I am sure you’ll love to knit waffle stitch, an easy knit and purl textured knitting pattern. This stitch creates a soft, squishy fabric with a beautifully defined waffle texture—ideal for blankets, scarves, dishcloths, and even sweaters.

Even better? The waffle stitch is easier than it looks and is perfect for beginner and intermediate knitters alike.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to knit the waffle stitch, including a written pattern and tips to get it just right.

How to Knit Waffle Stitch – A Simple Textured Knitting Pattern

Are you looking for knit stitches for your next knitting projects?  

Depending on what you are planning to knit, waffle stitch creates a ‘waffle’ pattern on a stocking stitch background, blocked off with garter stitch lines, with the slipped stitches vertically lined up, to form columns.

Why You’ll Love the Waffle Stitch

✔️ Great for cozy projects – The stitch pattern creates a warm, lofty fabric.
✔️ Easy to memorize – A simple 4-row repeat that’s quick to learn.
✔️ Beginner-friendly – Uses only knit and purl stitches.
✔️ Works well for blankets and scarves – No curling edges!

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Any yarn of your choice.  Yarn used for swatch – DK (double knit) (Yarn weight: light worsted)
• Knitting Needle size according to the thickness of your yarn (for DK yarn, use 4mm, 6US, 8UK)
• Tapestry Needle to weave in the ends
• Scissors
• The Pattern

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KNITTING TECHNIQUE / S USED

You’ll need to know how to:

• Cast on stitches
• Knit stitch
• How to purl
• Casting off stitches

SIZE / DIMENSIONS (APPROXIMATE)

4″ x 4″ = 21 sts knitted over 36 to 40 rows in double-knit yarn.

SKILL LEVEL

The knitting pattern is not difficult at all and anyone can master it.

ABBREVIATIONS

k        – knit

p        – purl

RS     – right side

st       – stitch

sts     – stitches

Ws – wrong side

Pattern Notes

• All patterns are written in standard US terms.
• Slip stitches purlwise with yarn in the back (wrong side of the fabric), unless otherwise specified.

How to Knit the Waffle Stitch – Step-by-Step Pattern

Method of Knitting – US terms

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The waffle stitch is worked in multiples of 3 + 2 stitches (swatch knit over 29sts).

Pattern Instructions:

Cast on number of sts (29).

1st Row (RS): *p2, slip the next st with yarn in back**, repeat from * to ** across, ending with p2.

2nd Row (WS):  k2, *slip the next st with yarn in the front, k2**; repeat from * to ** across.

3rd Row:  Knit across.

4th Row:  Purl across.

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern until you reach the desired length.

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Tips for Perfect Waffle Stitch

• Use a solid-colored yarn – This helps the textured pattern stand out beautifully.
• Keep an even tension – The stitch definition shines when your stitches are uniform.
• Block your finished piece – Light blocking enhances the texture and evens out stitches.
• Slip first stitch of each row and knit to ensure neater edges.

What Can You Make with Waffle Stitch?

This versatile stitch looks amazing in:

• Blankets – Squishy and warm, perfect for winter!  For a knit blanket pattern in waffle stitch, visit Mama in A Stitch (free knitting pattern on the blog).
• Scarves & Cowls – The texture adds depth without extra bulk.  The pattern is unisex.
• Dishcloths and Hand Towel – Great for kitchen projects because of its absorbency.
• Sweaters & Cardigans – Adds a cozy texture to any garment.

CONCLUSION

The waffle stitch pattern is a classic knitting texture that’s simple yet stunning. Whether you’re making a blanket, scarf, or even a dishcloth, this stitch is sure to impress when used in your next knitting project. Start using the free pattern today!

If this is your first project, you’ll master it after the first repeat rows. 

Give it a try, and let me know what you create! Happy knitting!