Learn how to crochet the moss stitch, a simple stitch that creates a beautifully textured fabric.
Hello Hello Hello! In this post, I am going to be sharing a photo tutorial for one of my very favorite crochet stitches. It’s a stitch I return to time and again, so 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 different 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 crochet toolkit.
Crochet Seed Stitch vs Moss Stitch
In knitting, the seed stitch is a popular pattern that creates a lovely fabric with little bumps that resemble seeds. If you’re aiming for a similar texture with crochet, I think the moss stitch is a great choice. Another option is what I call the lemon peel stitch, which is also known as the “crochet seed stitch.” Take a glance at the image below for a comparison of all three of these stitch patterns.
Both the moss stitch and lemon peel stitch are excellent crochet seed stitch choices as they both produce a nice textured fabric.
What Makes the Moss Stitch Great
Why do I love the moss stitch? Well, it is very easy to work (it’s one of those great “mindless” stitches), but it also 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 or open.
For these reasons, the moss stitch has earned its rightful place as one of my all-time favorite stitch patterns. I have used it in many past free pattern crochet projects including the Tie-Front Headband and Chain Edge Rafia Clutch.
Step-by-Step Moss Stitch Tutorial
The moss stitch is great for beginner crocheters because it only uses the most basic crochet stitches. If you know how to do a chain stitch and a single crochet stitch, then you are ready to work the moss stitch!
Your Moss Stitch Toolkit
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s make sure you have everything you need to start crocheting.
- Yarn (I’ll be using a size 6 super bulky yarn weight for my sample)
- Corresponding Hook (I’m using an M/9.00 mm crochet hook)
- Scissors
- Finishing Needle
Let’s do this!
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch
Please Note: This tutorial uses US terms.
Abbreviations Used:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Skip (sk)
- Stitch (st)
- Space (sp)
Row One:
Start by working any even number of chain stitches. For my sample piece, I used a 18 ch starting chain.
Next, work a single crochet stitch into the fourth chain from the hook (see image below). This counts as a chain one space and a single crochet stitch.
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 spaces. You should end with a single crochet stitch in the last chain of the row. Turn your work.
Row Two:
Chain 2 (this is your turning chain plus chain one space) and work your first single crochet stitch into the first chain space of the previous row, 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 next sc, sc in the next chain 1 space) until you reach the end of the row. You will end the row with a single crochet stitch into the last 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 the second row until your piece reaches the desired length. Alternate single crochet stitches and chain one spaces, always working single crochets into the chain one spaces. Every row should end with a single crochet stitch into the chain space at the end of each row.
To adjust the drape of the your fabric, you can try changing up your hook size. Use a smaller hook to give a denser, stiffer fabric or a larger hook for a more lacy, drapey fabric.
If you are looking for a more condensed version of the pattern, here you go.
Moss Stitch Written Pattern
Row 1: Ch an even number of ch sts. Sc into 4th ch from hook. *Ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc, repeat from * across ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, sc into ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk next sc, sc in ch 1 sp, repeat from * across row. Turn.
Rows 3+: Repeat Row 2 until reaching desired length.
And that’s it! Whether you call it the moss stitch, linen stitch, or something else, I’m sure this find its way into many of your future crochet projects. It’s great for dishcloths, bags, baby blankets, and more.
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!
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Comments + Project Love
Olivia says
Love 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
Whoops! 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
Thanks 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
This 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
Once 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!
Melissa says
If you’re repeating g row 2, you should be chaining 2 before turning. I have wondered how you don’t end up with a decrease and hope chaining 2 for the turn prevents that.
Jan says
I have the same question, I’m definitely doing something weird at the end…
Cheryl says
Repeating row 2, once you turn to start new row, you chain two before first stitch in the row.
Cheryl says
I love this site.
Your instructions are easy to follow and the large pictures are a godsend.
Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Janice says
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I know this as the linen stitch, but your directions are much more clear than the linen stitch directions I have. Again, thank you for posting this.
Grace says
This stitch looks so pretty! Thanks for sharing it! Would this be a good stitch for a hand/dishtowel?