Loopy PandaHow to Crochet the Moss Stitch
Crochet moss stitch is single crochet and chain 1 repeated across the row. Chain an even number, single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook, then (chain 1, skip 1, single crochet in the next chain) to the end. On later rows, work each single crochet into a chain-1 space. It is also called linen, granite or woven stitch.
What you need
- Smooth yarn in a light colour, for example worsted (4, Medium)
- Crochet hook in the size on the yarn label
- 2 stitch markers
Row by row
- Chain an even numberThis method needs an even number of chains. To practise, chain 20.
- Row 1Single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. *
Ch 1, skip 1 chain, sc in the next chain*; repeat from * to the end of the chain. With 20 chains you have 9 sc with a ch-1 space between each pair (8 spaces). - Turn with a chain 2
Ch 2and turn the work. Do not work into the last sc you made; the chain 2 stands in for the edge. - Row 2: work into the spacesSc in the first ch-1 space. *
Ch 1, skip the next sc, sc in the next ch-1 space*; repeat from * across. From now on every sc goes into a space, never into a stitch. - Place the last stitchThe last sc of the row goes into the space between the last sc and the turning chain (on Row 2, that is the gap made by the chains you skipped at the start of Row 1). You have 9 sc again.
- Repeat Row 2
Ch 2, turn, and repeat Row 2 until the piece is as long as you want. The sc of each row sit over the chains of the row below, which makes the small woven “grains” of the stitch. - Count every few rowsCount the sc at the end of a row. The number never changes: with an even chain of 2 × k you always have k − 1 sc. Put a marker in the first and last sc of a row if the edges drift.
Stitch count check
For this method: chain an even number, first sc in the 4th chain from the hook. The sc count is the same on every row.
| Foundation chain | Single crochet per row | Ch-1 spaces between them |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 3 |
| 20 | 9 | 8 |
| 30 | 14 | 13 |
| 2 × k (any even number) | k − 1 | k − 2 |
If you start with an odd chain by mistake, you will have one chain left over at the end of Row 1. Add one chain, or start in the 3rd chain instead (see the FAQ on even and odd chains).
Moss, linen, granite, woven: one stitch, four names
In crochet, moss stitch, linen stitch, granite stitch and woven stitch are names for the same pattern of single crochet and chain 1 worked into the spaces below. Patterns and video titles use all four, so search for all of them.
It is not the knitted moss stitch. Knitted moss stitch is made of knit and purl stitches, and even knitters use the name for two different patterns: in British patterns it is what Americans call seed stitch, while American moss stitch is a four-row version. The crochet stitch only shares the name and the bumpy, woven look.
| Term system | How the stitch is written |
|---|---|
| US crochet | sc, ch 1 into each ch-1 space |
| UK crochet | dc, ch 1 into each ch-1 space (UK dc = US sc) |
| Knitting | A different fabric made of knit and purl stitches |
If a moss stitch pattern asks for “dc, ch 1”, it is probably in UK terms. See US vs UK crochet terms.
Moss stitch blanket or scarf: how many chains?
Moss stitch drapes well and still looks solid rather than lacy, so it is a popular choice for blankets and scarves. There is no fixed chain number for either; work it out from a swatch.
- Crochet a swatch at least 15 cm (6 in) wide and 10 cm (4 in) tall with the yarn and hook you will use.
- Over 10 cm, count the sc and the ch-1 spaces; each one counts as a stitch.
- Multiply by the width you want in centimetres and divide by 10. Round to the nearest even number and chain that many. Example of the arithmetic: 16 stitches per 10 cm and a 100 cm wide blanket gives 160, which is already even, so chain 160.
- For blanket sizes, see standard blanket sizes; for yarn, how much yarn you need.
Common mistakes
- Working into the sc instead of the space. After Row 1, every sc goes into a ch-1 space. Working into the stitches makes a solid, ridged fabric instead of the woven look.
- Missing the last space. The last sc of each row goes into the space next to the turning chain. Skipping it makes the piece narrower and the edge ragged.
- Rows growing or shrinking. Count the sc. Compare with the table above; see why is my crochet getting wider.
- A loose, wavy first row. Some crocheters work one row of plain sc on the foundation chain first and start the moss pattern on the next row, for a cleaner edge. It is optional.
Chart symbols on this page
Frequently asked questions
Do I chain an even or an odd number for moss stitch?
It depends on which chain you start in. With the method on this page (first sc in the 4th chain from the hook) you need an even number. Some patterns chain an odd number and start in the 3rd chain, where the 2 skipped chains count as the first space. Both work; follow your pattern.
Is moss stitch the same as linen stitch or granite stitch?
In crochet, yes. Moss, linen, granite and woven stitch are all names for single crochet and chain 1 worked into the spaces of the row below.
Is crochet moss stitch the same as knitted moss stitch?
No. Knitted moss stitch is made of knit and purl stitches. The crochet stitch uses single crochet and chains and only looks similar.
Does the chain 2 count as a stitch?
On this page the chain 2 is only the turning chain at the edge; the stitch count uses the single crochet. Some patterns count it as a space. Check the notes of your pattern.
Can I make moss stitch with taller stitches?
Yes. The same idea works with half double or double crochet instead of single crochet. The rows are taller, so the piece grows faster.
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