Last month we learned how to create the Popcorn Stitch, which has a wonderfully double sided affect with its reverse side filled with interlocking hexagons.  This month we’ll learn a way to create those lovely hexagons on the front of our work!  Of course, you could always simply work the Popcorn Stitch and turn your piece inside-out, but this month’s Waffle Stitch is created specially just for working it as the main stitch, with it’s own gauge and technique. I hope you enjoy! 🙂

Similar to the Popcorn Stitch, the Waffle Stitch is really very lovely on the reverse side too!  This makes it perfect for scarves, blankets, and any type of project that could be seen from both sides.

In this monthly column we’re going to be working on some exciting new stitch patterns, as well as a few new techniques thrown in for good measure.  My intention for our yarn play is to provide all the know-how for you to be able to work the new stitch; any charts, photos, or videos you may need; as well as a pattern to create an 8” x 8” square.  As we go along in our looming journey, we should be able to create lovely pieced afghans with our squares, as I like to know that we’re going somewhere while swatching, don’t you?  You can think of it as our Stitch Sample Afghan—a stitch dictionary right at your fingertips, keeping your legs warm, lol. 😉  To find all the previous stitches in this column, simply click here.

Waffle Stitch Square

Items Needed

Loom: Authentic Knitting Board Adjustable Hat Loom: 2 rounded pieces + 3 peg connectors, with pegs in all holes for a 3/8” gauge.  The Sock Loom 2 or the All-n-One Loom could also be used.

Yarn: approx. 75 yards Worsted Weight (Sample uses Berroco Vintage in aquae)

Notions: Loom tool, yarn needle, scissors.  (Also helpful: peg markers, row counter, and blocking pins)

Pattern Notes:

To work this pattern in the round such as for a hat, use the Main Pattern Rows directions, but simply work all stitches in purl, as there will be no need for extra border stitches.  Make sure to also use a number of pegs that is divisible by 4.

For flat pieces of a greater size, simply increase the number of purls inside the Main Pattern Rows, keeping them divisible by 4.  You might also want to increase the number of rows/pegs used for the garter stitch top/sides/bottom to better match the new dimensions of the piece.

When the pattern uses the term “knit” or “k”, please use the true knit stitch or the u-stitch, not the e-wrap.

Step by Step Instructions for the 8” x 8” square:

Cast onto your loom using a total of 38 pegs. (Sample uses Chain Cast On)

Set Up Rows

Row 1: k38

Row 2: p38

Row 3: k38

Main Pattern Rows

Rows 4-9: Repeat the following 2 row pattern:

a)  p38

b) k2, p34, k2

*Work 1 Waffle Row A:

Working with just pegs 4-36,  and starting at peg 4, lift the loop from the peg and hold between fingers. Stretch the loop upwards and count down 5 purl stitches at the front of the work, starting with the one in your fingers. *You’ll be able to see these sts by looking between the pegs.  Lift the 5th stitch up and over the peg. Replace the held loop. Continue with these same steps every 4th peg to peg 36. Every 4th peg should now have 2 loops, with the 3 pegs in between having only the original loop.  KO all these extra loops.

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Rows 10-15:  Repeat the following 2 row pattern:

a) p38

b) k2, p34, k2

*Work 1 Waffle Row B:

Working with just pegs 6-34,  and starting at peg 6, lift the loop from the peg and hold between fingers. Stretch the loop upwards and count down 5 purl stitches at the front of the work, starting with the one in your fingers. *You’ll be able to see these sts by looking between the pegs. Lift the 5th stitch up and over the peg. Replace the held loop. Continue with these same steps every 4th peg to peg 34.  Every 4th peg should now have 2 loops, with the 3 pegs in between having only the original loop.  KO all these extra loops.

Rows 16-69:  Repeat Rows 4-15, including Waffle Rows A and B.

Finishing Rows

Rows 70: p2, k34, p2

Row 71: k2, p34, k2

Row 72: p2, k34, p2

Bind off all stitches loosely. (Sample uses the Basic Bind Off)  Weave in ends and trim close to work.

Block to an 8” x 8” measurement.

Afghan Notes:

If you are intending this square to be part of an afghan, you may wish to make up to 3 or 4 additional squares.  We will be sharing at least 12 of these patterns for you to use in your blanket.  Use the following general measurements to decide how many of each of the 8″ x 8″ squares you will need, rounding up as necessary:

• Baby Blanket: 30″ x 36″
• Children: 42″ x 48″
• Lapghan: 36″ x 48″
• Twin Bed Afghan: 60″ x 85″
• Queen Bed Afghan: 90″ x 95″