This pattern combines two basic Tunisian stitches to create a gorgeous variation on the Tunisian moss stitch, which I am calling the extended Tunisian moss stitch.
In the traditional knit moss stitch pattern, you alternate between knit and purl stitches, changing up the order every two rows. For this pattern, I made just a few little changes to better suit Tunisian crochet stitches:
- I used the Tunisian knit stitch (Tks), but instead of using the Tunisian purl stitch, I opted for the Tunisian reverse stitch (Trs). This stitch creates a very similar effect to the Tunisian purl stitch, but it is a little less bulky, and it is easier to work (in my opinion!).
- I changed the order of the stitches every three rows instead of two.
This stitch pattern is wonderfully meditative, has hardly any curl at all (which can be a challenge with Tunisian crochet), and I absolutely love how it turned out!
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What You’ll Need to Make this Extended Moss Stitch Dishcloth
Yarn
For this pattern, I used Drops Paris yarn in Turquoise. The stitch pattern itself is the real star here, and I think it stands out best worked in a single color.
The pattern below includes links to a variety of cotton yarns that are perfect for dishcloths.
Hook
You will need a 6.5mm K/10.5 crochet hook for this project (or whichever hook size allows you to crochet with an even tension).
Tunisian crochet fabric tends to be a little more dense and stiff than regular crochet, which is why we always go up 1-2mm from the recommended hook size for a particular yarn.
TUNISIAN MOSS STITCH WASHCLOTH
Crochet Pattern
Pattern Notes
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
Skill Level
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- FwP = Forward Pass
- RetP = Return Pass (see Special Stitches)
- sc = single crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- Tks = Tunisian knit stitch (see Special Stitches)
- Trs = Tunisian reverse stitch (see Special Stitches)
- yo = yarn over
General Pattern Notes
- Row instructions are given for the Forward Pass (FwP).
- Complete the Foundation Row and each FwP with a Return Pass (RetP).
- Stitch count is given as “loops on hook” in brackets [ ] at the end of Row 1 (Foundation Row). In this pattern the stitch count is the same for all rows.
- The print-friendly PDF also contains step-by-step photos for the pattern stitches.
Materials
Yarn
Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Turquoise (10) (82 yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).
| Project | Total Yds/m |
|---|---|
| Washcloth | 85yds / 78m |
| Tea Towel | 390yds / 357m |
Alternative yarn options:
- WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Rico Creative Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
Hook
Other Items
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
Washcloth: 8.25″ x 8.25″ / 21cm x 21cm
Tea Towel: 14.5″ x 22.75″ / 37cm x 58cm
Note: you can also add an optional single crochet border around the edge of your project which will add approx 0.5” / 1.25cm to the width and length.
Please see Adjustments section below for information on making this project in a different size.
Gauge
14 sts x 15 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over Tks/Trs.
Note: Gauge is not critical for this project. However, if your gauge does not match the one listed above then your project may turn out a little larger/smaller depending on how loosely/tightly you crochet, and you may use a different amount of yarn than what is listed above.
Special Stitches
Tunisian knit stitch (Tks)
Insert hook between front and back vertical bars of next st, yo and pull up a loop.
Tunisian reverse stitch (Trs)
The Trs is very similar to the Tunisian simple stitch (Tss) but it is worked through the vertical bar at the back rather than the front of your work.
Insert hook under next vertical bar at the back of your work, yo and pull up a loop.
Return Pass (RetP)
Yo and pull through first loop on hook, i.e. ch 1. *yo and pull through first two loops on hook, repeat from * until one loop remains.
End stitch
This is the last stitch on a Forward Pass (FwP). You will always work this stitch through both loops. In this pattern, the end stitch is written separately as “work end st.”
Bind off
The bind off method for this pattern is the slip stitch bind off, and is worked as follows: starting in the second vertical bar, *insert hook under vertical bar, yo and pull through both loops on hook; repeat from * across until 1 loop remains. Cut yarn, pull through final loop to fasten off.
Adjustments
Stitch multiple: 2 + 1
- To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 2 + 1 to start.
- To adjust the length, simply repeat Rows 2-7 until you reach your desired length. End on either Row 4 or Row 7.
Note: adjusting the size of your project will impact the amount of yarn required.
Written Pattern
Washcloth: With C1, ch 29.
Tea Towel: With C1, ch 51.
Row 1: Pull up a loop in back bump of second ch from hook and in each ch across. RetP. [Washcloth: 29 loops on hook; Tea Towel: 51 loops on hook]
Rows 2-4: (Tks, Trs) across, work end st. RetP.
Rows 5-7: (Trs, Tks) across, work end st. RetP.
Washcloth: Repeat Rows 2-7 for a total of 31 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.25″/ 21cm in length. Bind off.
Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 2-7 for a total of 85 rows, or until work measures approx. 22.75″/ 58cm in length. Bind off.
Note: end on either Row 4 or Row 7.
BORDER (optional)
Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc evenly around the edge of your work, working 3 scs to turn each corner. Join to beg sc with a sl st or invisible join.
Fasten off.
Weave in remaining ends. All done!
If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.
I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!
Happy crocheting!
Sarah