How to crochet the Moss Stitch

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-friendly written and picture tutorial.

This tutorial includes:

1. The Moss Stitch written instruction – flat
2. The Moss Stitch chart – flat
3. The Moss Stitch photo-tutorial – flat
4. Changing colors when working the Moss Stitch flat
5. The Moss Stitch working in the round – photo tutorial
6. 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:

• Ombre Moss Stitch Cowl

• Triangle Moss Stitch Shawl

• Willow Shawl

• Greus Cowl

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

1. 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)
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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