The crochet moss stitch, also known as linen, granite, or woven stitch, is a versatile stitch that creates a beautiful, weaving look texture, on a variety of crochet patterns.
Whether you are making a decor piece or a garment, the moss stitch is beginner-friendly and consists basically of single crochet and chain stitches.
Not to mention, the moss stitch will create a nice, drapey fabric that’s very comfortable to wear. Making it a great stitch for wearables, such as tops and sweaters.
Keep scrolling to learn six ways to crochet the moss stitch.
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Table of Contents
What can you make with the moss stitch?
The crochet moss stitch can be used to make many different projects. These are the most common ones.
- Decor: blankets, pillows, coasters, placemats.
- Kitchen and bath: washcloths, towels, cup cozies, and mats.
- Garments: tops, shorts, and sweaters.
- Accessories: headbands, scarves, shawls, cowls, and hats.
Additionally, with this guide you will be able to figure out how to create most of your own patterns. You will have all the stitch count/multiplies you need for your moss stitch patterns foundation.
How do you crochet the granite or moss stitch?
The construction for the moss stitch pattern is very straight forward. Basically, you will be alternating single crochet stitches with “chain 1” spaces throughout the whole pattern.
In summary, you will be doing a single crochet where there is a chain space and a chain space where there is a single crochet. Then, in next row, you do the opposite.
Before you get started with the moss stitch variations, there are a few things you need to know. Let’s go through the abbreviations, skills and supplies you’ll need.
Abbreviations and Skills needed
The most common abbreviations and terms used for the crochet moss stitch are these (US terminology).
- ch (chs): chain (chains)
- dec: decrease
- FO: fasten off
- inc: increase
- mc: magic circle
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- sc2tog: single crochet two together (insert the hook in first sc st then insert the hook in next ch 1 sp, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through all 3 loops)
- sc3tog: single crochet three together [insert the hook in first sc st then (insert the hook in next ch 1 sp, yo, pull up a loop) 2 times, insert the hook in last sc st, yo, pull through all loops]
- sl st: slip stitch
- yo: yarn over
- *: repeat/work instructions after asterisk as indicated in the pattern
- ( ): repeat instructions with parenthesis as indicated
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the crochet moss stitch usually consists only of chains and single crochets. However, depending on the chosen variation, you will need a few different stitches that are also very simple. Such as the sc3tog (single crochet three together) to finish off the moss stitch C2C square.
Supplies needed to crochet moss stitch
For practice purposes, you will need only a few basic supplies to make these crochet moss stitch swatches. Here is what you will need.
- Your favorite yarn. I used Jeans Yarn by Lion Brand.
- A crochet hook, according to the yarn label. I used a 4.5 mm hook Clover Amour.
- Yarn scissors.
- Stitch markers.
Tip: if you are creating your own pattern, plan accordingly to make sure you will have the amount of yarn you need.
Calculating how much yarn you need
The best way to find out how much yarn you need for a crochet moss stitch project, is by making a swatch and using a scale to weigh it in.
Next, do some math based on the size of the project you are making. Let’s say you want to make a 30” x 30” (76 x 76 cm) blanket.
Roughly, this is how you do the math:
- First, let’s assume you will crochet a 5” x 5” (12.7 x 12.7 cm) swatch. And that you used 1 oz (28.3 g) of yarn for that swatch.
- Next, you will divide 30 (blanket size) by 5 (swatch size) = 6.
- To find the result you will do 6 times 1 oz (28.3 g) = 6 oz (170 g).
- In this case, you would need 6 oz (170 g) of yarn to crochet your blanket.
More crochet tutorials
While you are scrolling, check these other tutorials out.
- How to crochet the puff stitch.
- The crochet chainless foundation.
- The crochet alpine stitch.
- Two ways to do the popcorn stitch in crochet.
Beyond the basics – 6 ways to crochet moss stitch
I love the crochet moss stitch because it’s so easy to crochet and has several variation possibilities. Besides, you don’t have to be an advanced crocheter to try a moss stitch pattern.
This article has instructions for these variations (US terminology).
- Moss stitch in flat rows.
- Moss stitch chevron or ripple.
- Moss stitch C2C square
- Moss stitch C2C rectangle
- Moss stitch square
- Moss stitch in the round
Note: I will be writing out the abbreviations throughout this article to make it easier for beginners that don’t know how to read patterns yet.
Additionally, I am breaking the instructions into lines and bullets (when they are too long), that way it will be better to understand and follow along.
1. Crochet moss stitch in flat rows
This is probably the most common variation of the moss stitch in crochet. In fact, it is great for scarves, blankets, or anything square and rectangle shaped. As well as the easiest one to start with.
