The wheat stitch (sometimes called the oat stitch or spike stitch texture) is a beautiful textured pattern that looks a bit like overlapping sheaves of grain — soft, squishy, and surprisingly elegant! It’s perfect for scarves, blankets, cowls, and other cozy projects where you want a dense, bumpy texture with visual interest.

Unlike many textured stitches, the wheat stitch stays reversible and doesn’t curl at the edges, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced crocheters.

What You’ll Need

• Yarn — worsted weight (#4) works beautifully, but you can use any weight
  
  

• A crochet hook matched to your yarn (for worsted, usually around 5.0 mm–6.5 mm)
  
  

• Scissors
  
  

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  
  

Basic Stitches You’ll Use

• ch = chain
  
  

• sc = single crochet
  
  

• dc = double crochet
  
  

• sp = space
  
  

• st(s) = stitch(es)
  
  

This stitch uses a special motif where you go under the “leg” of a stitch from a prior row — that’s what gives it the unique texture.

How the Wheat Stitch Works

Here’s the secret of the wheat stitch:
Instead of working into the top loops of stitches, you reach down and around into the leg (or “under‑bar”) of an earlier stitch — usually one or two rows below — and work a double crochet there. That creates a raised, grain‑like effect.

Your Starting Chain (37 Chains Example)

Your starting chain of 37 works perfectly for this stitch! Why 37?

The wheat stitch pattern is worked in a multiple of 2, plus 1.
So: 36 (even number) × 1 = 36
Plus 1 = 37

That gives you a nice centered repeat and keeps both sides of your piece even.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Crochet the Wheat Stitch

Row 1 — Foundation

Ch 37.

Turn and work 1 sc in the second chain from the hook, then sc in each chain across (36 sc total).
Turn.

Row 2 — First Wheat Row

Sc across, only in the back loops. 

Wheat Stitch (Row 3 & 4)

1. Skip the first stitch, and make a single crochet in the one after that.
   
   

2. Now go back to that stitch you skipped! This is where you’ll create your modified puff stitch:
   
   

• Yarn over (yo), insert your hook into the skipped stitch, yarn over again and pull up a long loop (aim for the height of your hook). You should now have 3 loops.
  
  

• Yarn over, insert into the same stitch again, yarn over, and pull up another long loop. You’ll now have 5 loops on your hook.
  
  

• Yarn over, insert into the same stitch again, yarn over, and pull up another long loop. You’ll now have 7 loops on your hook.
  
  

• Yarn over, insert into the same stitch again, yarn over, and pull up another long loop. You’ll now have 9 loops on your hook.
  
  

• Yarn over, pull through all 9 loops. You’ll now have 1 loop on your hook. That’s it!
  

  

3. Repeat: skip a stitch, single crochet in the next, then puff stitch back into the skipped stitch.
   

   

4. When you reach the end of the row, finish with a regular single crochet in the last stitch (if you have only one more stitch).
   

   

5. Row 4 onward: Just repeat Row 3 to keep building that beautiful textured fabric!
   
   

This stitch is super rhythmic once you get the hang of it, and it's perfect for scarves, washcloths, bags, or anything that needs a bit of cozy flair. We love how the wheat stitch combines easy stitches into something that looks fancy but stays beginner-friendly.

If you have an uneven amount of stitches to begin with, your wheat stitches will look like the first two rows (ending each row with a sc). If you start with an even stitch count, it looks like the top two: 

Tips for Gorgeous Wheat Stitch Fabric

Keep tension even: When you pull up loops under the leg, be careful not to tug too tight — you want the texture to sit nicely without puckering.

Use stitch markers if needed: If you’re counting repeats or worrying about where to enter your hook for the textured stitches, a marker can help!

Practice the “leg insertion”: Working under the vertical bar instead of the top loops might feel weird at first, but after a few stitches it starts to feel natural.

Try a border: Because this stitch is so textured, a simple single crochet border around your finished piece can help stabilize the edges.

What to Make with the Wheat Stitch

This lovely, textured stitch is perfect for:

• Cozy blankets and throws
  
  

• Scarves and cowls with subtle texture
  
  

• Structured bags that need body
  
  

• Dishcloths and washcloths that benefit from texture
  
  

• Baby blankets with tactile appeal
  
  

Final Stitch

The wheat stitch is a gorgeous way to add rich texture to your crochet projects without needing complicated stitches. Whether you’re working with your 37‑chain foundation or adjusting for a different size, the alternating “dc in leg + dc in space” pattern is fun, consistent, and totally worth the cozy result.

Ready to stitch? Grab your favorite yarn, hook up, and let that texture shine!