How to Crochet the Wattle Stitch Free Pattern & Video Tutorial

Introduction to the Wattle Stitch

The crochet Wattle Stitch is one of the easiest crochet stitches to master.  It combines simplicity with beautiful texture, making it a favourite choice for blankets, scarves and more. Its versatility allows it to be used in various projects, but it particularly shines when used for creating dishcloths.

This tutorial will teach you the process of learning the Wattle Stitch.  I will provide you with everything you need to master this versatile stitch and a free pattern to create your first project.  Simply by crocheting your swatch in cotton yarn, transforms your swatch into a beautiful dishcloth.

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Benefits of Crochet Wattle Stitch

If you are looking for a stitch that is both durable and attractive, then the Wattle stitch is a great option.  The versatility of this stitch lends itself well to a wide variety of projects including blankets and scarves.  It's added durability when crocheted in cotton yarn, makes it perfect for dishcloths and washcloths.

The Jacob baby blanket is crocheted entirely in Wattle Stitch.  Its colour block effect looks modern and beautiful, without needing a border, making this a great project for beginner crocheters wanting to make their first blanket.

Free Wattle Stitch Tutorial & Dishcloth Pattern

Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will benefit from this simple tutorial.  I will guide you through the process of learning the Wattle Stitch and making your first project a handy dishcloth.  We will begin by discussing the essential materials needed for this versatile stitch pattern and introduce you to the stitches and techniques to crochet the Wattle Stitch.  I will also cover troubleshooting tips and tricks to help you perfect your project.

Can a Beginner Learn This Stitch?

Yes this is an ideal stitch for beginners  as it uses only simple basic stitches.  The dishcloth pattern provides you with a great opportunity to practice and perfect these stitches whilst making something with utility and beauty.  

Looking for more easy stitch tutorials?  Check out the stitch directory.  New stitches are added frequently so check back often.

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Equipment

Let's start by getting everything we need ready. Just like most crochet projects, we'll only require a few crochet supplies -

• Yarn:  I recommend a worsted (Aran) or DK weight yarn in soft cotton or acrylic to practice with, cotton is best for dishcloths
• Crochet hook:  An ergonomic hook is comfortable to hold, go for the size recommended on your yarn ball band or your pattern
• Scissors:  Any small sharp scissors will do
• Darning needle: One with a large eye for yarn

Choosing Your Yarn

I crocheted these swatches in King Cole Vogue & Drops Muskat.  I love the subtle colour changes of the Vogue DK and the Muskat comes in a lovely selection of colours.

If you are making a dishcloth with your swatch, there are so many wonderful choices when it comes to choosing your yarn.  Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Paint Box Yarns Cotton Aran are great choices.

Exploring the Wattle Stitch Pattern

Now, let's take a look at the beautifully textured stitch pattern we'll be learning. It is easier than it looks, the Wattle Stitch t is surprisingly simple and easy to master and only uses single and double crochet and chain stitches. Once the foundation row is complete we work into the chain spaces made from the previous round.

Before we begin let's familiarize ourselves with the basic stitches for this pattern -

• Double Crochet: Yarn over and insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops
• Single Crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops
• Chain - Yarn over and pull through loop on hook

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Stitches 'n' Dishes

Why make your swatch with cotton yarn?  Crochet dishcloths are not only functional but also great for the environment.  They can be used for various kitchen tasks from wiping counters to washing dishes.  Their durability makes them more sustainable than disposable cloths and not only that they make thoughtful handmade gifts for family and friends.  

Crochet in soft cotton for beautiful face cloths.  Paired with some artisan soaps and crochet scrubbies and you have yourself a home spa mini hamper.  I am sure you know someone that would love a gift like that, or maybe just indulge yourself.

Personalise your dishcloth by experimenting with different colours, or try different stitches.  Adding a simple border to your cloths can make them truly unique.  Just a simple round of single crochet or shell stitch can take your simple washcloth to the next level.

Wattle Stitch Video Tutorial

For those that are visual learners a video tutorial is available to compliment this guide.  It will show you step by step how to crochet the Wattle Stitch and how to change colours if you want to crochet stripes.

The Wattle Stitch One

Materials 

King cole Vogue DK & Drops Safran 

4mm hook

Darning needle

Gauge

Not essential for this project, finished cloths measure approx. 8-9 inches square

Abbreviations US Terms (UK conversion)

Sc – single crochet (double crochet)

Dc – double crochet (treble crochet)

Hdc – half double crochet (half treble crochet)

Ch – chain

Sl st – slip stitch

St(s) – stitch(es)

Sp – space

Sk - skip

Difficulty

Easy

Yarn Weight	Hook	Yardage (approx..)	Starting Chain
Fingering (4ply)	3mm	127	56
Light worsted (DK)	4mm	110	47
Worsted (Aran)	5mm	90	41

About the yarn:

• King Cole Vogue which is a plain white strand covered in sporadic, brightly hued splashes to create uniquely faded stripes.  Its 100% cotton and DK weight.  each 50g balls is 103 metres.
• Drops Muskat which is 100% mercerised cotton, comes in a beautiful selection of colours and each 50g ball has 100 metres.

Alternative Yarns:

Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran - (affiliate link)

Lilly Sugar & Cream – ombres  (affiliate link)

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (affiliate link)

Pattern Notes:

• Read pattern in its entirety before starting
• US terms used throughout
• The stitch in this pattern is called Wattle Stitch
• Yarn used in the sample is DK weight roughly the equivalent of light worsted
• If  you wish to change colour, do so at the end of a row by working the last stitch in the old colour, stopping just before the last yarn over, yarn over with the new colour and draw through the loops on the hook
• Swatches shown were crocheted alternating colour every 2 rows, every 4 rows and one with no colour changes
• For custom sizes chain a multiple of 3 +2

Start Crocheting Here…

With hook size to match your yarn, chain number for size or a multiple of 3 for custom sizes.

Row 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch1, dc in same st, *Sk2 ch, [sc, ch1, dc] in next ch* repeat from *to* until last 2 chs, sk1, hdc in last ch.  Turn.

Row 2 Ch1, *[sc, ch1, dc] in next ch sp* repeat from *to* across, hdc in top ch1 from previous row. Turn.

Repeat row 2 until desired length

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

It is easy to end up with uneven edges if you miss count your stitches, or your tension is uneven. Always ensure your stitch count is correct at the end of each row. Good tension is something that comes with practice. Practice and patience are key to mastering this technique. Creating a neat edge can be achieved by incorporating correct turning chains and paying attention to the first and last stitches of each row.

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