Learn how to crochet the moss stitch, a simple stitch that creates a beautiful textured fabric. This post was originally shared at Crafts Unleashed and may contain affiliate links, which help to support this site.
My crochet stitch posts seem to have been fairly popular, so I thought it was about time for another one. Grab your yarn and hook – it’s time to crochet! Today’s stitch is one of my very favorites and one that I use all the time – the moss stitch. This stitch goes by many names including the linen stitch, woven stitch, and granite stitch. I actually often think of it as the seed stitch because it reminds me of the knitted seed stitch, but moss stitch seems to be the name most commonly used. Whatever you call it, it is a fabulous stitch that you are going to want in your arsenal.
Why do I love the moss stitch? Well, it is very easy to work (it’s one of those great “mindless” stitches), yet it still creates beautiful texture. And because the stitch incorporates chain stitch spaces, the fabric isn’t too stiff, which means you can get a nice drape without it being too lacy.
I have used the moss stitch in several of my crochet projects in the past. You can see it at work in my Tie-Front Headband and Chain Edge Rafia Clutch:
Ready to learn how to crochet the moss stitch? Let’s do this!
Crochet Moss Stitch Supplies:
- Yarn (I am using All Things You Acrylic and Wool Blend for my sample)
- Corresponding Hook (I’m using an M/9.00 mm hook)
- Scissors
- Finishing Needle
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch
This tutorial uses American crochet terms.
Row One:
Start by working any even number of chain stitches. I began with 18 chain stitches for my sample.
Next, work a single crochet stitch into the fourth chain from the hook.
Then, chain one, skip one chain, and work a single crochet stitch into the next chain.
Continue down the row in this pattern: chain one, skip one chain, and single crochet into the next chain. Basically, you are working a row of single crochet stitches separated by chain one spaces. You should end with a single crochet stitch in the last chain of the row.
Row Two:
Turn your work. Chain 2 and single crochet in to the first chain 1 space skipping the single crochet stitch.
Then, chain one, skip the next single crochet stitch, and work a single crochet into the next chain one space. Repeat this pattern (chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next chain 1 space) until you reach the end of the row. You will end with a single crochet stitch into the end chain space from the first row (see image below).
So, again, you are alternating single crochet stitches and chain one spaces, but this time you are always working your single crochet stitches into the chain one spaces of the previous row.
Repeat Row Two:
To continue in the moss stitch pattern, simply repeat Row 2 until your piece reaches the desired length. Alternate single crochet stitches and chain one spaces, always working single crochets into the chain one spaces.
And that’s it! Have you used this stitch before? If so, what name do you use for it and what have you made with it? Tell us all about it in the comments. 🙂
Happy Crocheting and Happy Making!
More Favorite Crochet Stitches Here:
How to Crochet the Lemonpeel Stitch
How to Crochet the Shell Stitch
How & Why to Crochet the Foundation Single Crochet Stitch
Olivia says
October 12, 2017 at 10:52 amLove this easy tutorial, I have seen many tang rotate two different twos, since I want to make a temperature afghan, one row will be much simpler. You mentioned to start with an even number of chains but you used 17? So should it be an odd number then?
Alexis says
October 13, 2017 at 10:40 amWhoops! That should have said 18! You want to start with an even number. I just fixed it in the post. Thanks for catching that for me. 🙂 Good luck with your temperature afghan! I love those. <3
Carol Zapapas says
May 20, 2018 at 5:34 pmThanks for your tutorial. Very helpful. I’m using this stitch for a top I’m making and decreased the rows too quickly, and had to frog out quite a bit. I watched your video on keeping a straight edge. Thanks. How do you recommend decreasing or increasing using this stitch? I’m obviously not doing it right. I need the shirt to taper in the hips, rather than a boxy square look.
Shelly Swank says
December 4, 2018 at 5:12 pmThis stitch stripes so beautifully! Just work 2 rows in color A, then switch to color B, back to A, etc… or go to color C… whatever you like to do. The stripe is really pretty as you work it up. ?
Robbin says
December 22, 2018 at 6:40 amOnce you get to the end of row 2 and sc into chain space, what do you do then? My piece either grows or shrinks? How do you turn to go to row 3? I know it’s a simple answer but I cannot get the turns right!
Cheryl says
February 11, 2019 at 10:16 amI love this site.
Your instructions are easy to follow and the large pictures are a godsend.
Thank you for sharing so much with us.