The crochet moss stitch (also know by several other names – crochet linen stitch, seed stitch or granite stitch) is one of the easiest crochet stitch patterns to learn, as well as one of my absolute favourites!
It was one of the first stitches that I learned, and I have used it for so many patterns already. And probably will again 🙂
It creates a gorgeous woven fabric, and you can achieve a variety of textures and fabrics by changing up your hook size or using one or more colours.
Beginner Friendly Crochet Stitch
The moss stitch is an absolutely perfect crochet stitch for beginners. All you need to know is how to work a chain and a single crochet – that’s it!
One of my favourite things about this moss stitch is it’s versatility.
Use a smaller hook for a tightly woven fabric, perfect for bags or pouches (like this Moss Stitch Zipper Pouch).
For a looser fabric with a great drape, you can use a larger hook and create a flowing shawl (like the Forget-me-not Shawl).
This stitch looks beautiful worked in a single color, or you can alternate colors every second row for a unique “vertical stripe” effect (check out the Minimalist Scarf for more on this).
And finally, you can work the moss stitch flat or in the round, and it looks great both ways!
How to Crochet the Moss Stitch
To crochet the moss stitch, you will chain any even number, then work the first row in alternating single crochets and chains. You will always end this first row on a single crochet.
For the second row, you simply start with a single crochet, and then work a row of alternating single crochets/chains again, working each single crochet into the chain space from the previous row.
Repeat these two rows for as long as you need to!
Moss Stitch Crochet Patterns
Once you have mastered the moss stitch, you might like to check out these patterns! Each pattern uses the moss stitch in a different way to create a gorgeous, modern-looking project.
Forget Me Not Shawl
A drapey shawl with colour blocks of different widths, worked flat using the moss stitch.
Moss Stitch Zipper Pouch
A free crochet pattern using the moss stitch worked in the round, in 4 different colours.
Modern Christmas Tree Pillow
A unique way to crochet a Christmas tree - again, entirely using the moss stitch with some interesting mid-row colour changes!
Minimalist Crochet Scarf
A super easy scarf, using alternating colours in the moss stitch to create vertical stripes.
Crochet Moss Stitch
Step by Step Tutorial
Crochet Moss Stitch Tutorial
Learn how to crochet the moss stitch (also called the linen stitch, seed stitch or granite stitch!).
This easy stitch pattern creates a gorgeous "woven" look fabric, and is perfect for all sorts of crochet patterns - garments, accessories, bags and blankets.
Abbreviations:
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
ch = chain
sk = skip
ch-sp = chain space
Materials
- Yarn (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK)
Tools
- Crochet hook suitable for your chosen yarn (I used a 4mm/G-6 hook)
Instructions
Chain any even number.
- ROW 1: Work 1 single crochet (sc) in the second chain (ch) from your hook. *Ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * across, turn.
- ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in first st. *Sc in next chain space (ch-sp), ch 1, sk next st. Repeat from * across until 1 ch-sp and 1 sc remain. Work 1 sc in last ch-sp, and 1 sc in last st, turn.
- ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in first st. *Ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch-sp. Repeat from * across, until 2 sc remain. Ch 1, sk second last st, sc in last st.
- Repeat ROWS 2 and 3 as required. (Remember, every even number row will start and end with 2 sc, and every odd number row will start and end with 1 sc.
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!
I love seeing all of your projects; be sure to tag me on Instagram (you can find me here: @nedandmimi), and use #nedandmimi to show off your moss stitch crochet projects 🙂.
Happy crocheting!
Sarah