Crochet Wattle Stitch:  Tutorial and Free Pattern

Crochet Wattle Stitch     
by Janice Jones     

The wattle crochet stitch is an easy/beginner pattern that consists of single and double crochet stitches.  So, if you've mastered those two basic stitches, this stitch will be simple for you to do.

The crochet wattle stitch worked in yellow acrylic yarn with a hook, scissors and tapestry needle.

The name crochet wattle stitch intrigued me so I went on a hunt for it's origin.  Sadly I couldn't locate any information as of this writing, but I'm still on the hunt.  

If whoever created the name, thought the stitch looked like the wattle on certain bird species, they have more of an imagination than I do. 

Still it is a very textured stitch that creates a thick fabric perfect for a wide variety of items.  Blankets of all sizes as well as scarves, washcloths, dishcloths or even just simple coasters that one can create while learning this simple pattern.

Roaster with a large red wattleRoasters are one species of birds that sport a bright red wattle. Does his wattle remind you of the wattle stitch?

Uses

The crochet wattle stitch is useful for a wide range of project ideas

  • Blankets
  • Pillow covers
  • Washcloths, dishcloths, scrubbies
  • Shawls and Scarves
  • Cowls

Is the Crochet Wattle Stitch Reversible?

Yes, both sides look the same.

The right side of a swatch worked with the crochet wattle stitch.Crochet Wattle Stitch: Right Side
The wrong side of the swatch of a crochet wattle stitch.Crochet Wattle Stitch: Wrong Side

Instructions

You will need some yarn and the corresponding hook that is recommended on the yarn ball.  A pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends is also helpful.  That's it.

To make the wattle stitch, work one single crochet, one chain stitch and one double crochet stitch all in the same space.  It is abbreviated [sc, ch, dc].

A close up of the crochet wattle stitch worked in white yarn

Abbreviations

These instructions are written in US terms.

ch = chain stitch

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

hdc = half double crochet

rep = repeat

ch sp= chain space

[  ] = work all the instructions contained within the brackets in the same space.

Directions

In US Terms,

Foundation Chain: Multiples of 3 plus 2, plus 1 for the chain.

My swatch was made using 15 chains.

Row 1: Skip the first 2 chains.  *work [1sc, 1ch, 1dc] into next ch, skip 2ch; rep from * ending 1hdc into last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1. [sc, ch1, dc] into every ch1 space of the previous row. End with 1 hdc in turning chain.

Repeat 2nd row until you have reached your desired length.

Sound easy?  It really is.  Ready to make a project?

Practice the Crochet Wattle Stitch with these Free Patterns

If you are creating one or both projects below as a way to practice the crochet wattle stitch, may I suggest that you begin with the dishcloth using a light colored yarn especially if you are new to crochet. 

It is not always easy to see stitches using a scrubby yarn and you might miss the chain space (ch sp).   Once you are familiar with seeing stitches and spaces, the scrubby yarn is much more easy to use.

Hostess Gift Dish Cloth or Dish Scrubby

A white dish cloth made by the crochet wattle stitch is shown with a picot edge in blue.

Handmade dish cloths are always welcome and easy and quick to make.  Choose colors based on the season or holiday to make them extra special. 

Or, if you know your host/hostess' color preferences, create a couple to compliment the kitchen décor.

Small Crochet Dish Scrubby 

Skill Level:  Easy

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Materials

  • Yarn:  Yarn Bee Scrub-ology Scrub it!  3 oz ball  #5 Bulky Yarn
  • Hook:  Size J-10 / 6 mm / UK size 4
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry Needle

Pattern Notes

  • Pattern uses US Terms.
  • Wattle Stitch:  [1 sc, 1 ch 1 dc] worked in the same chain or chain space.
  • The wattle stitch creates a reversible fabric.

Instructions

In US Terms,

Foundation Chain: Multiples of 3 plus 2, plus 1 for the chain.

Ch 18

Row 1: Skip the first 2 chains.  *work [1sc, 1ch, 1dc] into next ch, skip 2ch; rep from * ending 1hdc into last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2. [sc, ch1, dc] into every ch1 space of the previous row. End with 1 hdc in turning chain.

Repeat 2nd row until you have reached your desired length.

Dish Cloth Using the Crochet Wattle Stitch

Instructions:

Chain 24

Row 1:  Sc in each chain across.

Row 1: Skip the first 2 chains.  *work [1sc, 1ch, 1dc] into next ch, skip 2ch; rep from * ending 1hdc into last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2. [sc, ch1, dc] into every ch1 space of the previous row. End with 1 hdc in turning chain.

Repeat 2nd row until you have reached your desired length or until your project is square. Make one more row of single crochet stitches and then fasten off.

Edging Options:  Single 

Single Crochet Edging (Easy)

Sc around edge of the square until you reach the corner.  Two single crochets in same ch.  Ch1.  2 sc in next two ch.  Repeat at each corner.

Edging Options:  Picot

If you'd like an edging that is a bit more fancy after you do a single crochet around your fabric, consider a picot edging which is very easy to do.  There are two ways to make this decorative edge stitch

Picot Edge:  Into Back Bump Slip Stitch

Chain 3.  Insert your hook into the first chain through the back bump.  Yarn over and pull through loop (slip stitch).  One picot stitch.

Make several single crochet stitches in between picot stitches.  

Picot Edge: Into Back Bump Single Crochet

Chain 3.  Insert hook into back bump and create a single chain into the back bump (as opposed to the slip stitch.)

I found this YouTube Video that demonstrates both types of Picot Edge.

Crochet Wattle Stitch:  Pin Now, Crochet Later

Crochet Wattle Stitch, pin image showing upclose stitches and finished project idea

If you found this tutorial helpful, may I suggest a few more to try?