stitch pattern.  Even if you twist the yarns at the sides, it is too noticable.

Problems You Might Encounter

As long as you have mastered the basic stitches, this pattern is straight forward.  There are only two issues you might encounter.

Tension:  Can be a problem, but the best advice for you is just practice if you are a beginner.

If you liked the Long Wave Crochet Pattern

There are many different types of crochet wave stitches, all just a little bit different.

Rolling wave: This stitch is similar to the Long Wave but is worked in a four-row repeat without the row of single crochet between the color changes.

Simple wave: This one is similar to the ripple stitch but is more open and airy.

Long Wave Crochet Pattern: Last Words

The long wave crochet stitch is a versatile and beginner-friendly pattern that can create various projects with a gentle, wave-like texture.

Its repetitive nature makes it ideal for large and small projects, such as blankets, shawls, pillow covers, and more. The stitch can adapt to different project needs and preferences using materials like cotton, acrylic, or wool.

The pattern uses basic crochet stitches like single, half-double, double, and treble crochet. Crafters can achieve a beautiful, dynamic fabric reminiscent of ocean waves with the right materials and colors.

Long Wave Crochet Pattern:  Pin for Future Reference

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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