Crochet techniques
Moss Stitch Crochet: Linen Stitch Rows & Straight Edges
Crochet moss stitch, also called linen or granite stitch, alternates single crochet and chain 1. On the next row you crochet into the chain spaces, rather than the single-crochet tops. The result has a woven look that works well for scarves and blankets. This tutorial uses US terms.
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The repeat: single crochet, chain 1, skip 1
Moss stitch uses two basic moves. A single crochet anchors the fabric; a chain 1 leaves a space for the next row. The single crochet above sits in that space, so the stitches alternate position from row to row. Names vary between designers: this page teaches the single-crochet-and-chain version.
A 16-chain practice swatch
- Chain 16, an even number. Use smooth yarn and its suggested hook size.
- Row 1: single crochet in the fourth chain from the hook. Repeat: chain 1, skip one foundation chain, single crochet in the next chain. End with a single crochet in the last chain. You have 7 sc, 6 interior chain-1 spaces and a starting chain space at the edge.
- Row 2: chain 2 and turn. Single crochet in the first chain-1 space. Repeat chain 1, single crochet in the next chain-1 space across. Make the final single crochet in the starting chain space at the far edge of row 1. You have 7 sc and 6 interior chain-1 spaces, plus the new chain-2 edge space.
- Row 3 onward: chain 2, turn, and repeat row 2, ending in the previous row's chain-2 edge space. Work six rows and compare the two edges.
Find the space, not the stitch top
Look for the hole directly beneath a chain, between two single crochets. Insert the hook into that hole. You do not need to split the chain or work into the V on top of a single crochet. At the far edge, the turning-chain space can look larger than an interior space; it still needs its final single crochet.
Change colors at the edge
- Work the final single crochet of a row until two loops remain on the hook.
- Drop the old color and use the new color for the final yarn-over and pull-through.
- Chain 2 with the new color, turn, and continue. Leave tails long enough to weave in securely. Swatch stripes before deciding whether to carry yarn up the edge or cut it.
Troubleshoot the repeat
| Problem | Likely explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The swatch gets narrower | The edge chain space was missed | Mark the edge and count 7 sc in every practice row |
| The fabric gets stiff | Chains are tight or the hook enters stitch tops | Relax each chain and work into spaces |
| Unexpected extra stitches | A single crochet was added in both a space and a stitch | Use only the spaces in this repeat |
| The starting edge pulls in | The foundation chain is tighter than the fabric | Try a larger hook for the foundation chain only |
To resize this practice version, start with an even number of chains. The foundation-chain calculator can help plan a width, but keep this repeat's starting-chain and turning instructions. Gauge must be measured in moss stitch, not in plain single crochet.
Questions
Are moss stitch and linen stitch the same?
Often, yes: both names commonly describe this single-crochet-and-chain repeat. Check the instructions because stitch names are not completely standardized.
Do I work into the chain or under it?
For this version, work into the space underneath the chain, not into the chain's individual loops.
Do I start with an odd or even chain count?
This practice version starts with an even count and the first single crochet goes in the fourth chain. Other versions use different edge setups; keep one set of instructions throughout.
For a project using the same single-crochet-and-chain family, see Yarnspirations' Moss Stitch Stripes blanket.