If you are a beginner, I recommend that you start with this one. Practice with a swatch and, once you have memorized the stitch, move on to the next variations. Here is how you do it:
- Crochet any even number of chains. The picture swatch has 24 chs in the foundation (photo# 1 below).
- Row 1: Single crochet in 4th chain from hook, *chain 1, skip 1 chain, single crochet, repeat from the * across, chain 2, turn (photo# 2 and 3 below).
Stitch markers may be helpful to mark the first and last stitch of each row. - Row 2: single crochet in first chain space, *chain 1, single crochet in next chain space, repeat from the * across, chain 2, turn. This is the repeat row (photo# 4 below).
- Repeat row 2 as many times as needed to your desired project length (photo# 5 below).
Color change tip: If you are working with multiple yarn colors, this 2-row color change is a great method. You can drop the yarn without cutting it, then grab it back when it’s time to change colors again.
2. Chevron crochet moss stitch
The chevron crochet moss stitch may be the trickier one of all different ways to do this stitch. But as soon as you get a hang of it, it will get easier and easier.
This variation is great for blankets and works wonders with self-striping yarns.
Note: Turning chain 1 doesn’t count as a stitch in this pattern.
The chevron foundation and Row 1
Start by making multiple of 19 chains + 18. The pictured swatch has 37 chains.
- Single crochet into 2nd chain from the hook. Then (chain 1, skip next chain, single crochet) 4 times.
- *(chain 2, single crochet) into the same chain as last single crochet stitch.
- (chain 1, skip next chain, single crochet) 4 times.
- skip next 2 chains, single crochet.
- (chain 1, skip next chain, single crochet) 4 times.
- Repeat from the * across.
Row 2 for the chevron crochet moss stitch
Row 2 will be the pattern repeat. You will follow these instructions as many times as needed to the desired length.
- Ch 1, turn.
- Sc2tog in first single crochet and first chain 1 space.
- (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet into next chain 1 space) 3 times.
- Chain 1, skip next single crochet stitch.
- *(single crochet, chain 2, single crochet) into next chain 2 space.
- (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet into next chain 1 space) 4 times.
- Skip next 2 single crochet stitches.
- (single crochet into next chain 1 space, chain 1, skip next single crochet) 4 times.
- Repeat from the * to last peak.
- (single crochet, chain 2, single crochet) into next chain 2 space in last peak.
- (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet into next chain 1 space) 3 times.
- Chain 1, sc2tog in last chain 1 space and last single crochet.
Repeat row 2 as many times as needed to achieve the length of your project. Cut the yarn. Fasten off.
The chevron crochet moss stitch chart
3. C2C square moss stitch
The C2C square moss stitch is crocheted in the bias. Personally, I love this technique, it looks great with color-work or self-striping yarn.
- First, you will crochet section one, which is the increasing. Then, you will crochet section two, which is the decreasing.
- For the first few rows, place a stitch marker in the first chain 1 space, that way you know exactly where to insert your hook in next row.
- Once you get used the pattern, it will get easier, and you probably won’t need a stitch marker.
Section 1 of the C2C square – increasing
For this tutorial, the pictured swatch goes up to row 24, then you will start decreasing, in section 2.
But if you if you want a larger square, just keep increasing. Meaning you will be repeating row 2 to your desired square size.
Note: Turning chain 1 doesn’t count as a stitch in this pattern.
To start, chain 3, slip stitch in 3rd chain from the hook to form a ring.
Row1: (chain 2, single crochet, chain 1, single crochet) inside the ring, chain 2, turn.
Row2: (single crochet in next chain space, chain 1) to last chain space, single crochet in last chain space, chain 2, turn.
Note: row 2 is the repeat row to increase the square.
Row3-24: repeat Row 2.
Note: At the end of row 24, chain 1 instead of chain 2. That chain 1 won’t count as a stitch. Turn.
Section 2 of the C2C square – decreasing
Row25: sc2tog in first single crochet stitch and first chain 1 space, (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet in next chain 1 space) to last chain space, sc2tog, chain 1, turn.
Row26-46: repeat row 25.
To finish off, when you’re done with row 46, chain 1, turn, sc3tog. Cut the yarn. FO.
The moss stitch C2C square chart
4. C2C rectangle moss stitch
The C2C crochet moss stitch rectangle has 3 sections. First, you increase in both sides to create the width, like what you do with the C2C square.
Then, in section 2 you will increase in one side and decrease in the other to create the length of the pattern. And finally, in section 3, you will decrease in both sides to complete the pattern.
Section 1 – increasing in both sides
To start, chain 3, slip stitch in 3rd chain from the hook to form a ring. The pictured swatch goes up to row 14 for first section.
