How to Crochet the Wave Stitch
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The Wave Stitch is a beautiful, interesting crochet stitch that is easier to crochet than it looks. If you’re interested in making the Wave Market Bag or my new Beach Waves pattern, both of which feature the Wave Stitch, this tutorial will help you navigate your way!
Wave Stitch Tutorial
The Wave Stitch is an 8-row repeat consisting of crochet stitches of varying heights separated by rows of single crochets. To make the wave rows, we work our way from short stitches ( = single crochet) to tall crochet stitches ( = treble crochet) and back to short. Every four rows, we’ll offset how we start those rows so that the waves themselves are offset. If that sounds difficult, the video below will help, and give you a few tips to make sure you are staying on track.
Helpful Tips:
Chain a multiple of 16 + 2.
Always offset the beginning of a set of wave rows with the two wave rows below it. For example, if you started the last two rows of wave stitch with single crochets, you’ll start the next two rows of wave stitch with the treble crochet.
When making the first wave stitch row of each two-row set, I find it helps to keep on track if you check that each Treble Crochet stitch is positioned directly above a Single Crochet stitch from two rows below as you make it. See the video below for further clarification.
To get a feel for the Wave Stitch, work up this small swatch. If you are new to reading crochet patterns, make sure you follow along with the video below. ♥
Wave Stitch:
Row 1: Ch-34. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. * Sc in next ch. Ch-1, sk next st, hdc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, tc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, tc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next. Ch-1, sk next st, hdc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, sc in next * Ch-1, repeat between * * across, sc in last ch.
Row 2: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st/ch-sp across. (33)
Row 3: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st to end. (33)
Row 4: Ch-4 (counts as tc), turn, sk first st. * tc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, hdc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, sc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, sc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, hdc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next, ch-1, sk-1 st, tc in next * Ch-1, repeat between * * across, tc in last st. (33)
Row 5: Ch-4 (counts as tc), turn, sk first st, * tc in next. Ch-1, dc in next dc. Ch-1, hdc in next hdc. Ch-1, sc in next sc. Ch-1, sc in next sc, ch-1, hdc in next hdc. Ch-1, dc in next dc, ch-1, tc in next tc * Ch-1, repeat between * * across, Tc in turning chain. (33)
Row 6: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st/ch-sp across. (33)
Row 7: Ch-1, turn, sc in each st to end. (33)
Row 8: Ch-1, turn, sc in first 2 sts. * Ch-1, sk next st, hdc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, tc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, tc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, dc in next. Ch-1, sk next st, hdc in next. Ch-1, sk-1 st, sc in next * Ch-1, sk-next st, sc in next, repeat between * * across, sc in last ch. (33)
Row 9: Ch-1, turn, sc in first 2 sts. * ch-1, hdc in next hdc, ch-1, dc in next dc, ch-1, tc in next tc, ch-1, tc in next tc, ch-1, dc in next dc, ch-1, hdc in next hdc, ch-1, sc in next sc * Ch-1, sc in next sc, repeat between * * across, sc in last sc. (33)
Video
To put the Wave Stitch into practice, try my free Wave Market Bag pattern. Then when you’re ready for a larger project using the wave stitch, the Beach Waves pattern will be the perfect solution! This is a 3-in-1 pattern that can be made into a tank top, a swimsuit coverup, or a full length dress. I will update this post when that pattern has finished the testing process!
I hope you love this stitch, and I look forward to crocheting more with you soon!
More crochet tutorials:
How to Crochet the Trinity Stitch
How to Crochet the Bobble Stitch: Written and Video Tutorial
