Waffle Stitch Beanie Crochet Pattern for Beginners

This waffle stitch beanie crochet pattern makes a thick, squishy hat with a grid texture that looks just like a waffle. It looks complicated, but it's made from only two stitches: the double crochet and the front post double crochet.

If you've made a simple hat or scarf before, this is a great next step. We'll walk through the new stitch slowly.

Why You'll Love This Waffle Stitch Beanie

• Extra warm – the waffle texture traps warm air.
• Stretchy ribbed brim that stays in place.
• No complicated shaping – the top is gathered closed.
• Three adult sizes so it fits just right.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

You should already know how to chain, single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc). The only new stitch is the front post double crochet, explained below.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• BLO – back loop only: work into the loop farthest from you instead of both loops.
• FPdc – front post double crochet: yarn over, and instead of going into the top of the stitch, push your hook from front to back to front around the post (the tall body) of the stitch. Finish like a normal dc. This makes the stitch pop forward.

Sizes and Gauge

• Sizes: Adult S (M, L) – fits a head of 51 (56, 60) cm.
• Gauge: 14 dc and 8 rows = 10 cm.

To measure your head, wrap a tape measure around your forehead and just above your ears.

Step 1: Make the Ribbed Brim

The brim is worked flat in rows, then joined into a circle.

Ch 10.

Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn. (8 hdc)

Row 2: Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch), hdc in the BLO of each stitch across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the band fits snugly around your head when gently stretched – usually 40 (44, 48) rows.

Fold the band so the short ends meet and sl st them together. Turn it right side out.

Step 2: Crochet the Waffle Stitch Body

Now we work in rounds along one long edge of the brim. We do not turn.

Round 1: Ch 1 and work 66 (72, 78) sc evenly around the edge of the brim (about 3 sc for every 2 rows). Join with a sl st. The number must divide by 3.

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), dc in each stitch around. Join.

Round 3: Ch 2, FPdc around the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join.

Round 4: Ch 2, dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join.

Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 until the hat measures 20 (21, 22) cm from the bottom of the brim.

What's happening? In each round, the raised FPdc stitches sit on top of the flat dc stitches from the round before. This swapping is what creates the waffle squares.

Step 3: Close the Top

Cut the yarn, leaving a 30 cm tail. Thread it onto your tapestry needle and weave it in and out of the stitches of the last round. Pull tightly to close the hole, then secure with a few stitches on the inside.

Add a pompom if you like, and weave in all the ends.

Beginner Tips

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you always know where it starts.
• Post stitches use more yarn, so keep your tension relaxed.
• Try the hat on as you go – it's the easiest way to get the perfect length.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• My waffle pattern looks like stripes. Make sure you switch between Round 3 and Round 4 – don't repeat the same round twice.
• The hat is too tight. Waffle stitch is thick. Try a hook 0.5 mm bigger.
• My stitch count keeps changing. Remember the ch 2 at the start of each round does not count as a stitch.

FAQ

Is waffle stitch hard for beginners?

Not at all once you understand the front post double crochet. It's just two stitches repeated. Practice on a small swatch first if you're nervous.

Can I make this beanie with thinner yarn?

Yes, but the hat will be smaller. Use more stitches in Round 1 (in multiples of 3) and check your gauge.

How do I make the beanie slouchy?

Keep repeating Rounds 3 and 4 for another 4–6 cm before closing the top.

Want a matching set? Pair it with the Easy Ribbed Crochet Scarf, or see all our free crochet hat patterns.