Note: if a term doesn’t look familiar, please refer to the “abbreviations” section in this article. Also, the turning chain 1 doesn’t count as a stitch in this pattern.
Row1: (chain 2, single crochet, chain 1, single crochet) inside the ring, chain 2, turn.
Row2: (single crochet in next chain space, chain 1) to last chain space, single crochet in last chain space, chain 2, turn.
Note: row 2 is the repeat row to increase the first section of the rectangle.
Row3-14: repeat Row 2.
Section 2 – increasing one side / decreasing the other
Row15: (single crochet in next chain space, chain 1) to last chain space, sc2tog, chain 1, turn.
At the end of this row, chain 1 won’t count as a stitch.
Row16: sc2tog, in first single crochet stitch and first chain 1 space to decrease, (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet in next chain 1 space) to last chain space, (chain 1, single crochet in last chain 1 space again) to increase, chain 2, turn.
- Repeat rows 15 and 16 to desired length. Section 2 in the pictured swatch goes up to row 24.
- At the end of last row in this section, chain 1 instead of chain 2. Chain 1 won’t count as a stitch.
Section 3 – decreasing in both sides
Row25: sc2tog in first single crochet stitch and first chain 1 space, (chain 1, skip next single crochet, single crochet in next chain 1 space) to last chain space, sc2tog, chain 1, turn.
Row26-35: repeat row 25.
To finish off, when you’re done with row 35, chain 1, turn, sc3tog. Cut the yarn. Fasten Off.
Crochet moss stitch C2C rectangle chart
5. Crochet moss stitch square
The moss stitch in the square variation is great for blankets or anything you would do with a classic granny square.
With these instructions, you will be working on the round to make a crochet moss stitch square, joining each row in one of the corners.
Tip: Since you’re joining in one of the corners, you will start every row with 2 chains. The second of those 2 chains will be the first corner of the square, the first chain doesn’t count as a stitch (see chart below).
Crochet row 1 into a magic circle
Alternatively, instead of the magic circle, you can start with 3 chains. Then, crochet row 1 into the third chain from the hook.
Tip: Use stitch markers to practice this pattern, they will be your best friends.
Row1: In the magic circle, chain 2, (single crochet, chain 1) 3 times, single crochet, join to the first chain 2 space with a slip stitch.
Crochet row 2 of the square
Row2: chain 2, single crochet in the same chain space, *chain 1, (single crochet, chain 1, single crochet) in next chain 1 space, repeat from the * 2 more times, chain 1.
Next, single crochet in the first chain space to complete the first corner of the crochet moss stitch granny square. Slip stitch to initial chain 2 to join.
Crochet row 3 and repeat
Row3: chain 2, single crochet in same chain space as chain 2, *chain 1, single crochet in next chain 1 space to next corner, (single crochet, chain 1, single crochet) in next corner, repeat from the * two more times.
Finish the last side of the square in row 3: (chain 1, single crochet in next chain 1 space) until you have one single crochet left, chain 1, single crochet in first corner where the initial chain 2 is, join to initial chain 2 with a slip stitch.
Repeat row 3 as many times as needed to your desired size for the granny square crochet moss stitch. Cut the yarn. Fasten off.
Crochet moss stitch granny square chart
6. Crochet moss stitch in the round
The moss stitch on the round will make amazing patterns for anything you can crochet as a tube. Such as cowls, cup cozies, and skirts.
Start with any even number of chains and slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. Making sure it’s not twisted. The pictured swatch has 30 chains.
Note: the method of joining the rows, proposed in this pattern, will make the seam almost invisible.
Crochet moss stitch in the round instructions
Row1: Chain 2, skip next chain, *single crochet, chain 1, skip next chain, repeat from the * across, single crochet in same chain as initial chain 2, slip stitch to initial chain 2 to join.
Row2: Chain 2, *skip next single crochet stitch, single crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1, repeat from the * across, single crochet in same chain space as initial chain 2, slip stitch to initial chain 2 to join.
Repeat row 2 as many times as needed to your desired tube height. Cut the yarn. Fasten off.
Crochet moss stitch in the round chart
Final thoughts
Hopefully, this blog post inspired you into making your great crochet moss stitch project. If you find yourself stuck, make sure you check the charts, they are very helpful.
These instructions give you exactly the stitch count and multiples you need. As a last tip, I recommend you to practice before starting a larger project. That way, you will have bigger chances to succeed in whatever you will make.
Drop a comment below if you have any questions or if you just would like to say “hi”. Another way to reach out to me is by joining my community group on Facebook.
If you use any of my patterns or tutorials for a project, please tag me @zamiguz or use the hashtag #zamiguzmakers. I would love to see what you make.