Block Five: The Waffle Stitch

With Block Five this week, we are already at the half-way point of our stitch-a-long! Five blocks down and five to go.

Block Five features the waffle stitch which creates a grid-like texture across the block. This stitch pattern uses a combination of alternating front post double crochet (FPdc) and double crochet stitches to create this texture. With a front post stitch, you work around the post of the stitch in the prior row rather than into the top loops of the stitch. See this tutorial if you need help with this stitch or the step-by-step photos and video below!

How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch

As mentioned above, the waffle stitch uses a front post double crochet stitch. This stitch is worked around the post in the row prior.

FPdc: yarn over and insert the hook from the front to the back around the post of the stitch in the prior row. yo and draw up a loop. yo and pull through two loops. yo and pull through the remaining two loops to complete this stitch.

If you prefer a video tutorial for this block, see THIS you-tube video 🙂

BLOCK FIVE: Waffle Stitch

Estimated Block Size for Single Strand Scarf: ~7.5″ x 9.5″

In this block, we’ll use one color and continue with Color H from block four. To begin, we’ll need an even number of stitches. In the first row, we will start with a row of double crochet stitches and dc inc in the middle to increase the total row count from 29 stitches in block four to 30 stitches in block five.

**NOTE** This block tends to cinch. Go up a hook size if you notice tension is too tight. OR use a steamer and block pins on a flat surface to stretch it out, if needed! We’ll review this at the end!

Row 1: Working with Color H or desired color, and continuing to work along the last row of block three, dc x 14, dc inc, dc x 14. Turn. [30]
Row 2: ch 2. This turning ch 2 always counts as a dc in this block. [FPdc, dc x 2] x 9, FPdc, dc in the last st. Turn. [30]
Row 3: ch 2. dc, [FPdc x 2, dc] x 9. FPdc around the chain to finish the row. Turn. [30]
Rows 4-13: Repeat rows 2 and 3.

To finish this block, we will set up our stitches for Block Six. In Block Six we will need an odd number of stitches so in this row we will sc2tog to decrease the number of stitches in the row from 30 to 29. ch 1. sc x 14, sc2tog, sc x 14. On the final st, switch to Color F.

*remember, the ch 2 in row 13 counts as a st. the final sc in row 14 will be placed in the top of the turning ch.

After finishing row 14, cut Color H yarn and use a stitch marker to hold the final stitch. In Block Six, we will begin by switching to Color F.