I recently learned the Moss Stitch (also known as a Linen Stitch or Granite Stitch) and since then my head is full of new ideas. It is super easy to crochet and creates a fabulous stretchy fabric.
The Moss stitch is the sequence of only two stitches: the chain stitch and the single crochet. Its simplicity is easy enough for a beginner but also fascinating enough for advanced crocheters and would be great for blankets, scarfs, cowls, shawls or even for sweaters.
Learn with me how to crochet the moss stitch with this beginner-frendly written and picture tutorial.
This tutorial includes:
- The Moss Stitch written instruction – flat
- The Moss Stitch chart – flat
- The Moss Stitch photo-tutorial – flat
- Changing colors when working the Moss Stitch flat
- The Moss Stitch working in the round – photo tutorial
- Changing colors when working the Moss Stitch in the round
Scroll down to find my completely the Moss Stitch tutorial.
Once you learn how to crochet moss stitch from the photo tutorial below, you can check out these beautiful crochet patterns using this stitch:
How to crochet the Moss Stitch
Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms)
ch – chain stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stich
The Moss Stitch written instruction – flat
Note: the chain 2 at the beginning of each row count as one moss stitch (sc and ch1).
First, make any EVEN number of chain stitches.
Row 1: sc in 4th ch from hook, [ch1, skip 1ch, sc in next ch] – repeat […] to end. The last stitch should be a sc. Turn.
Row 2: ch2, sc in 1st ch-1 space, [ch1, skip 1st, sc in next ch-1 space] – repat […] to end . The last stitch should be a sc in the ch-3 sp at the start of Row 1. Turn.
Row 3: ch2, sc in 1st ch-1 space, [ch1, skip 1st, sc in next ch-1 space] – repat […] to end . The last stitch should be a sc in the ch-2 sp at the start of Row 2. Turn.
Repeat Row 3 until you are done.
The Moss Stitch chart – flat
The Moss Stitch photo-tutorial
Start with an EVEN number of chain stitches. For my tutorial I began with 16 chain stitches. Skip first three chain stitches and work a single crochet into the 4th chain from the hook. The needle points at the right chain.
Next, chain one, skip the next chain and single crochet into the next chain. Again, the needle points at the right chain.
Then repeat that sequence to the end of the row: chain 1, skip one chain and single crochet in the next chain stitch. In other words, you will have a row of single crochet stitches separated by chain one spaces. The last stitch should be a single crochet at the last chain.
Then turn your work and make 2 chains. Crochet single crochet into the first ch-1 space of the previous row. Repeat the pattern from the row 1: chain1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next chain-1 space until the end of the row.
The last single crochet should be worked into the chain space you used to begin the row 1.
Continue Row 2 as long as you would like.
Changing colors when working the Moss Stitch
- To change color leave two loops on your hook, wrap the new yarn over the hook and pull it throught the remaining two loops on the hook. (picture 1 and picture 2)
- Turn your work and make chain 2. Then repeat the moss stitch pattern: single crochet in next ch-1 space, ch1, skip 1 stitch until the last stitch. (picture 3 and picture 4)
The Moss Stitch working in the round – photo tutorial
Make any EVEN number of chain stitches and slip stitch in the first stitch to close the round. Be careful and join your starting chain without twisting.
Make chain 2 and crochet single crochet in the second chain, no chain skipping here. The needle points at the right chain on pic. 1. Next, chain one, skip the next one chain and single crochet into the next chain.
Then repeat that sequence to the end of the round: chain 1, skip one chain and sc in the next chain stitch. The last stitch should be a single crochet in the last chain just next to the beginning chain 2.
To close the first round make a slip stitch under the chain space you used to begin the Round 1.
Begin the Round 2 with chain 2. Then skip a first single crochet from the Round 2 and make a single crochet in the ch-1 space where the needle points at.
Continue the pattern repeat to the end of this round: chain 1, skip one stitch and single crochet in the next chain-1 space. The last stitch should be a chain 1. Next, to close the Round 2, make a slip stitch into the first chain from the chain2 at the beginning of the round.
Begin the Round 3 with chain 2. Then make a single crochet in the first ch-1 space where the needle points at.
Then repeat the moss stitch sequence to the end of the round. As in the round 1, the last stitch should be a single crochet. 
To join the Round 3 make a slip stitch under the chain space you used to begin the Round 2.
Finally, repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for as many rounds as needed.
Changing colors when working the Moss Stitch in the round
When you want to change a color in your Moss Stitch project, finish the round you are on, but do not join this round with the slip stitch as you normally would. Insert your hook to wherever your pattern indicates, wrap the new yarn over the hook and pull it through the remaining two loops on the hook (picture 1).
Then make chain 2 (picture 2) and work the round according to the pattern: chain 1, skip 1 stitch, single crochet in the next chain-1 space to the last stitch.
If you need to change a color again repeat the process above.
What will you crochet with the moss stitch? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
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Thank you for stopping by and Happy Crocheting!
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I will show you my latest design using the Moss Stitch very soon. Stay tuned.
Howdy from Texas! Sylwia, Dear, Twoje dzierganie jest piekne! Ja kupilam PDF ‘Spring Solstice’ Wrap i zaczne szukac yarn. Daj znac jak beda nowe wzory.
BTW, your English is excellent, you are doing O.K. young lady!
Thanks you so much…!!!
So glad I found a pretty pattern that doesn’t have holes. I really like the simplicity of it and it would be gorgeous with mixed colors, I crochet blankets for the animal shelters so been looking and trying various patterns. Must be easy and quick and with multiple colors. I’ve done solid grannies but discovered I like patterns such as the Moss. I’ve crocheted for 40+ yrs but nothing elaborate. Interested in patterns like the Moss.
Thank you! I have been learning to spin my own yarn and your moss pattern makes my lumpy bumpy beginner yarn look good!
Love moss stitch, most recently used it for the middle portion of a beanie that I crocheted on vacay last August. I help two strands of a gorgeous fingering weight yarn from Chandi at Expression Fiber Arts, used single crochet for the crown, moss stitch for the center part and then the third loop half double for the brim. Came out lovely and so warm-merino wool, superwash maybe.
Thank you for your patterns, advice and love for the art of crochet.
I have a question, what does the ch-1 mean? I know what the ch means but what does the -1 mean?
It means chain space which consists one chain.
Thank you so much for clearing that up for me! I really appreciate it.