Moss stitch crochet is one of the most versatile textures you can make with just two stitches. If you're searching for how to crochet moss stitch, or want to understand what makes the moss stitch different from other textured stitches, this guide covers the pattern, real project ideas, yarn recommendations, and answers to the questions crocheters ask most.
As an avid crafter, the crochet moss stitch is one of our favourite stitch combinations, and by far one of the most versatile. It looks wonderful worked in the round, from corner to corner, and in garments, afghans, and accessories alike. Give the crochet moss stitch a try and explore the possibilities.
What Is the Moss Stitch?
The moss stitch (sometimes called the linen stitch or granite stitch) is a simple, repeating combination of single crochet and chain-1 spaces. Unlike many textured stitches, it doesn't require counting rows of different stitch types, so once you've got the rhythm down, it's an easy, meditative stitch to work.
The Moss Stitch Pattern
Stitch Guide
ch(s) – chain or chains | ch-1 sp – chain 1 space | sc – single crochet | beg – begin or beginning | sp(s) – space(s) | st(s) – stitch(es) | rep – repeat or repeating | rem – remain or remaining
Instructions
Chain an even number of stitches (at least 6 stitches works best).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch; rep from * to end, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc and ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, sc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 1, skip next sc, sc in last sc, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
Step-by-Step Crochet Moss Stitch Tutorial
When reading the steps below, compare them side by side with the pattern above. It's a great way to learn how to read a formal pattern, or to understand patterns with more clarity as you work them.
Beginning Chain
Chain an even number of chains; this includes the beginning chain in your first row. You want your first row to have an odd number of stitches and an even number of chains. A single crochet anchors the end of each row to keep the sides of your work neat and tidy. Some tutorials suggest an even number of single crochets and chain spaces, but we've found that your single crochets can easily get lost in the row, and your work will get smaller and smaller as you lose stitches. In our sample, we chained 26 using an I-9 (5.5 mm) hook.
Row 1
Single crochet in the second chain from the hook, then chain 1, skip the next beginning chain, and single crochet in the next beginning chain. Repeat to the end, then turn your work.
Row 2
Chain 1, single crochet in the first single crochet (the same stitch that finished the previous row) and in the first chain-1 space (the spaces between the single crochets worked in Row 1), then chain 1, single crochet in the next chain-1 space, repeating to the last stitch, single crochet in the last single crochet of the previous row. Turn your work.
Row 3
Chain 1, single crochet in the first single crochet, then chain 1, single crochet in the next chain-1 space, repeating across to the last two single crochets, chain 1, skip the next single crochet, single crochet in the last single crochet of the previous row.
Yarn Recommendations for the Moss Stitch
The moss stitch works at almost any yarn weight, but worsted weight gives the clearest stitch definition for beginners, which is why we recommend it for learning the technique. Mary Maxim Best Value yarn is a solid, current worsted-weight option for practising the stitch.
Beyond worsted, the yarn weight you pick changes what the moss stitch is best used for:
- DK or sport weight gives a finer, drapier fabric, good for lightweight scarves and garments.
- Bulky or chunky yarn works up fast and adds visible texture, well suited to blankets and throws.
- Variegated or self-striping yarn is where the moss stitch really shines, since the stitch's open, textured structure lets colour pooling and striping show through clearly.
Moss Stitch Project Applications
The moss stitch's flexibility is what makes it so popular. Here's where it fits best:
- Afghans and blankets: the moss stitch's even, dense texture makes a durable, non-curling fabric that holds its shape well.
- Garments and accessories: scarves, cowls, and sweater panels all benefit from the stitch's soft drape and reversible look, since the moss stitch looks the same from both sides.
- Corner-to-corner (C2C) work: the moss stitch pairs naturally with corner-to-corner crochet, since both build up in diagonal, textured blocks.
- Planned pooling: because the moss stitch creates consistent, evenly spaced stitches, it's a popular choice for planned pooling with variegated yarn, where you control where each colour lands to create a deliberate pattern rather than random speckling.
One of Mary Maxim's popular kits, the Chasing a Rainbow Blanket Pattern, is a good example of the kind of colourful, textured project the moss stitch suits well — it uses a twist on the moss stitch worked corner-to-corner in Mary Maxim's Prism yarn.
Moss Stitch Video Tutorial
We don't currently have a moss stitch video embedded on this page — this is worth fixing on your end, since the page has a "video tutorial" heading with nothing underneath it. In the meantime, our YouTube channel has a library of stitch tutorials worth checking for a suitable video to embed, or this section is a good candidate for a dedicated moss stitch video shoot.
Moss Stitch FAQs
What is the moss stitch in crochet?
The moss stitch is a textured crochet stitch made by alternating single crochets and chain-1 spaces. It creates an open, woven-looking fabric and is sometimes called the linen stitch or granite stitch.
Is the moss stitch the same as the linen stitch?
Yes, moss stitch, linen stitch, woven stitch, and granite stitch all refer to the same basic single crochet and chain-1 combination, though names vary by designer and region.
Is the moss stitch good for beginners?
Yes. It only uses two stitches you likely already know, chain and single crochet, and doesn't require tracking multiple stitch types across a row, which makes it an easy, low-stress stitch to learn.
Does the moss stitch curl?
No. The moss stitch produces a flat, stable fabric that resists curling, which is part of why it works so well for blankets and garment panels.
How much yarn do I need for a moss stitch project?
That depends entirely on your project size and yarn weight, but the moss stitch itself doesn't use noticeably more or less yarn than a typical single crochet fabric of the same dimensions.
