How to Knit the Cozy Waffle Stitch: Easy 4-Row Pattern for Scarves & Blankets

The knitted waffle stitch is a textured, grid-like pattern that creates a warm, cushioned fabric — ideal for scarves, blankets, dishcloths, and cozy sweater panels. This article gives a clear 4-row repeat and helpful notes so both confident beginners and experienced knitters can produce a beautiful waffle texture.

Knitting materials and tools:

• DPN 4 mm (US 6 / UK 8)
• Any medium worsted weight yarn

Common abbreviations:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sel s – selvage stitch: slip the first stitch knitwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch
• WS – wrong side
• RS – right side

Close-up showing the raised grid texture of the knitted waffle stitch in worsted-weight yarn.

Waffle stitch knitting pattern:

Cast on a multiple of 3 sts, plus 2 selvage stitches.

Row 1 (WS): sel s, *holding working yarn in front, slip the next stitch purlwise, p2* – repeat from * to *, sel s.

Row 2 (RS): sel s, *k2, insert right-hand needle between the next two stitches and draw up a loop, k1, slip the loop over the stitch you just made* – repeat from *, sel s.

Row 3 (WS): sel s, *holding working yarn in front, slip the next stitch purlwise, p2* – repeat from *, sel s.

Row 4 (RS): sel s, *p3, holding working yarn in front, return the three stitches just worked back to the left-hand needle, bring the working yarn to the back and wrap those three stitches, k3* – repeat from *, sel s.

Repeat Rows 1–4 for the full pattern. Work until your piece reaches the desired length.

Notes and tips:

• Keep an even tension when wrapping and slipping stitches so the waffle texture sits uniformly.
• Swatch a small sample to see how the pattern behaves with your yarn and needles before starting a large project.
• Gently block the finished fabric if needed to even out stitches and open the texture slightly.